A collection of ideas for infant/toddler play, recreation, and games
Play and games help keep children’s minds and bodies healthy and lively.
They nurture physical activity, thinking skills, imagination, and the ability to get along with friends.
Here, we’ve gathered activities and games that preschoolers can enjoy.
There are many kinds: group games, traditional play, pretend and make-believe activities, and sensory play.
You’ll find lots of favorites from nurseries and kindergartens, as well as easy games you can do at home.
Choose fun activities that match your child’s age and development, and enjoy them together!
Ideas for Infant/Toddler Play, Recreation, and Games (1–10)
Shape imitation game
Here’s a shape-matching game using cotton swabs.
Put a strip of tape on a table and create a shape on one side using cotton swabs.
Children look at the completed shape and then use cotton swabs to make the same shape on the opposite side of the tape.
If they get stuck, it’s a good idea to support them with hints so they can create the same shape, watching over them and working together.
As they get used to it, try making the shapes slightly more difficult or increasing the number of cotton swabs to add variety.
For the tape on the table, colorful tape is recommended because it’s easier to see and understand.
Touch-in game
https://www.tiktok.com/@bear_kids_official/video/7472713563929349394Let’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!
Popular song medley in May
Let’s create a Singing Day where everyone gets excited with their favorite songs! Here are some popular May song medleys.
Children are probably getting familiar with various nursery rhymes every day at daycare or kindergarten, right? If you ask each child, “What’s your favorite song?” you’ll likely hear a wide variety of answers.
Plus, let’s enjoy Singing Day by mixing in trending songs from anime and movies! It’s also great to make DIY microphones and costumes.
The appeal is that everyone can have fun in a relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere!
Panda, rabbit, koala
Let’s transform into cute animals and play! We’re introducing the hand game “Panda, Bunny, Koala.” Become those animals you’ve seen in picture books or at the zoo! Use your hands to show each animal’s features and have fun.
Once you get used to the game, try speeding it up partway through—it can really liven things up.
Through this hand play, children can imitate and learn animal movements and traits while also developing concentration and a sense of rhythm.
It’s even funny when you accidentally do the wrong action! Give it a try and add it to your playtime.
Rhythm Play
Let’s enjoy a “rhythm play” that will get your body moving naturally! Tap your knees twice—ton, ton—and then clap your hands once in front of your chest—pan.
To the rhythm of “ton-ton-pan,” the leader changes the “pan” part and names a body part.
For example, “ton-ton head,” “ton-ton butt,” etc.
Everyone else taps their knees twice and then touches the body part the leader names.
Try to keep up with the rhythm without falling behind! As a fun variation, the leader can say an animal name like “ton-ton monkey!” and everyone can imitate its sound, such as “ton-ton ook-kee!” That would be entertaining too.
Sorting Game
Let me introduce a sorting game.
Prepare three colors of balls—red, blue, and yellow—and one red box and one blue box.
Catch the ball that the teacher throws, then put red balls into the red box and blue balls into the blue box, while avoiding (not catching) yellow balls.
By repeating these movements continuously, you can train reaction ability.
Start with slow throwing speed at first, and as you get used to it, it’s recommended to increase the speed to make it more fun.
Nursery School Exploration!
What kind of teachers are in which rooms? Here are some ideas for a preschool exploration! It’s sure to excite not only children who are new or transferring, but also those who are already familiar with the preschool.
With fluttering hearts, let’s explore the preschool together with friends and teachers while wondering, “What do we do in this room?” and “Is it okay to go in?” It can also be a great opportunity to learn rules, such as the promises to keep in rooms with tiny babies or in rooms with a kitchen.
Stacking paper cups
Let me introduce a fun stacking game with paper cups.
Stack 15 paper cups into a pyramid shape, starting from the bottom.
Time each round and compete to see who can finish their pyramid the fastest.
Because you have to think about the best way to stack the cups as you go, it trains both concentration and problem-solving skills at the same time.
Plastic cups are smooth and glossy, so for children, paper cups are recommended.
Give it a try!
Balloon Whack Game
Here’s a game using balloons that kids love: the Balloon Smack Game.
It’s basically the summer watermelon-smashing game, but with a balloon instead of a watermelon.
One designated player wears a blindfold and swings a plastic bat toward the balloon.
Spectators should keep a safe distance and guide the player with their voices: “To the right!” “A little farther back!” and so on, helping them find the balloon.
It also works well as a warm-up when you’re planning to do a real watermelon-smashing activity at an overnight camp or summer festival.
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!