Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare settings and at parent–child observation days.
Activities that let parents and children interact are always a hit at nursery and kindergarten observation days, as well as at community support centers where families gather.
“Interactive play” is a great way to communicate and build physical closeness with your child.
By engaging with adults, children feel secure and discover how fun it is to play together.
That said, many people may not be sure what kinds of interactive games to play with their children.
In this article, we’ll introduce parent–child interactive activities that are sure to bring smiles to kids’ faces.
No special tools or preparation are needed, and there are plenty of quick games you can enjoy in short moments—so try incorporating them into your daily routine and enjoy quality time together.
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Parent-child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare and parent-child observation days (1–10)
Chochi chochi awawa.
The traditional nursery rhyme “Chochi-chochi Awawa,” which even babies from 0 years old can enjoy, can be played with your child whether they’re lying down or sitting up! In time with the lyrics, you can gently touch their head or hold their hands and rotate them in circles—simple movements that feel very soothing.
As you play it repeatedly, your child will start to anticipate the next actions, shift their gaze accordingly, and even begin moving their hands and feet to the song.
Be sure to include it in your parent-child bonding play, and keep enjoying it at home too!
One-bridge tickle-tickle
It’s a hand-play song called “Ippon-bashi Kocho-Kocho” that even little kids can enjoy.
It’s a partner hand game: one person holds out a hand, and the other pretends that arm is a bridge and ‘crosses’ it.
You hold the arm and ask, “May I cross this single-plank bridge?” and the rule is the other answers, “Sure, go ahead.” Even though they say yes, once you finish crossing the ‘bridge’—the arm—you get tickled a lot.
Some kids start laughing just from hearing the word “kocho-kocho” (tickle), don’t they? (lol)
Mochi pounding, pettan!
Mochitsuki Pettan is an easy game even toddlers can enjoy, so it’s recommended for anyone with young children in elementary school or younger.
The content is very simple: first, do some squats in time with the music, and at just the right moment, scoop the child up for a playful “chomp!” hug.
If you can play the piano, it could be a good chance to learn together with your child.
Of course, just singing is enough to make it fun, so it’s a game you can play anywhere.
Parent–child interactive play: Fun activities popular in childcare and parent–child observation days (11–20)
Play Park Together
How about the lively, high-energy song “Let’s Play at the Park Together”? It’s a parent-and-child exercise routine set at a play park, where you get to enjoy moves inspired by a crane game and bowling.
Each movement is super fun, and it’s sure to fill both kids and caregivers with lots of smiles! Since the destination keeps changing, you’ll feel excited wondering, “Where are we going next?” as you move along.
It wraps up with a high-lift (takai-takai) that kids love.
Try adding this fun-packed routine to your activities!
Chikuchiku Bonbon
Let me introduce a recommended interactive play activity from Keropons, famous for parent-child play you can enjoy together! In “Chiku Chiku Bon Bon,” you say the time while singing and dancing, then hold hands and jump that many times to move and play.
It’s perfect not only for parent–child events in childcare settings, but also for snack time or mealtime, helping kids learn time and numbers through play.
It’s a song you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors, so have fun getting excited with parent and child, or even just among kids!
whirly washing machine
Guruguru Sentakuki is a bonding game where parents and children happily do the “laundry” together—washing and hanging it to dry.
Following the lyrics, you make motions like washing, wringing, hanging, and folding the laundry.
You keep your hands joined for every action, which creates a strong sense of togetherness.
Between each movement, you spin to the rhythm while holding hands.
If this game sparks an interest in laundry, your child might start helping out later on! It makes you look forward to the day you’ll do housework together.
all over each other; stuck together; clingy
This game called “Hittsuki Mottsuki” is a play activity where children attach a specified body part to an adult.
The most common spot is probably the hands, but it sounds fun to call out harder-to-stick places too.
The song is rhythmic and enjoyable, and it’s one of those games that naturally encourages physical contact.
It’s also great to play with friends.
