[For 5-Year-Olds] Recommended Indoor Play! A Collection of Exciting Games
On days when the weather or temperature keeps you from going outside, you end up spending more time indoors, right?
If you’re a teacher looking to incorporate activities that kids can enjoy indoors, this is a must-read.
Here are some recommended indoor play and game ideas for five-year-olds.
From activities that let them move their bodies to ones that make them think, and ones that deepen their interactions with friends—this is a roundup of perfect games for five-year-olds, a time when language skills, motor skills, and social skills grow rapidly!
No special preparation is needed—there are plenty of games you can enjoy right away.
If you add arrangements to suit the children, it will be even more exciting.
Be sure to try playing together!
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[For 5-year-olds] Recommended Indoor Play! A Collection of Exciting Games (21–30)
Sinking Game
Everyone is a crew member on a ship, and the teacher is the shark.
While you’re on the ship, the shark won’t attack, but when the command “We’re sinking!” is given, the ship sinks and you have to run away to avoid being caught by the shark.
The kids know it isn’t a real shark, but they love this kind of thrilling game and really get excited.
The person calling the commands shouldn’t say “sinking” right away—start with “chi, chi, chi,” and mix in other words that start with “chi,” like “chingensai” (bok choy) or “cheese,” to fake them out.
Butt-walking race
If you’re looking for indoor games that improve children’s physical abilities, how about a “butt-walking race”? In this game, players keep only their bottoms on the floor and compete to see who can move the fastest while maintaining balance.
It’s so much fun that kids can’t help getting absorbed in it, and in the process it strengthens their core and balance, making it perfect for children’s training.
Red Light, Green Light
Daruma-san ga Koronda is a game you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.
Players are divided into “it” and “children.” First, the person who is “it” goes near a tree or wall, turns their back to the others, and chants “Daruma-san ga koronda.” While they’re chanting, the children move closer to “it,” but the moment the chant ends and “it” turns around, everyone must freeze perfectly still.
If anyone moves even a little, they’re out and get caught by “it.” It’s a game kids around preschool age and up can enjoy, and it also works well for mixed-age play: pair younger children with older ones, and let the older kids hold their hands and help them join in.
Signaling Game
It’s also great for a quick play during small breaks! Here’s an idea for a traffic light game.
Traffic lights are important indicators for learning traffic rules.
When crossing roads where cars and bicycles are moving, they play a crucial role in keeping yourself safe.
This time, let’s use the colors of the traffic light to play a game.
Move forward on “green,” step back on “yellow,” and stop on “red.” Through these simple rules, children can get a feel for the basic rules of “waiting” and “moving.”
Mark-finding game
The “Mark Hunt Game,” where you walk along specified marks like circles, triangles, and squares, is an indoor activity recommended for children aged five and up.
First, tape several sheets of paper with different marks drawn on them to the floor to make a path.
Also prepare one sheet for each type of mark at the goal.
The children start while holding a ball.
It’s best to play barefoot so they don’t slip.
At the end, count how many balls were correctly placed at the goal for each team.
Competing by team and counting out loud together makes it really exciting!
Ring Relay
https://www.tiktok.com/@kidschallengeclub/video/7402061345539083538Here are two ideas for ring relay games.
What you need to prepare are markers for the start and finish lines.
In the first game, each person crawls under the feet of the person in front, then quickly stands up and spreads their legs to form a tunnel, connecting all the way to the finish.
In the second game, players form pairs to make a ring, and the next person in line crawls through as they all move toward the finish.
The key point is that neither game can be completed by a single person.
It’s also fun to compete by team!
Bomb Game
A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.
The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.
First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.
The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!