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 (51–60)
Alien Repatriation Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@asobiinlife/video/7304249524820708609Let’s work together with friends to help the aliens! Here’s an idea for an Alien Return game.
You’ll need balloons, markers, and something to mark the start and finish lines.
In this simple game, you carry balloon “aliens” to the goal—but cooperating with friends is absolutely required.
That’s because you play in teams of four, holding hands, and the rule is that you can’t let go! Coordinate your moves using your linked hands, heads, shoulders, or hips, and call out to sync your timing.
Work together and save the aliens!
Pull hoop play
https://www.tiktok.com/@soramame.sensei/video/7230741022383312146Compassion is the key to winning! Here’s a fun idea for a Pull-the-Hoop game.
Prepare a hula hoop or a ring made from newspaper, some plastic ribbon (suzuran tape), and start and goal lines.
The person moving inside the hoop should walk in step with the moving hula hoop.
Be careful to keep your feet inside the hoop and maintain your balance! The person pulling the hoop should control the speed and the amount of force to guide their teammate to the goal.
Give it a try!
Ninja Game
@cocoro_ws♪ Original Song – [Official] Kokoro Social Welfare Association [Gymnastics 🤸] – [Gymnastics Class] Social Welfare Corporation Kokoro Welfare Association [🤸]
Recommended for preschool classes! Here are some ninja game ideas.
These playful activities let children become ninjas and enjoy moving their bodies.
The teacher calls out moves like “Head Shuriken,” “Ninja Chop,” and “Foot Shuriken,” and the children dodge them by jumping or evading.
It’s great for building stamina and reflexes while moving swiftly like ninjas.
Pretending to be ninjas also sparks imagination, which is another plus.
It looks like a fun way to nurture concentration and flexibility through play!
Stick-pulling sumo
@cocoskip Hello! This is Cocoskip. In today’s video, we’re playing tug-of-war with a stick. It looks like a simple game, but even adults ended up in a pretty heated match 😂#cocoskipSkip hereChild Development SupportAfter-school day serviceExercise Therapy#After-school day service#Child Development Support (Japan)#CocoSkipChallenge#Indoor PlaysimulationPlayShowdownStaff’s Daily LifeTug-of-war sumo#IWantToBeOnTheRecommendationsI love the admins.
Idol – YOASOBI
Here’s an idea for a sumo-style game using a stick.
You’ll need a pool cue, a mat, and a platform.
It’s a fun game that builds strength and balance! Two players hold a single pool cue and pull against each other, trying to either make the opponent step off the platform or let go of the stick.
It also helps develop patience through focused, physical competition.
Since the game starts with the mat and platform setup, it’s a great activity for after-school day services.
Kids can have fun while boosting their fitness and competitive spirit.
Indoor play and group game ideas that 5-year-olds love (61–70)
Abdominal Muscle Chain Game
@machan.kidsbodyspecialty Fun ways to train your abs#Motor skillsCoreParent-child gymnastics#ParentingConcernsExercise Therapy
♬ Kids & Toys – FASSounds
A unique game to build core strength! Here’s an idea for an Ab Chain Game.
Your core plays an important role when standing, sitting, walking, and running.
Developing a strong core is essential for balance and good posture.
This time, let’s try the Ab Chain Game to train your core while having fun.
Get ready by lying on your back in a circle with your friends! Starting with the child holding the ball, use your abs to lift your upper body and pass the ball to the next friend.
The key is to hold the ball firmly with both hands!
Color Play Game
@cocorurueniwa Today's activity is a color play game! Walk only on the specified color and aim for the goal! Make sure to clearly recognize your own color!#Kokoruru Eniwa#Kokorururu SakuramachiEniwa CityAfter-school day serviceAfter-school day serviceActivityColor Play Game#tiktokvalentine
♪ Tetris – Hiiragi Magnetite
A colorful floor makeover! Here are some play game ideas that use colors.
They’re fun activities that nurture color sense and attention.
Cut five colors of tape into short pieces and stick them on the floor; as children look for and step on each specified color, they can develop their ability to distinguish colors and follow rules.
The game is simple yet helps train reflexes and balance, and it’s perfect for group fun.
Try incorporating it as an activity in your after-school day service.
Say the same thing, do the opposite game
https://www.tiktok.com/@soramame.sensei/video/7453280020379798791It’s simple but tricky—that’s what makes it fun! Here’s an idea for a game where what you say and what you do are opposites.
A teacher or guardian plays the role of the caller, giving directions like forward, backward, left, and right.
The children imitate what the caller says, but perform the opposite movement.
It’s a unique game! At first, it’s best to go slowly and carefully.
Once everyone gets used to it, try speeding up the tempo or adapting it into a three-person team match to make it more exciting.


