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

A game about finding the correct moves

Fun games you can play with friends

Act out the prompt’s movement and have others guess it.

For example, if the prompt is “forward roll,” the guesser should try various movements that come to mind.

The children around, who know the prompt, should react to each movement.

Decide in advance how to react when the movement is close to the prompt—for example, by cheering.

Using those reactions, the guesser narrows down the correct answer.

It’s also fun to have multiple guessers or to play team versus team.

You don’t need any materials, it’s a simple game, and it’s sure to get everyone excited.

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Nakajima Junko

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Without Katakana

Simple and fun! A class-energizing activity: “Katakana-less”

We use katakana for many names in daily life.

Katakana is familiar, but let’s try playing without using it.

First, show items that have katakana names and have people describe them without using katakana.

For example, for “pen,” someone might answer, “something you write with that isn’t a pencil.” It’s a game where you shift your thinking a bit, describe the given topic without using katakana, and have others guess.

If the topic is “game,” you could describe it as “something where you use your fingertips to control characters on the screen.” From there, everyone tries to guess the topic together.

Explaining with your current vocabulary makes for a good brain exercise.

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Nakajima Junko

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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.

balloon volleyball

Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.

All you need is a net and some balloons.

It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.

It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.

Give it a try!

Drawing Telephone Game

Is a correct answer impossible? The drawing telephone game! himawari-CH

Let’s have fun with a game where you guess the picture drawn on your back.

Stick a sheet of paper on each person’s back, and start by drawing a picture on the first person’s paper.

Then, one by one, draw on the next person’s back the picture you felt drawn on yours and pass it along.

Since you can only rely on the sensation on your back to figure out what’s being drawn, the image may gradually turn into something else—that’s the fun part! It might help avoid confusion if you pass along a single picture in a few strokes, one stroke at a time.

In the end, the last person should use the picture they drew as a hint to guess the original prompt.

So, what kind of picture did you end up with?

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Nakajima Junko

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Drop the Handkerchief

Handkerchief Drop (Tag) – Indoor Exercise Play Recreation [Arranged Version]

Speaking of Drop the Handkerchief, it’s a classic indoor game that’s been around forever, and it’s still loved because it’s thrilling and fun.

First, choose the tagger.

The tagger walks around the outside of the circle and secretly drops a handkerchief behind someone.

After dropping it, the tagger runs and completes a lap to sit in the spot of the person they dropped it behind.

If the person who had the handkerchief dropped behind them catches the tagger before they finish the lap, the tagger remains the tagger for another round.

If the person doesn’t notice even after the tagger completes the lap, they go to the center of the circle and can’t join the next game.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Quick Towel Grab Game

Sharpen your judgment and reflexes! Here’s an idea for a quick-draw towel game.

Prepare white towels and colored flags.

Pair up and sit facing each other across a table.

When the teacher raises a flag, quickly grab a towel.

Once you get used to the rules, it’s even more fun if you increase the towel colors to two or three.

While determining the color of the flag the teacher raised, search among the towels on the table for the specified color and pull it toward you.

Give it a try!

Ring-Collecting Game

Fun to make! Fun to play! Here’s an idea for a game where you collect rings.

You’ll need origami paper in your favorite colors, scissors, and glue.

First, cut the origami paper into long, thin strips and glue the ends to make rings! Using colorful paper in the making process can stimulate a sense of color and help develop fine motor skills.

Once the rings are ready, give each person a pair of chopsticks or a straw, and enjoy a game of collecting the rings! It’s a great way to build concentration.

King Janken

[Indoor Play] King Janken (Rock-Paper-Scissors)

A King Rock-Paper-Scissors game everyone can get excited about.

The rules are simple: everyone plays rock-paper-scissors, and the child who keeps winning until the end becomes the first King.

If a participant loses to the King, they go to the back of the line.

If they beat the King, they switch places and become the new King.

The child who remains King at the end of the time limit is the winner.

The thrill of competition and cheering will further boost the atmosphere.

It’s also recommended to prepare a crown for the King to wear.

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mayumi

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An educational game you can play using only dice

Ages 3–12 [Top 5 Picks Chosen by Pros!] Easy educational games you can play using only dice / TERU’s Parenting Study Group: Childcare, Early Learning, and Home Education for Young Children

This is a numbers-focused activity that children can enjoy from age three.

Understanding numerical concepts is helpful in everyday situations, like shopping or reading a clock.

This time, let’s explore numbers through play using dice.

You’ll need items like wooden blocks, stickers with numbers written on them, a box, and some dice.

First, help your child get used to the motion by practicing throwing the dice into the box.

After that, start with simple activities: throw the dice into the box and count the number of dots that appear together, or throw dice of different colors into the box and count which color appears the most.

Beginning with these simple games can help reduce any resistance to numbers.