[For Seniors] Recommended Events for February: Fun Ideas to Fill Everyone with Smiles
February still brings lingering cold, but let’s hold events and get through it together with smiles and fun! When it comes to events that liven up February, the classics are Setsubun and Valentine’s Day.
There’s also Cat Day, Mount Fuji Day, and Kabuki Day.
Recreational activities that let you enjoy seasonal traditions with seniors create special moments that warm both heart and body.
From bean-throwing and heart-themed games to exercises full of seasonal flavor, we’ll introduce ideas packed with February-specific touches.
Move your mind and body, and enjoy a time filled with smiles.
- Recreation Ideas for Seniors: Perfect for Setsubun and Bean-Throwing Activities
- For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow
- [For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events
- [For Day Service Centers] February Craft Ideas: Decorations for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and the Feeling of Spring
- [For seniors] A handmade calendar you’ll want to make in February
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Valentine’s Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts
- [For Seniors] Recommended February Snack Activities: Easy, Enjoyable Sweet Treat Ideas
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [Day Service] Setsubun decorations that bring smiles. Ideas for enjoying them with a variety of materials.
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Setsubun Crafts! Handmade Ideas Using a Variety of Materials
- For Seniors: Wall Decorations to Brighten Up February — Festive Ideas for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, Plum Blossoms, and More
- [For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making
[For Seniors] Recommended Events for February: Fun Ideas That Bring Out Everyone’s Smiles (41–50)
Target practice for bean-throwing
Many people probably feel a bit hesitant about throwing beans directly at the person playing the ogre.
If that’s you, we recommend making an ogre target so you can drive it away without holding back! Cut three milk cartons to the same height and staple them together.
Attach a piece of thick paper with a drawing of an ogre to the back of the cartons so it faces forward, then cover the sides and front with paper to complete the target.
You can also dip the corner of a folded sheet of calligraphy paper in paint to make a pattern for the ogre’s pants and stick it onto the milk cartons for a neat finish.
Since the beans will land inside the cartons, cleaning up should be a bit easier, too.
Karaoke Contest
A karaoke contest is sure to be a hit as a recreational activity incorporated into seasonal events.
When holding a karaoke contest, it’s recommended to prepare equipment to play music and a monitor so the lyrics are easy to see.
If you ask in advance what songs people like, the event will run more smoothly on the day.
It’s also great to prepare handheld instruments like hand clappers, tambourines, and maracas to liven up the singing! Please keep an eye on everyone’s condition and have a fun karaoke contest.
Recommended for making and recreation! Demon Bowling
Bowling with cute little oni made from toilet paper rolls is a great craft that doubles as a fun recreation afterward! First, wrap origami paper around the toilet paper rolls.
Glue paper with your favorite pattern on the lower half to make the oni’s clothes.
Next, attach paper horns and yarn for hair.
You can draw the faces with a pen, too.
Make as many as you can and line them up on a table, then start the bowling game.
Roll up some paper, tape it with duct tape to make a ball, and try to knock down lots of oni!
A demon made by winding yarn
Here’s an easy craft idea for making an oni (demon) decoration.
Cut cardboard into a square and create the oni’s face.
Wrap the cut cardboard with your favorite yarn, such as blue or red.
Once you attach the facial features, the oni is complete.
You can display it on a decorative fan backing for a festive look, or paste it onto construction or colored paper for a lovely finish.
To give it a Setsubun feel, arrange holly leaves or plum blossoms around the oni for a lively atmosphere.
It’s also fun to make several Setsubun-themed parts together with older adults.
You can prepare the parts in advance, let them choose their favorites, and have them finish the piece in the style they like.
Etegami for Setsubun
One of the charms of brush-and-paint picture postcards is that you can freely combine text and images.
In February, how about drawing Setsubun motifs such as Otafuku, oni (demons), and the beans used for bean-throwing to invite good fortune? For Otafuku, give the cheeks plenty of volume and a cheerful smile; for oni, emphasize the horns and fangs to boost their impact.
If you can, finish by stamping a seal—such as one carved from an eraser—for a signature touch.
Even if you’re not skilled at drawing, that can actually add a charming, rustic feel, so anyone can try it with ease.
Cute origami oni wreath
When we think of Setsubun, we imagine scary ogres, but this time we’ll make a cute Setsubun wreath with origami.
We’ll create the base of the origami wreath; the steps aren’t complicated, so it’s easy for seniors to try.
Since you’ll be making several identical base parts, it becomes easier once you master how to fold one.
After the wreath base is complete, prepare parts related to Setsubun, such as oni (ogres), Otafuku, and holly leaves.
You can make the parts together with seniors, or use ready-made items sold at 100-yen shops.
Even seniors who find it hard to sense the seasons may be able to feel February through the crafting process and by displaying the Setsubun wreath on the wall.
Cat accessories
When you think of cats in winter, you probably picture them curled up inside a kotatsu, spending time with people in a warm room.
Cats that seek out cozy spots are also perfect as motifs for winter crafts, when the cold is harsh.
If you make a cat motif in the shape of a small container, you can use it in many ways—like holding beans for Setsubun or chocolates for Valentine’s Day.
Carefully layering the folds to create a gap and a bottom for holding items, and using the reverse side as the color for the ears, are key points for achieving a cute look.
