Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games

Ball games you can play alone

[Indoors OK] Solo Ball Games: 5 Recommended Picks Even Toddlers Can Do

Here are five ball games you can play by yourself! First: kick the ball yourself, run, and pass it through your legs.

You’ll use your head, too, as you think about how hard to kick.

Second: toss the ball up and pass it through your arms—moving your body is the key.

Third: balance one ball on top of another and keep it still.

Fourth: hold the ball above your head, bend your body backward, pass it through your legs, and catch it—great for flexibility.

Finally, a game using a hula hoop: while the hoop is spinning, move the ball.

You don’t need to throw or kick hard to have fun with any of these, so give them a try!

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kepiko

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10-second stopwatch challenge

Stopwatch 🕛 10-Second Snack Showdown ☆ AyaHaya Channel

Anyone can easily enjoy this with a stopwatch! Many of you have probably tried it before.

The rules are simple: close your eyes, count to 10 in your head, and stop the stopwatch when you think 10 seconds have passed.

It’s a game to see who gets closest to exactly 10 seconds.

Even adults find this challenging.

It’s simple, yet it really gets everyone excited.

Hula hoop down

[Sports Recreation] Hula Hoop Down — From Failure to Success

Everyone stands around a hula hoop, extends only their index fingers, places the hoop on top, and slowly lowers it—if you can set the hoop down on the ground, you succeed! This game is called “Hula Hoop Down.” It sounds very simple, but it’s surprisingly difficult even for adults, and if the group isn’t perfectly in sync, you’ll fail quickly.

It’s not just about moving up and down; if the balance is even slightly off, the hoop tilts and slips off, and when you try to crouch to place it on the ground, it can slip away from your fingers in an instant.

It’s a game that really demands good teamwork.

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utatane

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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straw airplane

"Straw Airplane" Flies Like Crazy Outdoors! — From a Magazine by Play Experts in After‑School Care

Popular in after-school care, the “straw airplane” is a fun craft that’s easy to make with a straw and construction paper—and it flies really well.

First, cut off the bendy part of the straw with scissors so it’s straight.

Next, cut two long, narrow strips from the construction paper, roll each into a ring, and tape them to the front and back of the straw.

Using a smaller ring in front and a larger ring in back makes it stable and helps it fly surprisingly far.

Kids are amazed at how it flies differently from a regular paper airplane! You can compete to see whose airplane flies the farthest, try different throwing techniques, and enjoy playing over and over.

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kojifumi

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Bomb Game

[Group Play] A Complete Guide to the Bomb Game!

Children dash past, laughing, “Run for it!” That’s the thrilling scene of the Bomb Game.

Place mats for the start and finish, and if you make it across while dodging the rolling balls, you succeed.

The rules are simple, but by gradually increasing the balls’ speed, throwing in feints, or changing the timing, it stays fresh and exciting every time.

Each playthrough builds problem-solving—“How should I dodge?”—and trains not only physical ability but also reflexes and concentration.

It’s safe to play indoors, and the easy setup is another big plus.

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kojifumi

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Reflex Game

[Hand Game Fun for Elementary Kids] Quick Reaction Game

We’d like to introduce an idea for a group game called the “Quick-Reaction Game,” perfect for after-school programs because the rules are simple and you can adapt it freely.

The basic rule is: when the leader meows like a cat (“meow”), the children must immediately raise their hands.

That alone is simple, but by mixing in feints—like a dog’s bark or a wolf’s howl—you add just the right amount of thrill and laughter.

You can also use instruments instead of animal sounds.

For example, the bell sound means correct, while castanets or a tambourine indicate a trick.

Using familiar instruments makes it fun while building focus and reaction speed.

It’s a highly adaptable, recommended game that you can play over and over, adjusting for different ages and group sizes.

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kojifumi

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