Fun Parent-Child Games! A Collection of Ideas to Liven Up Your Nursery School Sports Day

[Parent-Child Event] Fishing Game

5 parent-child activities we want to do at kindergarten and nursery school sports days

A parent-child event to build strength at the sports day: the Fishing Game.

In this game, the parent is the angler and the child plays the fish.

First, prepare a long towel and tie a knot at one end.

Have your child lie down, pinch the knot between their feet, and firmly hold the remaining length of the towel with both hands.

Once you’re set, the parent (the angler) pulls on the towel the child is holding and drags them along.

Be careful—if either of you loses your grip on the towel, you’ll come apart! If you’re doing this as a sports day event, we recommend a team relay format.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Piggyback cavalry battle

[Reiwa 3 Sports Day] Whale piggyback cavalry battle — Try and take it if you can! (2021.10.9)

Kibasen is a game that everyone has played at school sports festivals.

Onbu Kibasen is a version adapted for kindergartens and nurseries.

Aside from the part where a parent gives their child a piggyback ride, the rules are the same as in regular Kibasen.

This makes the rules easy to explain, which is a nice advantage.

Also, since you don’t need any equipment, it’s perfect when you suddenly need a substitute event.

Because it’s a game where children jostle with each other, be sure to take plenty of care to prevent injuries.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Parent-child gymnastics surfing

You can do it at home! Parent-child exercises | Surfing | Coordination training introduction video

Let’s join in while training your sense of balance! Here are some ideas for parent–child gymnastics surfing.

First, the parent lies down on their stomach.

The child gently stands on top.

Since the body will wobble, it’s good to stretch both arms out to keep balance.

Once you get used to it, try adjusting the parent’s body height or moving like a wave so the kids won’t get bored.

When trying it for the first time, it’s best to do it in an environment with a mat or futon laid out.

all over each other; stuck together; clingy

Infant Sports Day “Hittsuki Mottsuki” #SportsDay #Childcare #Parenting #NurseryTeacher

Here’s a recommended game for small children called “Hittsuki Mottsuki.” It’s a game where the host calls out a body part, and the parent and child touch those parts together.

It promotes physical bonding and helps children learn the names of body parts, so it’s a two-for-one activity.

You can also vary how you stick together—press tightly on purpose, touch lightly, or connect cautiously—to make it a more stimulating sensory experience.

It’s fun, so please give it a try.

It might be even more enjoyable if you play it with children dressed in mochi costumes!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Shinkansen

FY2024 Kirara-en Sports Day Parent–Child Event for 0-, 1-, and 2-Year-Olds

One of the vehicles kids love most: the Shinkansen.

This time, we’re sharing an activity idea themed around the Shinkansen.

Using cardboard and construction paper, make the Hayabusa and Komachi.

To keep children safe while riding, it’s a good idea to place a chair inside.

Once everything is ready, all aboard! Have a parent dressed as a conductor push the train, and dash through a waterfall made from plastic tape streamers.

The light, silky sensation will spark their curiosity.

When you arrive at the station, receive a souvenir and you’re at the finish line.

It’s an activity parents and children can enjoy together, so be sure to give it a try!

Parent-child dance

Sports day parent-child dance

In parent-child dance events where parents and kids dance together, you get to spend time that’s different from competitions with winners and losers.

It might feel embarrassing for those who don’t usually dance, but from a child’s perspective, being able to dance with their beloved mom or dad gives the sports day a special feeling you can’t get elsewhere.

Dancing well isn’t what matters, so you can join in happily, laughing together with your child.

It’s a parent-child activity that lets you experience a kind of closeness you don’t usually have in daily life—and it’s sure to deepen your bond.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Flag Race

Yusei Sports Day 2: Event Go! Anpanman

How about a flag race for your sports day? In the video, infants use flags featuring their favorite characters.

After starting, they choose the flag they like and head to the finish line.

It’s such a cute event, especially when they’re thinking, “Which one should I pick?” For preschoolers, you could adapt it to use a single flag like beach flags, with a clear win/lose rule—the first person to grab the flag wins—which would make it even more exciting.

It also works well as a parent–child activity, so please use it as a reference.