Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
For teachers looking for play ideas on days when the weather or temperature keeps you indoors and you’re wondering, “What should I play with the children today?”, this is a must-read.
This time, we’re sharing plenty of indoor play ideas recommended for 5-year-olds.
From group activities that let children move their bodies to the fullest while enjoying interactions with friends, to games that encourage deep focus and thinking, to make-and-play toy crafts suited to the fine-motor skills of 5-year-olds—there’s a wide variety of indoor activities that deliver a sense of satisfaction!
Add your own twists to match the children’s moods and needs, and it will be even more exciting.
Use these ideas as inspiration and have fun together!
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Indoor play and group game ideas that 5-year-olds love (61–70)
Ring-Collecting Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@toiro_efilagroup/video/7369387611279887624Fun to make! Fun to play! Here’s an idea for a game where you collect rings.
You’ll need origami paper in your favorite colors, scissors, and glue.
First, cut the origami paper into long, thin strips and glue the ends to make rings! Using colorful paper in the making process can stimulate a sense of color and help develop fine motor skills.
Once the rings are ready, give each person a pair of chopsticks or a straw, and enjoy a game of collecting the rings! It’s a great way to build concentration.
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!
balloon volleyball
@bear_kids_official Group developmental support: “Balloon Volleyball.” We use balloon play to develop motor skills and sense of balance. By cooperating as a team, children cultivate social skills and cooperation, while also improving concentration and attention.#BalloonVolleyballChild Development SupportAfter-school day service# developmental support (ryōiku)
♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service
Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.
All you need is a net and some balloons.
It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.
It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.
Give it a try!
Balloon Carry Relay
@bear_kids_official We held a “Balloon Carry Relay,” fostering the ability to cooperate with friends and encouraging a consultative, collaborative attitude. The children called out to one another and worked together while matching their timing. This relay is effective for improving cooperation skills and sense of balance.After-school day serviceChild Development SupportCooperativenessSense of balance
♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service
Here’s a fun balloon-carrying relay where you work together with a friend.
Form pairs, hold a balloon between two paper cups so it doesn’t fall, and carry it to the goal—simple and enjoyable! If your strength and speed aren’t in sync, the balloon may drop along the way and you might not make it to the goal, so communicate with each other and aim for the finish.
If you drop the balloon, start again from where it fell.
Make sure you have plenty of space and be careful not to bump into friends.
Doing it in teams is also recommended.
Snack-Grab Race
An arranged version of the bread-eating race! Here’s an idea for a Snack-Grab Race.
It’s a perfect, exciting activity for a sports day with five-year-olds.
The rule is that participants must get a treat hanging from a string without using their hands—by jumping and using their bodies.
Through the competition, children can enjoy themselves while nurturing a spirit of challenge.
Individual results matter, but since everyone can cheer each other on and have fun together, it will become a memorable event.
Chestnut Ogre
A tag game perfect for autumn! Here’s an idea called Chestnut Tag (Kuri Oni).
It’s similar to Freeze Tag, but the twist is that you transform into a chestnut! Choose one person to be ‘it’ (the oni), and everyone else runs to avoid being tagged.
If you’re about to be tagged, you can transform into a chestnut to create a barrier.
If a teammate touches you, you can start running again.
However, if you get tagged before transforming into a chestnut, move to the spectator area.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Balance Game
Here’s a rock-paper-scissors balance game that gets your whole body moving.
Play rock-paper-scissors with your friends.
If you win, do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
If it’s a tie, spin around twice and then do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
If you lose, spin around three times and then do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
For children who find one-legged balancing difficult, it’s recommended to hold onto something while balancing.
When playing the rock-paper-scissors balance game, secure a spacious area and keep a safe distance from one another to ensure safety.