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)
Crawling through a cardboard tunnel
Here’s an idea for a fun, active tunnel-crawling game.
Connect cardboard boxes with both the top and bottom open to create a long tunnel.
It’s enjoyable as is, but since you’re at it, why not add a small touch to evoke the season? For example, decorate the outside of the tunnel with winter-themed designs like snowmen or snowflakes.
Alternatively, you could use designs that reflect seasonal events, such as oni (ogres) or Okame masks for Setsubun.
Making Valentine’s cookies
February has Valentine’s Day, right? How about making cookies to show appreciation to the parents and guardians? Cutting out the dough with cookie cutters is similar to stamp play, and kneading is a lot like playing with clay.
So I think the children can enjoy the process as they work.
Another nice point is that taking the cookies home lets parents feel their child’s growth.
Please discuss with the children, including how they would like to give the cookies.
Recommended February childcare activities: Ideas to enjoy seasonal events (31–40)
hand play song
At nursery schools and kindergartens, hand-action songs are perfect for enjoying time with children during chilly February.
“Oni no Pantsu” is recommended because the movements are easy to relate to and simple to imitate.
Through the choreography, children can develop cooperation in groups and a sense of rhythm.
It’s also fun to create costumes and props to match Setsubun or Valentine’s Day and add themed staging to the song.
With seasonally themed hand-action songs, you can enrich your moments of interaction with the children.
Bean Grabbing Game
February is still bitterly cold, so how about playing a bean-picking game with children at daycare or kindergarten? While learning how to use chopsticks, they can also develop finger dexterity.
Perfect as a Setsubun activity, this simple yet fun game involves picking up beans with chopsticks and moving them.
To match the season, you can swap the beans for heart-shaped items to enjoy a Valentine’s Day mood.
Deciding on the rules together and showing each other how well they can pick up the beans can also deepen the children’s communication.
A bean-picking game created by teachers and children—be sure to share a joyful time together!
Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)
How about incorporating bean-throwing (mamemaki) as a heartwarming activity during the cold month of February? Through mamemaki, everyone can enjoy time together—like throwing beans—while learning about the culture of Setsubun.
The teachers came up with a target game: draw a big picture of an oni (ogre) on the wall and have the children throw beans made from construction paper at it.
Through this activity, children can develop their motor skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the seasonal tradition.
Please make adjustments to ensure safety and fun, keeping in mind that beans may scatter during the activity.
sledding
One long-loved winter outdoor activity for children is sledding.
As long as you have a slope and space to slide down, you can enjoy it right away.
I hope kids will enjoy the floating sensation and little thrills as they zip down the hill.
By the way, you can get a one-person sled sold at 100-yen shops, or opt for a longer type that two people can ride.
Choose based on whether it will be used solo, where you’ll store it, and other such considerations.
Eurhythmics
With rhythmics perfect for February childcare, I plan to help children enjoy moving their bodies.
How about incorporating pretend activities like bean-throwing and chocolate-making with songs themed around Setsubun and Valentine’s Day? By putting on masks to the beat or handing out handmade hearts, children can experience the fun of events through music.
On days with light snowfall, rhythmics inspired by snowflakes and snowmen are also recommended.
Let’s nurture creativity together with the children by weaving in elements of each season!