[For Kids] Fun Indoor Game Ideas for After-School Day Services

Cardboard Badminton

[Upcycled Play] The blade spins as it falls! Cardboard Badminton <Handmade toy you can make right now> [Easy craft, playable craft] Cardboard, tissues, clear file

Let’s have fun using recycled materials! Here’s an idea for cardboard badminton.

When you think of badminton, you use a racket and a shuttlecock, right? This time, let’s make both pieces of equipment using scrap materials you can find at home, like cardboard.

What you’ll need: cardboard, an A4-size clear plastic file, tissue paper, a permanent marker, tape, a ruler, scissors, and more.

The way the shuttlecock spins around as it falls is unique and really fun to watch!

Card-flipping race

Traditional Play Newspaper #74: Card Flipping

Here’s a fun, active card-flipping race.

Prepare 20 to 30 round cards made by sticking white paper on one side and black paper on the other.

Split into two teams—White and Black—with equal numbers of players.

Lay the cards out randomly, then within a set time limit, flip the cards to your team’s color.

Since the goal is to flip as many cards as possible within the time limit, the team that flips more cards wins! You can also increase the number of cards or change the colors to make it even more exciting.

Shooting Catch

Play with scrap materials and colorful balls! Here’s a fun idea for a shooting-and-catch game.

Many schools are probably engaged in SDGs initiatives and recycling activities.

Try creating an opportunity to deepen learning while playing with children using repurposed materials.

You’ll need toilet paper rolls, colorful balls, and a tray.

Stand the toilet paper rolls upright and place a colorful ball on top of each one.

Then slide the tray along the floor to knock over the rolls and catch the balls on the tray—it’s a fun and exciting game!

Clapping Game Song “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

If You're Happy and You Know It: 398 Activities Everyone Can Enjoy—from Babies and Toddlers to Elementary Schoolers and Adults! Includes a Starter Picture Book

The hand-play song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” can be arranged not only by clapping hands but also by adding movements like stomping your feet or rotating your wrists.

There are many ways to enjoy this song, and by incorporating question prompts during the song—such as “What’s the date today?”, “What’s the weather like?”, or “What time is it?”—you can stimulate the brain while singing, which is effective for boosting quick reactions and decision-making.

It’s perfect not only for interacting with children but also as a lively activity for adults and in senior care facilities.

Give it a try!

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Safe baseball

How to enjoy baseball safely! Get excited with simple gear. With this, you can play baseball to your heart’s content at the park! \(^o^)/

Let’s play using soft materials! Here’s a safe baseball idea.

When you think of baseball, you probably imagine wooden or metal bats and cork-filled balls.

But when playing with preschoolers or kids who aren’t familiar with baseball, how about enjoying the game with soft equipment? Use a pool noodle cut in half as the bat, and a ball made by crumpling newspaper.

Give it a try!

Indoor basketball hoop craft

[Easy Craft 063] Mini Basketball Goal – Play Basketball Indoors! Mini Basketball Goal

Let’s play with a handmade basketball set! Here are some ideas for crafting an indoor basketball hoop.

After watching Olympic basketball, many kids probably started admiring the players, right? This time, let’s try making an indoor basketball game you can build and play with.

You’ll need two hangers, yarn, cardboard, scissors, and more.

It’s great because the steps are simple.

This is also a recommended idea for when you want to get moving indoors!

Fluffy Tennis Using Scrap Materials

[Fun for Parents and Kids] Beat the rainy season with 'Fluffy Tennis' made from recycled materials!

Here’s an idea for fluffy tennis using recycled materials.

Tennis usually involves a racket and a ball, but this time let’s try tennis using a plastic bottle and a bag! You’ll need a plastic bottle, a bag, stickers, a pen, and masking tape.

Draw your favorite illustrations on the bag, then fill it with air.

Decorating the plastic bottle freely with masking tape and stickers will get everyone excited.

Work together to keep the softly floating bag from falling.