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

Fun for elementary school kids! 5 indoor activities

[Indoor Games] Recommended for Elementary School Kids! 5 Lively Indoor Activities

Indoor recreational activities that you can enjoy for short periods of time—such as on rainy days—are perfect for exercising both the mind and body, since the rules and movements vary by game.

Plus, enjoying each game by working together as a team helps energize communication among participants.

Competing with friends and enjoying games also leads to discussing strategies and experiencing the emotions of winning and losing.

Experiencing fun, joy, and even frustration through physical activity is recommended for fostering a positive mindset.

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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.

straw airplane

"Straw Airplane" Flies Like Crazy Outdoors! — From a Magazine by Play Experts in After‑School Care

Popular in after-school care, the “straw airplane” is a fun craft that’s easy to make with a straw and construction paper—and it flies really well.

First, cut off the bendy part of the straw with scissors so it’s straight.

Next, cut two long, narrow strips from the construction paper, roll each into a ring, and tape them to the front and back of the straw.

Using a smaller ring in front and a larger ring in back makes it stable and helps it fly surprisingly far.

Kids are amazed at how it flies differently from a regular paper airplane! You can compete to see whose airplane flies the farthest, try different throwing techniques, and enjoy playing over and over.

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Stick-pulling sumo

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.

Touch-in game

Let’s develop tracking skills and a sense of force! Here are some ideas for a touch-in game.

These are perfect for nurturing visual concentration and control of force.

Children can aim to improve their physical abilities while having fun by keeping a balloon from falling and collecting colored balls from the floor into a basket.

Simple yet effective for building concentration, this idea lets kids play by controlling balloons and colored balls—making it a fun game that can be used in after-school day services!

Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

Indoor play that even infants can enjoy!

@nexus_official5♬ Cute heartwarming BGM(1490583) – sanusagi

We’d like to introduce four types of activities that kids can enjoy energetically indoors, even on cold days.

First is the “Crawling Race,” where parents and children cheer each other on as they aim for the goal.

It’s simple, but full of smiles and lots of excitement.

Next is the “Animal Imitation Game.” Move your body to the fullest by hopping like a bunny or mimicking an elephant’s trunk.

“Balance Play” involves placing a string on the floor and walking along it.

Stepping over and hopping without touching the string helps build leg strength.

Lastly, there’s “Newspaper and Flyer Play.” Tear the paper using your fingertips, crumple it into balls, and use them for other games.

All of these are easy to prepare and perfect for cozy days at home when it’s cold outside.

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kojifumi

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