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.
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Recommended activities for childcare in February: Ideas to enjoy seasonal events (21–30)
A demon target-shooting game where the artwork changes!
Here’s how to make a target that changes from a strong ogre to a crying one.
First, tape a piece of cardboard to the top half of an empty box that will serve as the base.
In this state, draw a picture of a strong ogre.
Think of drawing the body on the lower box and the face on the upper cardboard.
Then flip up the cardboard, and this time draw the body on the lower cardboard and the crying ogre’s face on the upper box.
Once you’re done drawing, put the cardboard back up and secure it with a stopper.
By swapping the positions of the cardboard, the ogre illustration changes.
bean container box
Let’s make a little box for beans with origami! First, fold the paper in half into a square twice, crease well, then unfold back to the original.
Next, fold all four corners to the center (a “zabuton” fold), then fold the left and right edges to the center and crease.
Now, open the paper back up, leaving only the top and bottom corners folded.
This time, fold the top and bottom edges to the center, crease, and unfold.
With the creasing complete, fold in the left and right sides so that the central square becomes the bottom, forming the box shape.
Try using origami with patterns you like, and decorate with stickers to make it unique!
ogre mask
Here’s a craft idea for making an oni using paper plates and yarn.
If adults prepare the face and horn parts in advance, even small children can enjoy it.
First, paint the paper plate with your favorite paints.
Since it will be the oni’s face, red or blue are classics.
Once the paint dries, glue horns and yarn at the top to represent the hair.
Finally, attach the face parts and it’s done! It’s also fun to create the face with crayon resist art.
Let the children freely place each part on purpose, so they can fully express their individuality.
Fun snow play in your room!
How about enjoying some snow play indoors? You can make “snow” by cutting thin paper like tissue or flower paper into small pieces.
The floor will turn completely white, and every movement will send fluffy flakes dancing—kids are sure to be thrilled! You can even make snowmen: stick double-sided tape on crumpled newspaper and roll it over the paper snow to collect it.
Add round stickers for eyes, and attach a construction-paper carrot nose and a bucket, and you’ll have a row of cute, wintry snowmen decorating the room.
Pack in lots of ideas that kids will love and have a blast with plenty of snow play!
Setsubun balance game toy
@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 the “Setsubun Balance Game,” which helps kids develop their sense of balance while having fun! It’s easy to make: add two fold lines to a paper plate to create a wobbly base.
It’s a good idea to tape the plate so it doesn’t open back up.
Decorate the paper plate with construction paper and crayons, and make the pieces to place on top using printed oni (demon) materials.
You can also use bottle caps or sponges as substitutes, or draw your own illustrations on construction paper.
This game trains fine motor skills and balance, making it a great educational activity for children!
Let’s defeat the demon with a ball!
February is still full of chilly days, so let’s get moving and play indoors! This Setsubun game involves defeating the oni (ogre) by throwing balls at it.
Ideally, the target oni is made in separate parts—head, torso, and left and right legs—and then assembled.
It’s fun because the way it falls changes depending on where you hit it: hit the head and only the head might drop; hit the torso and the whole thing might topple over.
When it’s knocked down, set it back up and try again and again.
Cheer each other on—“You can do it!”—and work together with friends to defeat the oni.
It’s a great way to build cooperation and learn the importance of steady, persistent effort.
Fun Oni (Demon) Games for Infant Classes
Try fun oni-themed games that capture the Setsubun season: “Mame Korogashi,” where you roll up a newspaper into a ball and roll it around; “Mame-maki,” where you throw newspaper ‘beans’ at an oni face or its pants; “Pak-kun Oni Golf,” where you aim balls into a cardboard target; and “Oni Balloon Play,” using balloons decorated with many oni faces.
Do a warm-up with the Oni’s Pants dance, then start the games—pick whichever activities interest you.
Playing with toys made by you or by older students from other classes sparks curiosity and fosters a sense of achievement and self-esteem.
Feel free to use these ideas and bring Setsubun play into your activities.