Indoor games that different ages can enjoy! Ideas for fun everyone can get excited about together

Balance game

It’s a balance game you often see on TV.

You don’t need any equipment, so it’s very simple and gets everyone excited.

All you do is close your eyes on the spot, stand on one leg, and compete to see who can last the longest.

As examples of special rules to balance age differences: for younger children, have them close just one eye instead of both; for older kids, place a hula hoop on the floor and they lose if they step outside it; or give younger children a time handicap.

It’s also easy for seniors, making it a fun activity for community events like senior gatherings.

Regardless of age, it’s reassuring to have someone stand by each participant to catch them if they start to fall.

Rhythm Play

Rhythm Play (Imitation Edition)

Let’s enjoy a “rhythm play” that will get your body moving naturally! Tap your knees twice—ton, ton—and then clap your hands once in front of your chest—pan.

To the rhythm of “ton-ton-pan,” the leader changes the “pan” part and names a body part.

For example, “ton-ton head,” “ton-ton butt,” etc.

Everyone else taps their knees twice and then touches the body part the leader names.

Try to keep up with the rhythm without falling behind! As a fun variation, the leader can say an animal name like “ton-ton monkey!” and everyone can imitate its sound, such as “ton-ton ook-kee!” That would be entertaining too.

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hiyoko sensei

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Ball Battle

Build decision-making skills through play! Here’s a ball battle game idea.

For children, decision-making is an essential skill in everyday life and learning.

By developing the ability to think things through and choose, and to act appropriately based on the situation, they grow more independent and learn to think and make decisions on their own.

This time, let’s nurture decision-making skills while playing a ball battle game.

Pair up in twos and face each other; place some colored balls between you and you’re ready to go! If you lose rock-paper-scissors, run away quickly; if you win, watch your opponent’s movements and throw a ball.

Give it a try!

gomudan

Gomdan

Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).

First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.

Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.

Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.

Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.

Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.

Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.

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hiyoko sensei

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Ring Relay

Here are two ideas for ring relay games.

What you need to prepare are markers for the start and finish lines.

In the first game, each person crawls under the feet of the person in front, then quickly stands up and spreads their legs to form a tunnel, connecting all the way to the finish.

In the second game, players form pairs to make a ring, and the next person in line crawls through as they all move toward the finish.

The key point is that neither game can be completed by a single person.

It’s also fun to compete by team!

Eurhythmics

Mixed-age Eurhythmics (ヽ(*´∀｀)ノ)

“Eurhythmics” is a fun way to move your body to music and develop expressive skills in time with the rhythm.

Kids love activities like running and imitating animal movements.

While it’s often done with children of the same age, mixed-age eurhythmics is also recommended.

Younger children feel motivated, thinking, “I want to do it like the older kids,” and older children gain confidence by being looked up to.

You should be mindful of differences in body size, but do try enjoying it together!

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sasashina

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Rolling Dodgeball

@toiro_efilagroup

Do you know “Korokoro Dodgeball”?After-school day service#toiro#Kanagawa PrefectureAndanteChildcare Worker

♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day

Let me introduce Rolling Dodgeball, a game where you roll the ball instead of throwing it.

The rules are similar to regular dodgeball, but players are split into inside and outside groups, and the ball is rolled to keep the game going.

If an inside player is hit by a ball rolled by someone on the outside, they move to the outside and join their team’s attack from there.

It can also be fun to decide the winner by counting how many players remain inside at the end.

Unlike regular dodgeball, this version uses a soft ball, so you can play safely.

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mayumi

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