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!
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Ideas for Toddler Play, Recreation, and Games (61–70)
Ball shower
https://www.tiktok.com/@tomonite_official/video/7408751719787646224Let’s make and play with a ball shower! Prepare some colored balls, a pool noodle, a laundry mesh bag, and pipe cleaners.
Cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise, form it into a ring, and attach the laundry bag to the inside using the pipe cleaners.
Thread the pipe cleaners through the holes of the net and fix it all the way around.
Cut the net where the balls will go in, and the goal is complete.
After you toss the balls in, open the zipper and the balls will pour out from inside like a shower.
Kids will love this ball shower—give it a try!
A game using clothespins
Let me introduce a game that uses everyday clothespins.
Get a cardboard tube from plastic wrap, a paper plate, and some clothespins, and give it a try.
Place the paper plate on top of the cardboard tube, then gently place clothespins on the plate one by one.
The key is to place them carefully so they don’t fall.
The player who drops a clothespin loses.
It also sounds fun to clip the clothespins onto the edge of the paper plate! Drawing on the cardboard tube or the paper plate might make the game even more exciting.
Give it a try!
Balloon Play
Balloons floating softly in the air are very safe, so kids can play with them with peace of mind.
Here are some indoor games using balloons.
The “keep it off the floor” game naturally encourages kids to cooperate, calling out to each other to keep the balloon from touching the floor and getting excited together.
In the balloon passing game, form groups of about six and split into teams.
Enjoy sending the balloon from front to back, or passing it under the knees.
The team that can pass the balloon the fastest wins.
You can also stick a strip of plastic tape across the middle of the room and enjoy balloon volleyball or soccer.
Please choose and enjoy games suited to the children’s ages.
Ninja Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@cocoro_ws/video/7387295680869518610Recommended for preschool classes! Here are some ninja game ideas.
These playful activities let children become ninjas and enjoy moving their bodies.
The teacher calls out moves like “Head Shuriken,” “Ninja Chop,” and “Foot Shuriken,” and the children dodge them by jumping or evading.
It’s great for building stamina and reflexes while moving swiftly like ninjas.
Pretending to be ninjas also sparks imagination, which is another plus.
It looks like a fun way to nurture concentration and flexibility through play!
karasu kazunoko
A children’s circle song where you keep adding friends as you play! Here’s an idea from Karasu Kazunoko.
Circle songs aren’t just fun—they’re said to play an important role in fostering children’s language development and sense of rhythm.
Deepen communication by singing while playing together with teachers, parents, or friends! Children stand in a circle while one person walks around them in loops.
When the song ends, the walker taps the friend in front of them to add another member to the group.