For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow
In February, when the chill still lingers, how about spending some joyful time with activities that warm both body and soul? We’ve gathered plenty of smile-bringing ideas that capture the unique seasonal feel of February—from games themed around Setsubun and Valentine’s Day, to exercises you can do while seated, and even “snowball fights” using newspaper.
These activities can spark nostalgic memories, naturally liven up conversations with those around you, and help you feel good by moving your body—offering lots of positive effects to look forward to.
Precisely because it’s a cold season, please enjoy heartwarming moments indoors with safe, fun activities!
- [For Seniors] Recommended Events for February: Fun Ideas to Fill Everyone with Smiles
- Recreation Ideas for Seniors: Perfect for Setsubun and Bean-Throwing Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- For Seniors: Wall Decorations to Brighten Up February — Festive Ideas for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, Plum Blossoms, and More
- [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 Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- [For Seniors] Recommended February Snack Activities: Easy, Enjoyable Sweet Treat Ideas
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! February-Themed Quiz
For Seniors: February Activities — Let's Enjoy Setsubun, Valentine's Day, and Snow (11–20)
Bean-picking game
This is a “bean-picking game” that also serves as training for older adults.
If you’re planning a bean-throwing event, why not organize this alongside it? The game involves moving beans with chopsticks, but using a spoon lowers the difficulty, making it easier for seniors to participate.
Set a time limit and compete to see who can pick up and move the most beans!
Setsubun bean-toss game
Here’s a recommended bean-toss game for February, when Setsubun takes place.
Attach images of ogres (oni) or related characters like Momotaro to some containers.
From a short distance, toss beanbags or ping-pong balls into the containers.
Each container has a point value, and landing a ball inside earns you those points.
It’s fun solo, but forming teams and competing makes it even more exciting.
Because beanbags and ping-pong balls are light, they’re easy for older adults to handle, and there’s little risk of injury if they’re dropped.
Calculating the scores together with older adults can also serve as brain training.
Ehomaki Game
When you hear “Ehomaki game,” what kind of image comes to mind? It’s a fun activity where you use wet towels as vinegared rice and colored construction paper as fillings and seaweed, then roll them up.
Older adults can join in easily, so everyone can enjoy it together with lots of lively chatter.
You can choose colorful fillings, get creative with how you roll, and really show your imagination.
Counting the finished Ehomaki is a moment filled with smiles.
It’s such a heartwarming time that you might forget the cold season altogether.
Snowball fight with newspaper
There may be many seniors who remember having snowball fights when they were children.
Here’s a game that can bring back those memories: a snowball fight-style activity.
Crumple up sheets of newspaper to make “snowballs,” and try to hit plastic bottles set up in the opponent’s territory.
The team that knocks down the most bottles wins.
If you play in small teams, it encourages cooperation and social interaction within the team.
Of course, you can also enjoy it as an individual competition without forming teams.
Having seniors crumple the newspaper helps them use their hands and fingers skillfully and can strengthen grip.
Because it uses fine finger movements, it also stimulates the brain and can have a brain-training effect.
Heart Fishing Game
Valentine’s Day is one of the big events in February, and heart motifs are a must-have, cheerful symbol for the occasion.
Let’s have participants try a game that fully incorporates those heart motifs to “reel in” their targets.
Attach heart shapes with clips to cans wrapped in paper, and have players catch them using a fishing rod with a magnet.
By varying the weight of the cans, the force required to lift them changes, helping players become more aware of controlling their strength.
Heart fishing
Fishing is a game that livens up any event! So why not give it a Valentine’s twist and have some fun? This time, you won’t be catching fish… but hearts! Wrap lightweight materials like plastic bottles or milk cartons with construction paper, decorate them, and attach a heart-shaped piece with a clip on top.
Fix a string and a magnet to your fishing rod, then catch the hearts by connecting to the clips.
Compete to see how many hearts you can catch within the time limit.
You can also assign point values to the hearts and battle for the highest score—it’s lots of fun!
For Seniors: February Activities. Get Excited with Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow (21–30)
Bean-Scattering Exercise Dance
This is a full-body exercise that lets you experience a Setsubun-themed story, inspired by bean-throwing to drive away demons.
Participants split into two roles—the person throwing beans and the demon receiving them—and imitate each character’s appearance and movements.
It’s important to include marching while seated, keeping a steady rhythm with the whole body, which helps turn it into a full-body workout.
When throwing beans, wear a smile as if inviting good fortune; when playing the demon, make a scary face that suggests mischief.
Focusing on facial expressions is also recommended to engage the facial muscles.