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: Get Excited with Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow (1–10)
Ehomaki Catching Game
It’s a game where you catch and retrieve fake ehomaki using a frame attached to strings.
Think of it like goldfish scooping.
Because the ehomaki are round and tend to roll away, they don’t easily stay inside the frame.
So you’ll need to reel the frame in with the strings and throw your arm out repeatedly.
You can play it while seated, but it still engages your whole body and makes for good exercise.
After working up a sweat by seeing how many you can pull in within the time limit, be sure to enjoy some real ehomaki!
A game where you can get candy in the shape of an ogre’s iron club if you drop it
It says “a game where you get candy if you knock it off an ogre’s club,” but the rules are the same as ring toss.
The target, designed to look like a spiked club, has candy attached to it, and if your ring lands on the target and the candy falls off, you get to keep it.
It’s a fun idea because you enjoy the ring toss itself and there are prizes, too.
It’s also recommended as a game to enjoy with your grandchild.
You can easily make the target and rings with materials like thick paper, construction paper, origami paper, and toilet paper rolls, so be sure to make them and give it a try.
Setsubun Quiz
This is a video that compiles quizzes themed around Setsubun.
It covers topics such as the phrase used to drive away demons, knowledge about beans, and the foods eaten during Setsubun.
It’s a great opportunity to rediscover the tradition of Setsubun through quizzes.
Of course, many older adults may already be familiar with much of the content, but there may be things you didn’t know before or misconceptions you’ve had.
Take this chance to enjoy the quizzes and check your understanding of Setsubun.
It also provides simple explanations.
Demon Balance Game
@chooobo2 Balance game 👹 This material will be distributed via an Instagram subscription ✨ You can also play by stacking plastic bottle caps or sponges 🌼Made in FebruarySetsubun craftSetsubun#HandmadeToyspaper plate#AtHomePlayPaper Plate Craft
Oria – niKu
Let’s try playing a Setsubun balance game where you place little ogres (oni) on a base made from a paper plate.
The base is shaped like a semicircle, so each time you add an oni it wobbles, keeping players on edge.
Players take turns placing oni, and whoever causes the balance to tip and makes the oni fall loses.
This game is easy to make with just a paper plate and a single sheet of paper printed with oni illustrations.
Fold the paper plate in half, then add parallel creases to the left and right of the center fold to fix it into a semicircle.
For the oni, print the illustrations on paper, cut them into strips, and fold them into rectangular shapes.
Bean-throwing season’s “Hit, Put On, Rock-Paper-Scissors, Pon!”
‘Whack-a-Helmet Rock-Paper-Scissors’ is a game everyone played as a kid.
You play rock-paper-scissors; the winner tries to whack the loser on the head, and the loser tries to block it before getting hit.
People often use a squeaky toy hammer as the striking tool, but to get into the Setsubun spirit, let’s try using an oni’s club instead.
Of course, it’s just a soft, inflatable club, so there’s no need to worry about injuries.
Even so, just in case, the loser should defend themselves with a cushion or a helmet.
The first person to land a hit on their opponent wins.
Oni-Knockdown Game
On Setsubun, many people still follow the old custom of throwing beans.
For February’s Setsubun, how about leveling up from bean-throwing with an “Oni Knockdown Game”? Laminate an illustration of an ogre (oni), stick it onto a plastic bottle filled with salt water, and use it as a target.
The salt water helps preserve it, so give it a try.
You’ll throw a relatively heavy beanbag at the targets, making it a bit of light exercise, too.
February is a time of harsh cold, and muscles tend to stiffen up.
Let’s liven things up with a recreation that combines a fun game and some movement.
Setsubun Candy-Grabbing Game
Even older adults might feel like kids again when they hear they can get candy, don’t you think? In this game, you use a tool with rings attached to a string to catch the candies placed on a mat and pull them toward you.
It’s a game you can play while seated, but since you throw the ring and reel the string in using your arms and upper body, it’s simple yet gives you some exercise.
Wearing an oni (demon) hat or mask while throwing might make it even more exciting.
Gather some nostalgic dagashi (old-time Japanese snacks) and give it a try!