[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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Bug-catching game

Looks fun! …but the cleanup seems tough. #ChildcareWorker #AfterSchoolDayService #AichiPrefecture #TokaiCity #FreeSmile #Recreation #Play #Fluttering #Origami

Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.

The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.

The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.

The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.

It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.

Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!

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mayumi

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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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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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Hiragana Collection Challenge

Here’s a Hiragana-collecting challenge that’s fun both solo and with friends.

Spread out cards on the floor, each with a single hiragana character.

Give a prompt, then collect the hiragana cards that fit the prompt to form words.

Get a stopwatch ready and time how many minutes it takes to complete each word.

Start with just one prompt at first, then gradually increase the number of prompt words to make it more exciting.

It’s also a great game for building concentration and critical thinking, so give it a try!

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mayumi

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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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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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