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.
- [Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection
- A toddler sports day that gets everyone excited! A collection of fun parent-child game ideas
- Craft activity ideas that parents and children can enjoy together during a preschool observation day
- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- [Childcare] Play and games for 0-year-old babies: Fun developmental and educational activities
- [Parent-Child Rec] Recreational activities and games for parents and children to enjoy together—also great for sports days.
- Games that liven up social and networking gatherings
- Fun Parent-Child Games! A Collection of Ideas to Liven Up Your Nursery School Sports Day
- Indoor games for parents and children: fun activities that use the body and the mind
- Fun activities with newspaper! Recreation games kids will love
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
- Useful for childcare! Today’s recommended recreational activities, including fingerplay and games!
- Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas
Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare and parent–child observation days (31–40)
If you’re happy, clap your hands
The classic “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is perfect for parent-child interaction play.
As you sing, clap hands and pat cheeks or shoulders.
Since everyone knows the song, you can try it right away.
Of course, it’s fun not only for parents and children but also for grandparents and grandchildren, so give it a try when you visit your family home.
Sparkle-pop
Bursting into smiles! Here are some sparkling ideas from Kirakira-pon.
Many teachers may be unsure about parent–child events for infants under one year old.
How about making “parent–child bonding” the theme this time? Swaying gently to music and rhythms, and spending time in close contact can create a sense of comfort for both caregivers and children.
Since this will be the first sports day for these zero-year-old children, set the goal to encourage cheerful participation in a bright, enjoyable atmosphere.
Muscle Animal
Muscle Animals is a way for parents and kids to get moving together.
Because it involves lots of strength-based movements like holding and giving piggyback rides, it’s especially great for bonding with Dad! As a buff parent–child duo, you transform into various animal pairs like sea otters and hippos.
Depending on the animal, you might hold your child and spin around, jump up and down, and more—giving both parent and child a solid workout.
It’s packed with elements that make kids giggle with excitement, so you can enjoy it while staying active!
Kangaroo parent and child
Just like a kangaroo parent and child, snuggled in a pouch… There are tons of movements kids love—spinning around while being held, tickling, jumping, and giving big squeezes! Do this action song, and you’re sure to have parents and children laughing together in no time.
Why not play while singing together, getting along just like the “kangaroo parent and child”?
Daikon Game
Kids love a little thrilling make-believe, don’t they? In this “Daikon Game,” the children become daikon radishes, and if the grown-ups pull them out, they get eaten.
The kids lie face down and link hands tightly.
The adults wander around them saying, “I’m going to pull up the daikon!” and start pulling on their legs.
Even when their legs are being pulled, the kids should hold on tight and not let go of each other’s hands.
It’s also great because you can play without worrying too much about the number of players.
Story Finger
Let’s make a little family in the palm of your hand! Here’s an introduction to the fingerplay “Ohanashi Yubisan.” For children, family is a place of comfort and a precious source of love.
Let’s play together in a cheerful mood and see what kind of family members appear! In this fingerplay, the father, mother, older brother, older sister, and baby make an appearance.
Each one corresponds to a finger, so kids can have fun using their hands as they play.
For example, the father is the thumb, the mother is the index finger, the older brother is the middle finger, the older sister is the ring finger, and the baby is the pinky.
You use one finger at a time to act out each role—it’s a lot of fun!
Sushi sushi sushi
Here’s a fun bonding game perfect for parent–child events with 2–3-year-olds! “Osushi-sushi-sushi” is a playful activity where parents and children pretend to run a sushi shop together.
Sing a cheerful song, and when it’s “nigiri,” the child rides on the adult’s back; when it’s a “roll,” the adult gives the child a big hug.
It gets even more fun if you speed up the song and move more busily.
Try calling out the names of different kinds of sushi as you play together.
Older kindergarteners can enjoy it with their friends too!
Smiley woof-woof
A one-year-old who loves being held.
How about some activities they can do while being cuddled by their parents or guardians? Support the children’s bodies with your arms and gently rock them—like an elephant’s trunk swaying.
You could also try a game where, like a crane, you lift the children and have them grab a stuffed toy.
Another recommendation is to sit with the child on your lap and move your bodies to the song “Riding the Bus.” Through these activities, you’ll not only enjoy the games but also create warm moments of connection with the children.
Ball-collecting competition
Let’s incorporate activities that develop motor skills! Here are some ideas for a ball-collecting race.
There are likely many opportunities to use balls during exercise time.
By using familiar balls in competitions, children can develop their motor skills.
This time, we’re introducing a ball-collecting race that children can try together with parents or teachers, helping them build decision-making skills and quickness.
Competing while following rules can also provide a chance to learn social skills.
Be sure to give it a try!
wheelbarrow
A long-standing parent-child game: the wheelbarrow.
A wheelbarrow is a tool used for carrying things, with a wheel and handles that you push by hand—often used in farm work.
In this game, you imitate the shape of a wheelbarrow.
The child gets down on all fours on the floor, and an adult lifts the child’s ankles firmly from behind.
The child moves forward using only their hands, while the adult walks along, keeping pace with the child’s movements.
It’s a game that children will likely enjoy for its slightly acrobatic feel.