Lovely Play & Recreation

Indoor games for parents and children: fun activities that use the body and the mind

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

We’ve gathered indoor games that parents and children can enjoy together.

These include traditional hand-play songs and play rhymes you can do without any equipment, as well as active movement games that let kids use their whole bodies.

It’s a rich collection perfect for parent–child activities in preschools and elementary schools, and for everyday play at home!

If you’re looking for “simple activities that help kids and adults connect,” please feel free to use this as a reference.

Have a blast—kids will be thrilled!

And for adults, it’s a great way to get some much-needed exercise!

Indoor games for parents and children: Fun activities using the body and mind (51–60)

Psychological rock-paper-scissors

@cocoskip ♪ Original song – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪ – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪

A new twist on invisible rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for psychological rock-paper-scissors.

In this game, you face each other with a wall between you so neither can see the other’s hand.

Talk it out with lines like, “I’m throwing ___,” or “Are you throwing ___?” and try to guess what your opponent is showing.

You can change your throw until the time limit is up.

When time’s up, who’s winning? It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding way to play.

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Cleaning battle with uchiwa fans

Vol.13 “Cleaning Showdown with Paper Cups and Uchiwa Fans” — 3-Minute Guide: At-Home Play Series

Cleaning battle with uchiwa fans

Fan paper cups with a uchiwa and have a cleaning showdown! Put a tape mark in the center of the table and place paper cups evenly all over.

Once you’re standing by on both sides holding your uchiwa, start at the “Ready, go!” signal and fan from a low position to push the paper cups into your opponent’s territory.

The player with fewer cups left in their own territory at the end wins! The key is to fan as if you’re slapping the uchiwa against the table.

It could be even more fun if everyone draws pictures on the paper cups beforehand and you play with colorful cups.

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Spinning Mat Demon

Swirling Mat Tag for 3-year-olds: simple rules, high intensity, and super exciting! Worth trying even for elementary school kids 🐜

Spinning Mat Demon

For a high-intensity mat activity, we recommend “Guruguru Mat Tag.” In this game, you line up mats lengthwise and move around them imitating animals, like a game of tag.

The tagger stands outside the circle and gives a signal.

At the signal, the people inside the circle hide part of their body under the mat.

The rule is that until they finish hiding, they might get caught by the tagger.

Enjoy the fun of pretending to be animals and the thrill of possibly being caught.

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Hide-and-seek

[Serious Hide-and-Seek] Playing hide-and-seek at home was way too fun

Hide-and-seek

One game everyone has played: hide-and-seek.

Little kids love hide-and-seek, don’t they? It’s a fun game with the thrill of “Can you really hide there?” and the excitement of worrying you might be found.

It’s a classic, and while it’s great to hide in big spaces like parks, playing in familiar places—like at home—can be just as fun.

There are fewer hiding spots, but that actually makes it more exciting.

When it comes to playing indoors, adults might be at a bit of a disadvantage (lol).

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hopscotch

Let’s compete in Japanese and global Kenkenpa (hopscotch)!! himawari-CH

hopscotch

Hopscotch—parents might find themselves getting nostalgic and jumping in, too! When we were kids, we’d draw the course with chalk on the asphalt in front of the house.

You can also enjoy it indoors using masking tape or foam mats.

As you chant “Ken-ken-pa!” you hop on one foot, land with both feet, and aim for the goal, keeping the rhythm and not making mistakes.

If you lose the rhythm or step outside the course, you’re out.

Try different variations like time trials and have fun!

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