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 (1–10)
Making chocolates for Valentine’s Day
When it comes to big events in February, Valentine’s Day—when we give chocolate—tops the list! Enjoy making chocolate with an easy recipe that just involves melting and arranging.
Lay out pink and white chocolate bars on a sheet of parchment paper and melt them, then arrange store-bought cookies, candy-coated chocolates, and more on top.
Chill until set and break into pieces, and you’ve got colorful, stylish chocolate bark.
Some kids may want to give it to someone they like.
Finish by wrapping it neatly so they can present it as-is.
Making ehomaki (lucky direction sushi rolls)
Homemade eho-maki are sure to taste better than even the fanciest store-bought ones! When making them at daycare or kindergarten, be sure to follow strict hygiene practices.
For children who don’t like classic fillings like kampyo or cucumber, it’s a good idea to prepare kid-friendly options such as tuna or salmon so they can enjoy what they made themselves.
Using a bamboo rolling mat from the start can be tricky, so first roll the sushi loosely on plastic wrap, then use the mat to shape and tighten it.
playing hot spring
Hot springs are generally more of a relaxing space for adults, but we want kids to enjoy them too! So let’s try playing “hot spring” indoors.
Draw rocks on construction paper to make the outer wall, and inside, spread out strands of cut-up raffia ribbon or bubble wrap.
Finally, decide on a name for your hot spring and put up a sign.
Get in together and ask the kids what they think.
They can have fun draping the crackly raffia ribbon over themselves or popping the bubble wrap—let them freely experience the hot spring through play.
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)
Oshikura Manju, a game born from the idea of enjoying the winter cold, is an ideal activity for winter childcare.
Children and teachers join forces to form a circle and move their bodies in a warm, comforting atmosphere where they can feel each other’s warmth.
The charm of this game is that children support one another while sharing a fun time together.
You can also add variations that incorporate February events like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day.
For Setsubun, everyone can chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” while playing; for Valentine’s Day, you can use items with sweet scents—adding a sense of the season to the fun.
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.
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.