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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Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like (71–80)
Hula hoop relay
Let’s clear the game by cooperating with friends! Here’s an idea for a hula-hoop relay.
It’s perfect for a sports day event for five-year-olds and is a great game for building teamwork.
Everyone holds hands and, without letting go, passes the hula hoop from person to person—working together is the key! Children will learn the importance of cooperation as they value teamwork and call out to encourage each other.
Through this event, they’ll deepen their bonds with friends and experience a real sense of accomplishment.
Hoop Musical Chairs
Let’s play using both our bodies and brains! Here’s an idea for a hula hoop musical chairs game.
Prepare about 10 small hula hoops in various colors.
As everyone hums a song with a deserted island theme, walk around the hula hoops.
When the teacher calls out “1, 2, 3,” everyone jumps into a hula hoop island.
It gets more exciting if you gradually reduce the number of hula hoops! Once everyone gets used to the game, try specifying which color hula hoop to enter, or call out items related to a color to decide which hoop to use.
Plastic Bottle Bowling
Let us introduce PET bottle bowling, an easy game to enjoy at parties and more.
Line up plastic bottles like bowling pins, then throw a ball and try to knock them down.
Compete by seeing how many bottles you can topple.
It’s a good idea to adjust the weight of the ball according to the players’ ages.
You can also put a little water in the bottles for added challenge and excitement.
Writing point values on the bottles and competing for scores, or playing in teams, can make it even more fun!
Ideas for Indoor Activities and Group Games Loved by 5-Year-Olds (81–90)
Ball tag
Let me introduce a tag game using a soft ball, called “Ball Oni.” Once the tagger (oni) is chosen, the tagger chases the others while holding the ball.
The tagger throws the ball at the players who are running away.
The player who gets hit by the ball becomes the next tagger and they switch roles.
Running and throwing the ball provide full-body exercise.
When playing Ball Oni, be sure to use a soft ball and explain safety rules beforehand, such as not aiming at the head or face.
If you’re in a large area, it might also be good to set boundaries for where players can run.
Sorting Game
Let me introduce a sorting game.
Prepare three colors of balls—red, blue, and yellow—and one red box and one blue box.
Catch the ball that the teacher throws, then put red balls into the red box and blue balls into the blue box, while avoiding (not catching) yellow balls.
By repeating these movements continuously, you can train reaction ability.
Start with slow throwing speed at first, and as you get used to it, it’s recommended to increase the speed to make it more fun.
Signaling Game
Here’s a traffic-signal game everyone can play.
The rules are: blue = march in place one step, red = crouch quickly, yellow = shake your head and look around, and any other color = do nothing.
Choose one person as the leader.
The leader calls out a signal color, and the other participants perform the corresponding action.
The game gets more exciting if you increase the speed and keep a good rhythm! It’s recommended to start at a slower pace at first.
Join forces for a giant panel
Let’s work together as a whole class! Join forces and present your ideas for a giant panel.
In this event, each person selects one large panel and fits it into a frame.
When the last runner inserts their panel into the frame, a big picture is completed—what a fun idea! If the event feels too simple for older children, consider adding activities on the way to the panels, such as vaulting boxes or horizontal bars.
Feel free to adapt and arrange it as you like.