[Children's Association] A Collection of Fun Entertainment and Activity Ideas

stick figure

Make groups of three: How to do the stick-figure dance

Unique movements and a distinctive atmosphere are sure to captivate the kids! How about making stick puppets and putting on a dance? In the video, it looks like three people are dancing, but in fact the ones on the left and right are puppets.

Sticks connect the arms and legs of the puppets on both sides to the person standing in the middle, so the puppets move in sync with the center person’s movements.

Making the puppets by hand takes a bit of time, but since you don’t need to coordinate a dance routine, you can put on a show as soon as the puppets are finished.

The kids will likely be fascinated and ask, “Who’s dancing?” Be sure to give it a try!

Animal Sound Quiz

Animal Sounds Quiz for Kids: Can you tell which animal makes this sound?

If you want to include an activity that anyone can enjoy regardless of age, we recommend an “Animal Sound Quiz”! It’s a simple game where you listen to an animal sound and guess which animal it is.

Along with easy, familiar sounds that everyone knows, it could be fun to slip in some surprisingly tricky calls from lesser-known animals—the ones that make you think, “I’ve heard this before, but what was it?” It’s also enjoyable for everyone to try imitating the sounds together.

Give it a try for inspiration!

Blacklight Panel Theater

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star nursery rhyme; black light panel theater; toy piano; soothing music; soothing lights; black light panel theater; toy piano; song; percussion.

This is recommended for anyone who wants to put on a show full of appeal that captivates children! Let us introduce the Black Light Panel Theater.

Unlike a regular panel theater, this one is performed in a dark room, illuminating the artwork with a black light, letting the audience experience an extraordinary, out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere.

When the black light shines on pictures painted with fluorescent paint, they take on a magical, glowing look that is sure to hold children spellbound.

Adding sound with background music or instruments enhances the mood of the story even more.

Create pieces that match the season or special events, and be sure to debut them!

Drawing Telephone Game

Is a correct answer impossible? The drawing telephone game! himawari-CH

How about adding drawing to the telephone game for extra fun? The rules are super simple! First, tape a sheet of white paper to each person’s back and have 4–5 people sit in a single file line.

Then tell the person sitting at the very back the prompt.

After hearing it, they draw a picture on the paper on the back of the person in front of them, based on the prompt.

Each person then draws on the back of the person in front of them, passing the prompt along through drawings.

If the person at the front can guess the prompt from the drawing, you’re all set! Since everyone relies on the sensation on their back to pass the drawing forward, the picture will keep changing, which is sure to spark lots of laughs.

This game creates fun communication through drawing—give it a try with everyone!

cyalume dance

[Self-collab] Tried expressing “Hai Yorokonde” with wotagei!! [Kocchinoken × Zero-uchi]

If you’re looking for a performance that really amps up the crowd, we recommend a “glow-stick dance.” A cyalume, also known as a chemical light, is a stick that starts glowing when you snap it, causing two liquids inside to react chemically.

They’re commonly used at concerts and events.

They’re lighter than penlights, come in a wide variety of colors, and some can be worn around the wrist like a bracelet—making them a great match for dance.

Turn down the lights and dance with glow sticks to an upbeat track, and the venue is guaranteed to light up with excitement! It does take some practice, but it will surely become a wonderful, unforgettable memory.

Give it a try for inspiration!

Ring Relay

If you’re looking for a game that lets you move your body while having fun, this is a must-see.

Here are the rules for “Ring Relay.” First, 4–5 people line up side by side and hold hands.

Next, prepare a large ring such as a hula hoop and slip it onto the hand of the person at one end.

Pass the ring along to the next person by threading it over your hand, head, waist, and feet in order, without letting go of hands.

If you can get the ring all the way to the person at the other end, you’re good.

If you have a large group of children, it could be fun to compete in teams.

Teamwork with the people on your left and right is key in this game, so give it a try when you want to help kids build camaraderie.

Candy fishing

candy fishing

How about having some fun with a “candy fishing” game using kids’ favorite treats? Fill a large basin or an inflatable pool with bagged candies, and let the children “fish” them out with fishing rods.

Instead of just receiving candy, combining it with the experience of catching it themselves will really boost their excitement.

You can just picture their happy faces when they land their favorite goodies.

Feel free to use this idea as a reference and give it a try!

ensemble

Ensemble: “Let’s Try It” … Staff

If you’re looking to put on a performance that leaves a lasting impression, why not try incorporating an ensemble? It’s great with just adults, and it’s also fun to involve the children and work on it together.

You’ll need practice time, but the experience of everyone putting in their best effort will become a cherished memory.

When you feel the sense of accomplishment from synchronizing your breathing and performing a piece as one, it’s likely to deepen your bonds.

Hopefully it will turn into a wonderful performance that warms the hearts of those watching, too.

Large picture-story show

Large picture-card show by Shinsuke Yoshitake: 'Natsumi Can Be Anything'

How about incorporating a large-format kamishibai (paper theater) as an activity that everyone can enjoy, even with a big group? With regular kamishibai or picture books, when there are many children, the distance can make the pictures small and hard to see.

A large-format kamishibai not only solves that problem, but its big images are more dynamic and make fine details easier to catch, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the story.

Some libraries lend them out, and it’s also wonderful to be bold and create a handmade version with a story tailored to your children.

When reading, if the reader changes facial expressions and tone of voice to match the story, it helps the children stay focused.

Please feel free to use this as a reference!

Challenge the ‘Jugemu’ tongue twister!

[Super Hard] Challenge Yourself with the Jugemu Tongue Twister!!

A classic staple among opening acts in rakugo! The tongue twister “Jugemu” is famous, and it’s surprising to learn it’s actually a person’s name.

The story goes that when auspicious words wishing for a long life were strung together, it ended up this long.

For elementary school kids, it may seem like a confusing string of words and feel difficult, but there are some funny phrases along the way, and near the end it finally sounds like a real name with “Chosuke.” If you can say it, that’s amazing! You’ll definitely get praised, so don’t give up—practice and wow everyone.

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