![[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/uhrlGL3GrSI/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making
How about some recreation ideas for older adults to enjoy during the Hinamatsuri season? We’ve handpicked ideas that naturally get the mind and body moving while having fun—such as seated games like target practice and bowling with Hina-doll motifs, shell matching, enjoyable crafts for display, and seasonal snack activities.
These special, season-only events provide positive stimulation for physical and cognitive functions in older adults.
Enjoy time filled with smiles while chatting with those around you.
[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreational Activities: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making (1–10)
Happy Hinamatsuri ExerciseNEW!
Let’s start some simple and fun exercises while singing the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri”! First, when the lyrics mention the bonbori lanterns, extend both hands forward and lift one foot at the same time.
Next, clap your hands and then touch your knees with those hands.
There’s also a motion like drumming a taiko.
The movements are generally slow, so spread your arms wide and step your feet forward firmly.
Every move can be done either standing or seated, so we hope many people will enjoy them for Hinamatsuri.
Hinamatsuri Target GameNEW!
It’s a game where you throw balls at a target inspired by a tiered hina-dan display.
Hula hoops are used for the target’s frames, and they’re covered with tape that makes the balls stick.
On the tape are illustrations of the Ohinasama (Empress), Odairisama (Emperor), the three court ladies, and the five musicians, and it seems the score varies depending on where you hit.
As expected, the tape beneath the Empress and Emperor likely yields higher points…
It’s a game everyone can enjoy, letting you get moving while soaking up the Hinamatsuri spirit!
Hinamatsuri Doll Carrying GameNEW!
Place the hina dolls and the imperial prince and princess made from cups on a base attached to a string.
Participants should pull the string with their feet to reel in the base.
Try not to knock over the dolls as much as possible.
You can decide the winner by how many cups remain standing, or assign points in advance and compete based on the points of the dolls that stay upright.
Since you have to use your feet firmly to pull it in, it’s also perfect for a lower-body workout!
Hinamatsuri Bag Toss GameNEW!
Attach illustrations of the Ohinasama and Odairisama to plastic bottles, then cover them with bags.
At the start signal, participants use uchiwa fans to send air and blow the bags off the bottles.
Prepare several bottles, and make the rule that the person who removes all their bags first wins.
Bags won’t fly off if you fan them from the front, so the key is how well you strike the fan against the table to send air from below.
Also, be careful: if you don’t send air continuously, the bags will fall back down.
Cup Hina Doll MakingNEW!
Let’s have fun creating crafts perfect for Hinamatsuri.
Wrap cotton in tissue, then wrap that in fabric to make a cushion.
Place this cushion in a cupcake liner, then attach a collar cut from fabric and face and hair parts made of paper.
Add bead eyes and a fan to finish.
Make the Emperor doll the same way and display the two side by side.
If you use a cup with a lid, you can keep it on display every year without dust collecting on it.
The cushion fabric will serve as the kimono pattern, so prepare any design you like.
Take photos with a Hina doll panelNEW!
Haven’t you ever wanted to become the Ohinasama (Empress doll) or Odairisama (Emperor doll) at least once? But actually preparing kimono and getting your hair done is a lot of work, isn’t it? So why not become the Ohinasama or Odairisama using one of those face-in-hole panels you often see at tourist spots? All you have to do is hold up the panel and put your face in, so anyone can enjoy it easily.
If everyone takes photos together while holding the panels, it will surely make for wonderful memories of Hinamatsuri.
Amazake Soy Milk PuddingNEW!
Here’s an idea for a fun time: make homemade “Amazake Pudding,” perfect for Hinamatsuri.
Soak gelatin in 100 cc of soy milk, add your preferred amount of sugar, and warm it in a saucepan while dissolving everything together.
Once well mixed, pour into pudding cups and chill in the refrigerator until fully set.
Finish by topping with strawberry sauce and strawberries for a cute, festive Hinamatsuri dessert.
With the gentle sweetness of amazake and a creamy texture, this homemade pudding is a delight for everyone—both its look and taste are sure to satisfy.
From making it to enjoying it, it’s perfect for a Hinamatsuri filled with smiles.
