February: Liven up childcare! A collection of ideas for indoor play and physical activities
February brings plenty of seasonal events—like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day—even at daycare centers and kindergartens.
But when the cold days continue, there are many days when you can’t go outside.
That’s when activities that let children move their bodies freely indoors and recreations that incorporate winter’s unique seasonal feel come in handy.
From exercise games with an oni-slaying theme and traditional “kenken sumo” to ideas that let you enjoy a snowy play mood indoors, we’ll introduce lots of games perfect for February.
The content is enjoyable for infants through preschoolers, so please use it as a reference!
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- Make childcare more fun with winter quizzes! Seasonal ideas to get kids excited
[February] Liven up childcare! A collection of indoor play and movement activity ideas (31–40)
Valentine mobile
Valentine’s Day, with all its excitement, is an important event in February! Let’s make a mobile to brighten up and celebrate the day.
A mobile is a type of decoration where you hang various items using thread or wire.
Since it’s for Valentine’s Day, the things you hang should, of course, be Valentine-themed! Try making hearts and chocolates out of construction paper or origami and hang them up.
Using colors commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, like red and brown, will make it feel even more festive.
It’s an easy craft that even young children can enjoy, so it’s highly recommended!
Treasure Hunt Game
How about an easy indoor activity—a treasure hunt game? It’s a simple game where you hide a treasure somewhere in the house and search for it.
If you make the prize a snack, kids might love it.
Be sure to hide it somewhere they can reach.
Hand-push sumo
When it comes to games you can enjoy easily without any preparation, hand-pushing sumo is a classic.
You face off without moving your feet and only push with your hands.
If you lose your balance and even take a single step, you lose.
Timing when to relax your arms and using feints are key.
Once you get the hang of it, even kids can beat adults.
Mukkuri Kuma-san
Here’s a game called “Mukkuri Kuma-san” that both kids and teachers can enjoy together.
The rules are very simple: the teacher plays the bear and pretends to sleep.
The children sing as they quietly approach the sleeping bear.
When the song ends, the bear wakes up and jumps to their feet, and the children run away.
The teacher playing the bear chases the children.
The child who gets caught becomes the next bear.
For children who don’t understand the rules, it may help to teach them slowly and carefully while demonstrating each step.
Red Light, Green Light
Let’s play by adding new rules! Here are some ideas for Daruma-san ga Koronda.
Daruma-san ga Koronda is a traditional Japanese game played with one child as “it” (the oni) and the other children as players.
The oni turns around while saying, “Daruma-san ga koronda.” The participants can move forward until the oni finishes saying “Daruma-san ga koronda,” but the moment the oni turns around, the participants must freeze.
By customizing this rule with elements like balance beams, hula hoops, or balls, you can keep the game fresh and fun.
[February] Liven Up Your Childcare! A Collection of Indoor Play & Physical Activity Ideas (41–50)
Sand play with handmade moon sand
When it’s cold, kids inevitably end up playing indoors more.
Even if they want to play at the park or in the sandbox, the weather can make everything muddy, or it’s just too chilly to go out.
But with homemade moon sand, they can easily enjoy sand play indoors! Also known as kinetic sand, it has a mysterious, satisfying texture perfect for indoor play.
The ingredients are very simple—just flour and baby oil.
If you want to add color, prepare some food coloring.
Since all the materials are safe to touch, kids can play with peace of mind.
Snow play eurhythmics
Here’s a recommendation for a “Snow Play Eurhythmics” activity that’s perfect for chilly January days.
Let’s enjoy it together with the children using pretend play set to the classic winter song “Yuki” (Snow)! By moving their whole bodies, kids will warm up both physically and mentally.
First, tear newspaper into pieces to pretend it’s snow.
Next, play with the newspaper snow to the melody and rhythm of the song “Yuki.” Just like playing outside in real snow, you can have a snowball fight or make snowmen using the newspaper! It’s also great for helping children relieve stress, so why not give it a try?
