Fun for Children’s Day! A Collection of Performance and Play Ideas Recommended for Early Childhood Education
As Children’s Day approaches, many preschool teachers may find themselves wondering what performances or activities to prepare.
You want to make it a memorable day filled with fun events that bring out the children’s brightest smiles.
Here are plenty of engaging ideas perfect for preschools, such as making carp streamers (koinobori), active group games, and seasonal quizzes.
They’re all easy to incorporate with minimal prep and can be adjusted for different ages, so feel free to use this as a reference!
- [Entertainment/Performances] Ideas for Performances to Introduce at Kindergartens and Nursery Schools—Great for Children and Staff
- Ideas for games and crafts to enjoy on Children’s Day: a roundup of fun activities
- [Childcare] Entertainment that excites a birthday party
- [For Preschoolers & Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
- A childcare quiz to enjoy on Children's Day! Learn about traditions and customs
- [Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play
- [Children's Day] Let's make and display! Children's Day wall decoration special
- [Craft] Make and Display! A Special Feature on Ideas for Making Koinobori (Carp Streamers)
- Recommended for childcare! Game and activity ideas to liven up a summer festival
- [Childcare] Fun for Hinamatsuri! Performance ideas perfect for the event
- Games to Play on Children’s Day: A Collection of Family-Friendly Ideas
- [Childcare] Recommended for Tanabata party! Fun and exciting performance/activity ideas
- [Childcare] Recommended for Entrance Ceremonies! A Collection of Fun Performance Ideas
Enjoyable for Children’s Day! A collection of recommended performances and play ideas for childcare (11–20)
Easy! Bomb Game

All you need is a ball! It’s the simple yet sure-to-be-exciting “Bomb Game.” The rule is to move from a designated spot to another designated spot without getting hit by a ball acting as a bomb.
You can lay out mats for clarity, or if many people are playing, mark spots with tape.
The key to keeping kids engaged is to start with a low difficulty and a relaxed pace.
From there, make the ball bounce or speed it up so they can enjoy its unpredictable movement.
Rather than focusing on winning or losing, why not include it as a game that everyone can simply enjoy?
May Panel Theater

Also great for birthday parties! Introducing a panel theater for May.
At many preschools, teachers put on a performance for the children during birthday parties, right? For those wondering what theme to choose and how to stage it, we recommend the panel theater “Which one? Which one? Which do you think?” It’s perfect for kids who love quizzes! The way to answer is simple, making it enjoyable for infants through preschoolers.
Be sure to use it for birthday parties and other events.
drawing relay

Here’s a drawing relay that everyone can get excited about.
Split into teams, and only the first person looks at the prompt.
The first person draws the prompt and passes it on to the next player.
The next player interprets the drawing and conveys it to the following player with another drawing.
The team whose final player’s drawing matches the original prompt the fastest wins.
It’s best to use simple prompts that are easy for kids to understand.
You can enjoy this game indoors or outdoors, so grab some paper and felt-tip pens and give it a try!
Let’s make a kabuto (samurai helmet)
Let’s make a special craft just for Children’s Day! Here are some ideas for making a samurai helmet (kabuto).
Even if you’ve finished your main craft for Children’s Day, this is a great idea for something fun to make and play with on the day itself.
Use construction paper in your favorite colors to make a kabuto, then decorate it with stickers and pens.
If you attach string or elastic to the finished kabuto, kids can wear it and enjoy it even more—guaranteed excitement! Be sure to give it a try.
4 Balloon Art Ideas

Celebrate the kids with an impactful performance! Here are four balloon art ideas.
Balloon art is the craft of creating various shapes and designs using balloons.
After inflating the balloons, twist and tie them to make animals or flowers.
It’s great to interact and communicate with the children during the making process so everyone has fun together.
From simple to complex pieces, it can be enjoyed at various levels, making it a highly recommended idea.
Paper airplane throwing

Here’s a paper airplane throwing game that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Let’s fold paper airplanes using origami paper or flyers.
The size of the paper matters, too.
One of the fun parts of paper airplane throwing is that the flight distance changes depending on how you fold and throw it! If your flight distance isn’t improving, you might discover ways to make it go farther by trying again and again.
Try a variety of games using paper airplanes, such as high-score battles, cup knockdowns, dog-run catches, and pair catches!
Fun for Children's Day! A Collection of Recommended Performances and Play Ideas for Childcare (21–30)
Children’s Day

Also known as Tango no Sekku, Children’s Day is a traditional event cherished by the Japanese.
It celebrates children’s healthy growth and expresses hopes for their continued well-being.
You might make items inspired by May dolls or carp streamers, or prepare and enjoy chimaki and kashiwa-mochi.
Since it is also meant to show appreciation to parents, giving letters or small gifts is another nice idea.
Let’s liven up your nursery or kindergarten by hosting events—decorate rooms with garlands and ornaments, and enjoy a meal together!



