Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games

Butt tag

When we think of tag, we usually imagine running around as fast as we can, but this is a more relaxed version you can enjoy at an easier pace.

The basic rules are the same as regular tag, but the way you flee and chase is different.

Both the runners and the chaser (the “it”) move forward while sitting with their knees up, using only their bottoms and arms.

You must never stand up! Anyone tagged by “it” becomes the next chaser.

To make it clear who’s “it,” it might be good for that person to wear something noticeable like a hat or a sash.

Since foot speed doesn’t matter here, people can play together regardless of differences in physical ability!

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SAKI

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Card Flipping Game

Traditional Play Newspaper #74: Card Flipping

A card-flipping game where you flip floor-laid cards to your team’s color.

First, lay out many two-sided cards on the floor, each side a different color.

At the start, make sure the same number of cards are face up for each color.

When the signal is given, flip any cards that aren’t your team’s color to turn them into your team’s color.

Even if the other team flips them back, you can re-flip as many times as you want within the time limit.

In the end, the team that has flipped more cards to their own color wins! It’s surprisingly active, so if you feel your child might not be getting enough exercise, give it a try.

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SAKI

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Came Alone Game

@mimasakadaigaku

I came alone game! It’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped, so give it a try! If you watch the video, I think you’ll understand the rules!#Mimasaka UniversityIcebreakerRecreation

Heaven and Hell – Offenbach

Recommended games that are fun even with large groups! Here are ideas for the “I came alone” game.

These are large-group ideas you can play in class recreation, too.

Once everyone sits in a circle so you can see all the participants, you’re ready to start! The first person raises a hand and says, “I came alone!” Then the next two people raise their hands and say, “We came as two!” Next, three people, then four, and so on; after reaching five, it goes back to one.

Once you get used to it, it’s also fun to arrange it as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Hiragana Collecting Game

@cocoskip

Hello! This is Cocoskip. In today’s video, we’re doing a Hiragana Collection Challenge. How many words that fit the theme can we gather? 🧐#cocoskipSkip hereChild Development SupportAfter-school day service#Child Development Support (Japan)#After-school day serviceExercise Therapy#Indoor Play#CocoSkipChallengesimulationPlayHiragana PlayI love the admins.#IWantToBeOnTheRecommendations

♬ Comical lively cute sports day – SOUND BANK

Let’s play with 50-sound (hiragana) cards! Here are some ideas for a hiragana-collecting game.

Once you’ve prepared cards or slips of paper with one hiragana character on each, you’re ready to go! Within a time limit, try to make as many words as you can that fit a given theme.

For example, if the theme is “animals,” you can combine characters to form words like い・ぬ (dog) or き・り・ん (giraffe).

It’s helpful to set aside space to place completed words, so it’s easy for kids to understand.

Wiggly Tail Tag

We’d like to introduce a wiggly tail-tag game that also requires some clever footwork while running.

Use triangular red cones or blocks to create a winding path.

When players face each other, the person closer to the winding path is the runner, and the one farther away is the chaser.

Once they’re facing off, if the runner taps the chaser’s hand, the runner starts escaping along the winding path.

Because the path twists and turns, it’s hard to predict how the tail will move—that’s the key point.

It’s fun to focus, watch the tail’s movement, and think about the timing to grab it.

Once you get used to it, you can make the winding path longer to increase the running distance and make the game even more exciting.

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mayumi

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callout

It’s a game where you toss beanbags into two large boxes—one labeled with numbers and the other with English words—and then pronounce the word where your beanbag lands as many times as the number indicates.

It tests your quick judgment and smooth pronunciation, linking the recognition of the word and the number to the act of speaking.

You can throw casually and the game will still move along, but if you want to get closer to winning, it’s smart to aim for easier-to-say words or lower numbers.

How you divide into teams and how you decide on the words and counts can change how exciting the game gets, depending on how you set up the rules.

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kappamaki

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Circuit Play × Tail Tag

Let me introduce a tail-chase game combined with a circuit play setup that’s sure to heat things up.

First, decide the area where players can run, then place vaulting boxes, mats, and other obstacles within that area to create the field.

Runners try to escape by dashing around the field while avoiding the obstacles.

The chaser tries to catch up and grab the tail, but the obstacles might get in the way and make it hard to move forward as planned.

The obstacles add excitement to the game.

When setting them up, be sure to secure enough space and enjoy safely to prevent injuries.

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mayumi

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