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

20 indoor activities you can enjoy even on rainy days

After-school teachers recommend: 20 indoor activities kids can enjoy even on rainy days

Let me introduce a brain-teasing rule game.

The key point for the kids is to tell them, “Watch carefully.” Then the teacher shows numbers with their fingers, saying, “This is 1, this is 2,” and so on, which naturally makes the children focus on the finger movements.

But here’s the twist! They should also pay close attention to what the teacher says.

The level of excitement changes depending on the themes or rules the teacher sets.

Be sure to have fun playing it together with the kids! It’s also great because you can play it anywhere, like at camp or on a field trip.

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Reflex Game

[Hand Game Fun for Elementary Kids] Quick Reaction Game

We’d like to introduce an idea for a group game called the “Quick-Reaction Game,” perfect for after-school programs because the rules are simple and you can adapt it freely.

The basic rule is: when the leader meows like a cat (“meow”), the children must immediately raise their hands.

That alone is simple, but by mixing in feints—like a dog’s bark or a wolf’s howl—you add just the right amount of thrill and laughter.

You can also use instruments instead of animal sounds.

For example, the bell sound means correct, while castanets or a tambourine indicate a trick.

Using familiar instruments makes it fun while building focus and reaction speed.

It’s a highly adaptable, recommended game that you can play over and over, adjusting for different ages and group sizes.

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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Bomb Game

[Group Play] A Complete Guide to the Bomb Game!

Children dash past, laughing, “Run for it!” That’s the thrilling scene of the Bomb Game.

Place mats for the start and finish, and if you make it across while dodging the rolling balls, you succeed.

The rules are simple, but by gradually increasing the balls’ speed, throwing in feints, or changing the timing, it stays fresh and exciting every time.

Each playthrough builds problem-solving—“How should I dodge?”—and trains not only physical ability but also reflexes and concentration.

It’s safe to play indoors, and the easy setup is another big plus.

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Let’s roll the dice and compose music!

Let’s try composing music while enjoying rhythm using the technique of ‘chance music’ discovered by John Cage.

What you’ll need are dice made from drawing paper, cardstock, or cardboard, a black pen, and staff paper or any paper for notes.

When you hear the word ‘compose,’ many people might feel anxious, thinking ‘That sounds hard’ or ‘I might not be able to do it,’ but this time the theme is completing it based on the numbers rolled on the dice, so you can try it casually! Moreover, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages—from infants and young children to elementary school students and adults—so please give it a try.

Mozart’s “Musical Dice Game”

In recent years, it’s become an era where we can easily play at composing and engage with music using artificial intelligence and apps.

However, long ago, Mozart was already assembling music with dice.

There is apparently a piece called “Musikalisches Würfelspiel,” or “Musical Dice Game.” Let’s try assembling a score using six-sided or nine-sided dice and have some fun.

The instruments can be piano, brass, woodwinds, or percussion—any are fine.

It’s an activity that offers both the enjoyment of sound and the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from creating something yourselves with dice.

Tamaire Hoop Rock-Paper-Scissors

Tamaire Hoop Rock-Paper-Scissors

Using items makes it even more exciting! Here’s an idea for a Ball-Toss Hoop Rock-Paper-Scissors game.

When you hear “ball toss,” many people probably think of the equipment used at sports days.

This time, let’s try a version you can easily set up indoors.

All you need are some colored balls and small hula hoops.

As an introduction to the game, it’s a good idea to first give players time to freely toss balls into the hoops.

Ultimately, the activity evolves so that the person who wins rock-paper-scissors within each group gets the role of throwing the balls into the hoop.

Feel free to adapt and arrange the game as you like.