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 (91–100)
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.
gomudan
Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).
First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.
Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.
Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.
Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.
Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.
Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.
Soap bubble play
Wrapped in the warm, pleasant weather and with more days at comfortable temperatures, spring makes you want to head outdoors and play to your heart’s content with the kids, doesn’t it? How about incorporating bubble play into those outdoor activities? Fill a basin with plenty of bubble solution and use things like fans or hangers to enjoy making big, dynamic bubbles.
In the spring sunlight, the bubbles will likely sparkle and shine.
I can just picture the children happily running around with the bubbles.
Give it a try for some inspiration!
Rock-Paper-Scissors Balance Game
Here’s a rock-paper-scissors balance game that gets your whole body moving.
Play rock-paper-scissors with your friends.
If you win, do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
If it’s a tie, spin around twice and then do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
If you lose, spin around three times and then do a one-legged balance for 5 seconds.
For children who find one-legged balancing difficult, it’s recommended to hold onto something while balancing.
When playing the rock-paper-scissors balance game, secure a spacious area and keep a safe distance from one another to ensure safety.
Chick Sumo
People from preschoolers to adults can join! Here’s an idea for “Chick Sumo.” It’s a perfect game for training ankle flexibility while playing.
While squatting, hold your ankles and move forward.
If your hands or bottom touch the floor, you lose—simple as that.
Move carefully so you don’t lose your balance.
Once you get used to it, try battling in groups of five or six in class.
A tournament format, where the last person remaining advances, also sounds fun!
Sponge block circuit
Let’s build your own course! Here are some ideas for a circuit using sponge blocks.
What you’ll need: sponge blocks, mats, a balance beam, and masking tape if necessary.
Sponge blocks come in a variety of shapes—rectangles, squares, triangles, and cylinders! Use a rich variety of sponge blocks to create your circuit course.
If you combine a balance beam and mats within the course, it’s sure to get kids excited and engaged.
sensory toy play
Fun for all ages! Here are some sensory toy play ideas.
You’ll need: food storage bags, colored water, oil, adzuki beans, erasers, toy goldfish, beads, bells, hair gel, and tape.
Put the materials you prepared into the bag along with the hair gel! Changing up the colors and textures makes the feel different and more interesting.
Sensory toys are recommended not only for infants but also for preschoolers—they’re engaging to look at and touch, and kids will be totally absorbed.