Lovely Play & Recreation

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

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

Have you ever heard of “Hōdei”? It’s short for “after-school day service,” a welfare service that provides necessary support tailored to each school-age child with disabilities or children whose development is a concern.

In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for indoor games that kids can enjoy at after-school day services.

You’ll find lots of fun, educational ideas—from group activities to enjoy with friends to games that kids can focus on independently.

Be sure to give them a try!

[For Kids] Indoor Game Ideas to Enjoy at After-School Day Services (81–90)

Balloon target shooting

https://www.tiktok.com/@mami_toys/video/7198592903562693890

Perfect for events! Here’s a fun balloon target game.

Balloons are soothing to watch as they gently float up when you tap them.

They also make great targets for paper shuriken—so it’s extra fun! All you need are balloons in your favorite colors and some string.

If you want to make the shuriken shown in the video, prepare some origami paper too.

When the sharp tip of a shuriken hits a balloon, it can pop with a loud bang, so be mindful of the location and time when you play.

Give it a try!

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Mixed-age dodgeball

A scene of growth in dodgeball with the older and middle classes: “Passing on the play”

Mixed-age dodgeball

Let’s nurture compassion and cooperation! Here are ideas for mixed-age dodgeball.

Younger kids are often curious about and admire the games older kids play, right? This idea is perfect for situations commonly seen in after-school programs! When children of different ages play together, older kids can demonstrate leadership, and younger kids can learn the importance of helping one another.

Emphasizing teamwork, with rules and flow designed so everyone can have fun, will also help improve communication skills through the game.

By playing, children naturally develop the ability to cooperate and deepen their bonds with their peers.

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Air-reading game

An absolute crowd-pleasing vibe-reading game! Perfect for changing up your team’s atmosphere! [Play Warm-Up 25] #TsukoTraining #Icebreaker #WarmingUp #FunGames

Air-reading game

Let’s read the room so we don’t overlap with our friends! Here’s an idea for a “reading the room” game.

It’s a unique game that helps elementary school students develop the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s happening around them.

In a group of 4–5 players sitting in a circle, you take turns standing up while calling out numbers.

The rule is simple, but what matters is avoiding overlapping timing with your friends.

Through the game, kids can build awareness of others and quick decision-making skills.

The atmosphere is tense at the start, but when two people stand up at the same time, everyone can’t help bursting into laughter!

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In conclusion

They all looked like fun games, didn’t they? These are wonderful ideas that help nurture various senses and feelings—such as the importance of following rules, hand–eye coordination, and concentration—through play.

So teachers and adults, too, let’s join the children and get excited together!