[Childcare] Games and performances that liven up Children's Day
May 5th is Children’s Day.
Also called Tango no Sekku, it’s a day to celebrate children’s healthy growth.
Many preschools and daycare centers, as well as families at home, likely celebrate Children’s Day.
As they gaze up at the carp streamers on display, the children eagerly look forward to the festivities.
So this time, we’ll introduce plenty of games and performances that will liven up Children’s Day.
From activities performed by teachers, such as panel theater and plays, to ones children can join and enjoy—like dance, choir, and puzzle-solving games—we’ve gathered a collection of perfect Children’s Day fun!
Amid the exciting, enjoyable time, we also want to share with the children the origins and traditions of Children’s Day.
Be sure to make good use of these ideas!
- [Entertainment/Performances] Ideas for Performances to Introduce at Kindergartens and Nursery Schools—Great for Children and Staff
- Games and activities to enjoy on Children’s Day, including crafts
- [Childcare] Entertainment that excites a birthday party
- [Childcare] A quiz about Children’s Day in childcare! Learn about traditions and customs
- [Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play
- [For Preschoolers & Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
- [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 games for Children's Day, including party games that really liven things up
- [Childcare] May events and activities at nursery schools and kindergartens
- Fun quizzes that liven up parties and performances
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [Childcare] Fun for Hinamatsuri! Performance ideas perfect for the event
[Childcare] Games and Performances to Liven Up Children’s Day (11–20)
Eurhythmics play
Let’s have fun moving our bodies with hula hoops! Here are some ideas for Eurhythmics (music and movement) activities.
Since children can showcase their daily activities at sports days or performance showcases, both parents and kids will be delighted! How about organizing a Eurhythmics recital using the familiar activities you practice regularly? By moving joyfully with hula hoops, children can not only develop a sense of rhythm but also improve their concentration and stamina.
Learning through play can help nurture a positive attitude toward music and physical activity!
Koinobori rhythm play
Have fun with rhythm games inspired by Koinobori! Hold hands and go around together, clap your hands, stomp your feet—enjoy a variety of movements with the children.
Songs related to Koinobori and Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku) are usually sung only on May 5 or in the few days leading up to it.
So why not try your usual rhythm games and hand-play in a special Children’s Day version? It’ll feel fresh and exciting.
paper cutting
Many of you probably played with paper-cutting (kirie) when you were children, right? I only ever made simple ones myself, but I remember making them for things like Tanabata decorations.
You could show off an intricate, delicate paper-cutting in front of everyone, or you could all have fun making simple ones together—like kabuto (samurai helmets) for Children’s Day.
event school lunch
Enjoy meals unique to special occasions! Here are some ideas for event-themed school lunches.
For children, lunchtime means more than just getting nutrition.
It’s an important time to have fun with friends and a place to develop social skills.
They can become interested in food and learn basic table manners, which helps foster a sense of gratitude for meals.
Another appeal of event lunches is that they let children experience the fun of colors as well as the traditions and origins behind different foods.
Hoop Play: “Koinobori” (Carp Streamers)
With the arrival of the Boys’ Festival, koi nobori (carp streamers) are a popular decoration for celebrating Children’s Day.
As May begins, you’ll see them more often outdoors.
Why not try a seasonal play activity themed around koi nobori? Stack several hula hoops together, and have the children hold on with both hands.
The key is for them to lie on their stomachs to mimic the gently swaying carp streamers.
When the teacher pulls them backward, they can enjoy the sensation of their bodies starting to move.
Give this indoor activity a try to feel the coming of spring.
Koinobori Tag
This is a game of tag themed around koinobori (carp streamers), which are displayed in gardens and elsewhere when May arrives.
It’s best tried in a large space like a kindergarten or nursery school yard or a sports field.
First, draw lines on the ground to create a pattern that suggests the silhouette of a koinobori.
Place the “oni” (tagger) and the runners on the lines, and have them play tag along the lines.
If you’re tagged by the oni, crouch down inside the koinobori drawing and become a “scale.” The rule is that if another child touches a scale, that player comes back to life.
If the runners make it to the end without being caught, the children win.
It’s a game that fosters communication as the kids help each other.
Give this tag game a try to experience the feeling of May while enjoying the warm spring weather.
[Childcare] Games and Performances to Liven Up Children's Day (21–30)
Interactive read-aloud
Kids love pop-up books packed with excitement—characters springing out of the pages, containers that reveal hidden treasures when opened, and so much more! If you usually read regular picture books aloud, why not treat your child to a slightly different, more thrilling experience on Children’s Day? There are plenty of store-bought options, but making one by hand for the occasion is also a great idea.
Try getting creative so kids can really enjoy it—use not only paper but also fabric and other materials to craft something special.
