[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 that liven up Children's Day (31–40)
line dance
Line dance is a style of dance where the dancers line up and coordinate their movements—raising and lowering their legs, and alternately moving the items they’re holding.
There are no strict rules about the music or tempo, so familiar, popular songs that everyone knows can really liven things up.
It’s a dance that’s satisfying to watch.
What’s inside the box?
The “What’s in the Box?” game, a staple at recreational events, stays fun without getting old because the prompts change each time.
If you prepare Child’s Day–themed items—like toys kids love or foods associated with Tango no Sekku—it can work well as an event activity.
However, avoid dangerous items or live creatures like those seen on extreme variety shows, as they may scare children and make them fear the game itself.
It’s a great indoor game for times when you can’t go out, offering a unique way to have fun at home.
Making kashiwa mochi
When it comes to sweets for Children’s Day, kashiwamochi is the classic choice.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say there’s hardly any chance to eat it outside of this day.
Buying it at a shop is fine, but why not try making it together by hand? You can find recipes online.
Collecting oak leaves might be tricky, but if you can’t get them, please substitute with something else.
Making koinobori (carp streamers)
When it comes to Children’s Day, carp streamers are a must, aren’t they? That said, due to housing situations, many families find it difficult to let large ones swim in the sky.
So why not make carp streamers by hand together with your children? Feel free to choose your own methods and materials and get creative.
We can’t wait to see everyone’s unique carp streamers!
Koinobori paper airplane
Large carp streamers swimming in the sky on the wind are wonderful, but there’s a different kind of fun when you can fly a carp streamer yourself like a paper airplane! So, let’s make a carp streamer and try flying it with our own power! Draw a carp streamer on a sheet of paper, then roll it into a tube.
When drawing, keep in mind that the paper will be formed into a tube later, so make the picture as if the carp streamer were flattened out.
Once it’s a tube, place your thumb in the tail fin area and use your elbow to launch it.
Then your carp streamer will fly not only in the sky but also in various places like indoors!
[Childcare] Games and Performances That Excite on Children's Day (41–50)
Sweets and dishes associated with Children’s Day
For Children’s Day celebrations, try decorating dishes and sweets in a Children’s Day style! You could make roll cakes or sushi to look like carp streamers (koinobori), or create sweets shaped like samurai helmets (kabuto).
It sounds like something fun to make together with your child, too.
Yo-kai Exercise No. 1
The song “Yo-kai Exercise No.
1” is the theme song for the anime Yo-kai Watch.
How about having adults cosplay Yo-kai Watch characters and perform the Yo-kai Exercise? You can buy character costumes like kigurumi at variety shops.
I’m sure the kids will join in and have a great time dancing, too!