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 (21–30)
The tickle-tickle train is coming
“The Tickle-Tickle Train Is Coming” is a bonding game where you seat a child on your lap, sing, and tickle different spots depending on where the train is headed.
It combines kids’ love of trains with playful tickling—sure to delight any child! They’ll be excited wondering, “Where will the next train stop?” and anticipating where they’ll be tickled.
For infants and toddlers, you can place them on your lap; for preschoolers, it might be fun to chase, catch, and tickle them as you play!
Parent and child on a merry-go-round
Hold hands firmly with your child and spin around and around like a merry-go-round.
As long as you keep a solid grip, your child may even lift lightly off the ground, making it a thrilling and fun time.
It’s also a play activity that can build trust, as your child relies on you while you hold on tightly.
Depending on your child’s size, another recommended method is to slide your hands under their arms, lift them, and then spin.
Watch carefully and spin at a safe pace to avoid injuries.
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”?
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!
Parent-child exercises: Top 10 animal-themed activities
In this parent-child exercise, you and your child work together to represent animals with your bodies! Some animal poses require strength, so it’s recommended for children from preschool age and for a strong dad as the accompanying adult.
Kids love riding on their parents—like playing horsey or getting a shoulder ride.
It can be a bit tough for dads, but please give it a try together with your child.
Some poses, like an elephant where the child sits on your arms to make the trunk, are difficult, so enjoy it within a safe, comfortable range without pushing yourselves.
Using a mat underneath will make it safer and more enjoyable.
Wanna go to the hot spring?
Parent-child events held at nurseries and kindergartens are some of the most exciting activities! Here’s a fun interaction dance that both children and their guardians can enjoy during classroom visits, too.
“Shall We Get in the Hot Springs?” by Rocket Crayon lets families enjoy bonding time by pretending to enter different hot springs and moving to match each one.
It has a great rhythm and is a lot of fun, so it’s perfect for parent-child recreation events.
For older preschoolers, it’s also a hit when the children dance together.
We highly recommend it—be sure to try it at your next parent-child communication activity!
Mr. Goldfish and Mr. Medaka
Let’s enjoy a beloved picture book story through a finger-play activity! Here’s an introduction to the finger play for “Mr.
Goldfish and Mr.
Medaka.” Let’s express this fun picture book—where the goldfish and the medaka do energetic exercises with humorous movements—through hand motions! The way the goldfish and the medaka swim is different, and each one’s characteristics are charmingly expressed through cute choreography and lyrics.
Kids are sure to get excited by these comical moves! Be sure to incorporate it into your activities.