Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like

Paper Sumo (Tonton Paper Sumo)

Tonton Paper Sumo Wrestling

Let’s play a nostalgic game: paper sumo! The video uses a ready-made paper sumo set, but you can also make one with origami.

Create wrestlers out of origami paper and use an empty box as the ring.

At the cue “Hakke-yooi, nokotta!” lightly tap the box to move your wrestler.

Depending on where and how hard you tap, the wrestlers may clash, topple over, or even go out of the ring.

The key to paper sumo is mastering the force and the way you move them—so gather everyone and give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Bingo Relay

[Recreation] Bingo Relay

Let me introduce a game called “Bingo Relay,” which gets kids using both their heads and bodies.

You’ll need bingo squares—prepare nine items you can use to mark off spaces, like mini hoops.

If you’re outside, you can draw circles on the ground instead.

Arrange them in a 3×3 grid.

Divide the children into two teams, and have only the first three players on each team hold their team markers.

At the signal, the first player from each team runs to the bingo grid and places their marker inside a ring.

When they’re done, they run back, tag the next player, and switch.

The team that first completes a line—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal—wins.

Starting from the third move onward, players should move one of their own team’s already placed pieces instead of adding a new one.

It’s a fun game that requires quick thinking!

Animal Role-Playing Game

[Age 4] Animal Role-Playing Game — Body-Building Games for 4-Year-Olds | Torikai Yui-Kindergarten [Nursery School/Kindergarten]

Let me introduce the Animal Role-Play Game, where you pretend to be animals.

The rules are simple: you become the animal given as the prompt and play by running around cones or avoiding obstacles.

Because you move your whole body, it can really liven up parties and gatherings.

Wearing animal masks or making animal sounds while you play is also recommended.

When you start the game, make sure to secure a spacious area and play safely to avoid injuries!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Morning Noon Night game

Indoor games for large groups starting from age 3! Even elementary school kids can have fun while practicing moving quickly!

Here’s an introduction to the Morning-Afternoon-Night game.

You can play it anytime, anywhere, with any number of people, so it’s perfect for filling small gaps of time! When the teacher says “morning,” the children stand up.

For “afternoon,” they sit in seiza (kneel with legs folded under).

For “night,” they lie down right where they are.

The fun is in doing each action as quickly as possible.

Once they get used to it, try adding twists like “duck” or “monkey.” How will the children respond? Will they imitate the animals, get confused, or tell you, “Teacher, that’s wrong!”? That uncertainty is part of the fun of this game.

Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Color Touch Game

[Brain Training] Color Touch Game that even preschoolers can play

Move your body while training your memory! Here’s a color touch game idea.

All you need are hula hoops and color markers.

It’s a simple and fun game that kids as young as three can enjoy! Using the hula hoops and color markers, the rule is to touch the color specified by the teacher and then return to your base.

It’s great because kids can move their bodies while memorizing colors.

Start with one color, and as they get used to it, increase to two or three colors to naturally boost memory and reaction speed.

Give it a try!

Balloon Whack Game

[Age 3] “Balloon Whack Game”

Here’s a game using balloons that kids love: the Balloon Smack Game.

It’s basically the summer watermelon-smashing game, but with a balloon instead of a watermelon.

One designated player wears a blindfold and swings a plastic bat toward the balloon.

Spectators should keep a safe distance and guide the player with their voices: “To the right!” “A little farther back!” and so on, helping them find the balloon.

It also works well as a warm-up when you’re planning to do a real watermelon-smashing activity at an overnight camp or summer festival.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem