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)
Bean-throwing play with empty boxes
How about a bean-throwing game idea that turns an empty box you’d normally throw away into a fun toy? It’s perfect for indoor play in February.
Fix the box lid upright with duct tape or similar so it stands vertically.
Line the bottom of the box with colored construction paper, and stick a paper-made oni (demon) face and pants on the inside of the lid.
For hair, use small pieces of colorful origami paper for a fun look.
Using shiny, reflective origami will also get kids excited.
Make paper balls by crumpling origami, then throw them at the oni.
If they land inside the box, you win!
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!
Recommended February childcare activities: Ideas to enjoy seasonal events (31–40)
Roll it! Throw it! Demon-slaying
Here’s an idea that lets kids move their bodies—throwing or rolling toward a target—while also enjoying a seasonal event.
Prepare five plastic bottles, some string, and origami paper, and make ogre (oni) faces with the origami.
It’s more fun with a variety of colors, so let them choose their favorites.
Encourage them to draw freely—smiling, angry, or crying faces—so their individuality can shine.
Attach string to each ogre face and secure it to a plastic bottle by fixing it under the cap, and you’re done.
Roll or throw a ball to knock down the plastic-bottle pins.
Making toys fosters imagination and gives a sense of accomplishment.
Above all, kids will feel attached to what they’ve made and learn to value their belongings.
Colorful Oni Made with Balloons
Here’s an ogre craft idea made by sticking face and horn parts cut from construction paper, plus yarn hair, onto inflated balloons.
Prepare colorful balloons, have an adult inflate them and tie the necks.
After your ogres are finished, you can tie string to the balloon necks and hang them from the ceiling as decorations.
If you treat the hanging ogres like targets, you can enjoy bean-throwing; try making “beans” out of newspaper and have fun.
Use balloons in a variety of colors to express your own unique ogres.
Oni Target-Throwing Game
For Setsubun in February, why not make a demon target game? A roly-poly-style demon target is fun to hit, and it’s also fun to watch it spring back upright.
Since it rights itself on its own, you can play over and over—this is the key appeal of the game! Prepare a capsule from a capsule toy, oil-based clay, a bamboo skewer, and two copies of a demon illustration.
Pack the oil-based clay into the clear half of the capsule.
Make a hole in the lid, pass the bamboo skewer through it, and attach the demon illustration.
You can print an illustration or draw your own.
Combine three thinly cut pieces of paper tube to make beans, and your “ball” is ready.
Enjoy February with this indoor, absorbing demon target game!
Demon-slaying pretend play
Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy a demon-slaying pretend play using familiar scrap materials? This time, let’s play with toilet paper rolls.
Make balls by crumpling newspaper.
Secure any parts that stick out with tape.
Cover the toilet paper rolls with construction paper to resemble oni (demons).
Use any color you like for the face, and of course make the pants yellow! Attach hair and horns, then draw patterns on the face and pants to finish.
Enjoy “Oni Bowling” by throwing the newspaper balls to knock them down.
Making lots of oni and stacking them up is fun too.
There are also ideas using cardboard and balloon-based demon-slaying games, so be sure to check those out for inspiration.
Production that can also create a demon-slaying game
Here’s a two-in-one idea that’s fun for both crafting and play: an oni (ogre) bean-throwing game for Setsubun.
Cut solid-color or patterned origami paper and glue it onto a paper tube.
Using various patterns and colors will make it bright and cute.
Make horns with gold origami, and crumple tissue paper to create hair and attach it.
Draw the face with colored pens, and make “beans” from tissue paper to finish.
Both the crafting process and playing with your own creation will make wonderful memories.
It’s also great that you can make it with items from a 100-yen shop or with recycled materials—give it a try!