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 Infant/Toddler Play, Recreation, and Games (1–10)
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.
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.
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!
Ideas for Toddler Play, Recreation, and Games (11–20)
Reverse hide-and-seek
The idea of adding a little twist to the usual game of hide-and-seek—reverse hide-and-seek—is really fun and highly recommended.
The rules are flipped: the seeker is the one who hides! Everyone else tries to find the hiding seeker.
If you’re lucky enough to find them, you then go hide somewhere yourself! The person who can’t find the last remaining hider loses.
You might feel like shouting “Found you!” when you spot them, but if you do, everyone else will rush over.
So in reverse hide-and-seek, even if you find the seeker, quietly go hide yourself.
It’s a thrilling game where you keep the joy of discovery to yourself.
Crawling tail-chasing game
Let’s introduce a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited.
Give each child a “tail” made by braiding plastic ribbon (like florist’s raffia).
The teacher is “it” and chases the children.
At the start signal, the children crawl away to avoid being caught.
If a child gets their tail taken by “it,” they can rejoin the game after doing five jumps and putting the tail back on.
Try swapping who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the game fun!
Pasta Twirling Race
Here’s a perfect indoor activity: the Twirling Pasta Race.
Prepare some “pasta” by attaching yarn to a paper plate with tape.
On the free end of the yarn (the side without tape), attach an empty plastic wrap core.
To race, hold the core and twist it to wind the yarn around it.
It’s a fun competition to see who can wind the yarn—pretend pasta—onto the core the fastest.
To make it even more exciting, place a cutout of an animal with its mouth open between the paper plate and the core, and set up a little sign showing it “eating.” You could also time each round to add a competitive element.
Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda
More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Red Light, Green Light” using hula hoops.
You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.
“Red Light, Green Light” is a game that’s been loved for generations.
Since the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and childcare centers likely include it in their activities.
Using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams expands the possibilities, so it’s highly recommended.
Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!