Play activities recommended for childcare in February: ideas to enjoy seasonal events
February, when the cold really sets in, is a time when snow play and indoor activities tend to get lively.
There are also many seasonal events like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day, so some of you may be looking for ideas children will love.
In this article, we’ve gathered games and recreational activities perfect for early childhood care in February.
We’ll introduce a wide range—from activities you can take your time with indoors to ones that get kids moving actively.
Hands-on play and games can also spark children’s imagination and help their ideas flourish.
We hope you’ll find these recommended activities for the chilly season helpful.
Recommended activities for childcare in February: Ideas to enjoy seasonal events (1–10)
Perfect for Setsubun! Oni-themed fingerplay
We’d like to introduce a fun Oni hand game, “I’m an Oni!”—perfect for Setsubun events and performances.
In this game, children pretend to be an oni, using their hands to show its strength and distinctive features like horns and shaggy hair.
At the end, they make a face showing they’re startled by the bean-throwing, shouting “Eek!” Encourage kids to pull down the corners of their eyes to look pitiful, or to squish their cheeks with both hands—let them express themselves freely.
It’s sure to be a lovely time as the children laugh at each other’s faces.
Even kids who find oni scary might enjoy Setsubun with this hand game.
Setsubun Eurhythmics
Eurhythmics that nurture children’s expressiveness and concentration.
We move our bodies and play to the music.
We’re introducing two songs perfect for Setsubun: “Sotto ne” (“Quietly”) and “Mame-maki Pon-pon.” In “Sotto ne,” walk slowly so you don’t wake the ogre, and in “Mame-maki Pon-pon,” throw beans at the ogre.
When the music stops, freeze, and next, follow the teacher’s color cues to throw beans at the red ogre and the blue ogre.
While enjoying eurhythmics, you can even drive away scary ogres!
Demon-slaying with paper cups!
Let’s try making a jumping ogre craft that springs into the air! You’ll need two paper cups, two rubber bands, and construction paper to draw the ogre’s face.
First, make four slits on the rim of one paper cup—top, bottom, left, and right.
About 1 cm deep is fine.
Hook two rubber bands into the slits so they form a cross.
Secure the bands with tape so they don’t come off.
Next, draw your favorite ogre face on the construction paper, cut it out with scissors, and attach it to the paper cup with the rubber bands.
Finally, draw the ogre’s body on the second paper cup.
Place the body cup upside down with the bottom facing up, then fit the rubber-band cup over it from above and press down firmly.
When you release, the ogre’s head will spring—boing!—into the air.
How to Make a Bean-Counting Game
A bean-toss game like basketball.
If you’re looking for a bean-throwing game that doesn’t involve scattering real beans—which are a pain to clean up and take up space—this activity is perfect.
Cut open one side of a milk carton and cover the outside with colored construction paper.
Fold the opened flap and secure it with vinyl tape.
Make horns and head parts from construction paper, attach them to paper cups, and draw an ogre’s face.
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the paper cups, so it’s good to make several in different sizes.
Glue a plastic bottle cap to the bottom of the milk carton to create an incline, make your “beans,” and you’re done.
The feeling when a bean lands in the goal is sure to be addictive!
3 fun activities with yarn
Winter is a season when the weather is unstable and infectious illnesses tend to spread, so kids end up spending more time playing indoors.
Some children may miss playing outside, but why not take this opportunity to try some crafting this winter? We’ll introduce three activities: making yarn bracelets, making yarn pom-poms, and knitting using a milk carton.
The bracelets are made with finger knitting, and the pom-poms are created by wrapping yarn around a U-shaped piece of cardboard.
Give these winter craft projects a try to help nurture children’s creativity.
A toilet paper roll core transforms into a fearsome oni!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTcsGHVj5BO/Let’s make a warm and charming oni (ogre) using a toilet paper roll and felt.
First, wrap the toilet paper roll with felt and glue it in place.
Then use faux fur as hair, and attach facial parts and horns made from felt.
Using pearls for the eyes and cheeks will boost the cuteness and add a festive touch.
The key to this idea is layering yellow and brown felt, twisting them to create the pants.
It would also look cute if you use non-traditional colors.
A demon biting into an ehomaki
Ehomaki rolls are eaten to ward off misfortune and invite good fortune.
This lucky charm comes with a unique idea: an ogre—considered a symbol of evil spirits during Setsubun and driven away with beans—takes a big bite! Make it by dividing it into parts for the head, fangs, body, and the ehomaki, then assemble them later into a single design.
Creating it in the original size might be challenging, so try using larger origami paper.
Once finished, it can also be used as a wall decoration, instantly bringing a festive Setsubun atmosphere to the space.