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 at daycare and parent–child observation days (41–50)
Churippu sharippu
Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.
There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.
It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.
Be sure to try it in your activities.
Parent-child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare and parent-child observation days (51–60)
Knock knock knock knock, Grandpa with a beard
Clench your hands and let’s play! We’re introducing the hand game “Ton ton ton ton Hige Jiisan.” Many parents and teachers have loved this game since they were little, so it might sound familiar to you, too.
Try playing it with children! It’s fun to clench your hands to the rhythm and transform into different grandpas as you play.
Through the game, kids can develop a sense of rhythm and hand-movement coordination—that’s a key benefit! There’s also a version featuring Anpanman characters that really gets everyone excited.
Be sure to give it a try!
sticker burr
Let me introduce “Kutsuki-Mushi,” a parent-child bonding game you can enjoy from birth.
Gently hold your baby and sing the little song “Kutsuki-Mushi” while you play together! Your baby’s smile is sure to melt your heart.
Through this play, the parent-child bond deepens, and your baby will feel safe and secure.
You’ll also spend a wonderful time nurturing your baby’s movements and sense of rhythm.
Enjoy the fun interaction and create precious memories with your little one.
mountain climbing
“Mountain climbing” is a fun activity that helps improve your child’s physical abilities.
By doing this activity, children can easily train the balance and core strength needed for sports, so if you want to encourage your child to do well in sports, definitely give it a try.
It does require a certain level of muscle strength and stamina, so don’t push too hard at first—practice gradually until they can do it comfortably.
High mountains, low mountains
Let us introduce “Takai Yama Hikui Yama,” a song that parents and children can enjoy together! With this song, you can have fun interacting by using hand motions that match the lyrics.
While expressing tall mountains and low mountains, you move your bodies to the rhythm as a parent-child pair.
In the video, you can see parents and children playing together with smiles, creating heartwarming moments.
Through hand-play, children can learn words and rhythm.
For a fun bonding time, be sure to move your hands together and enjoy it!
Lots of love
“Lots of Love” is a rhythm game that parents and children can enjoy together, or kids can play with each other.
Clap each other’s hands in time with the music and give hugs.
Even children who feel shy about being held usually accept it as part of a music game.
And of course, when kids play together, it’s a great way to nurture friendship.
Jungle Guruguru
We’d like to introduce some fun, hands-on play activities that get everyone moving—perfect for daycare events, parents and children, and kids playing together! “Jungle Guruguru” is recommended for its adventurous jungle-themed song and lively choreography.
The lyrics feature rivers, animals, and tunnels one after another, and the full-body movements—like crawling through tunnels—make it feel like you’re really exploring the jungle.
Give it a try and see how far you can venture into the jungle! It’s enjoyable not only for kids but also for adults, so why not dive into the jungle world together with the children?