Lovely Play & Recreation

Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games

Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

We’ve put together recreational activities, games, and indoor play ideas that bring out children’s smiles.

You’ll find plenty of large-group games and activities perfect for preschools and schools, as well as lots of options families can enjoy at home.

They’re ideal for rainy days or any time it’s hard to go outside.

If you’re looking for recreations, games, or indoor activities to enjoy with kids, be sure to check these out.

Even if kids start out feeling, “It’s a shame we can’t play outside…,” by the end they’ll surely be saying, “That was fun!”

Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games (111–120)

Indoor basketball hoop craft

[Easy Craft 063] Mini Basketball Goal – Play Basketball Indoors! Mini Basketball Goal

Indoor basketball hoop craft

Let’s play with a handmade basketball set! Here are some ideas for crafting an indoor basketball hoop.

After watching Olympic basketball, many kids probably started admiring the players, right? This time, let’s try making an indoor basketball game you can build and play with.

You’ll need two hangers, yarn, cardboard, scissors, and more.

It’s great because the steps are simple.

This is also a recommended idea for when you want to get moving indoors!

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Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games (121–130)

indoor hockey game

Introducing a super popular “Hockey Game” for kids! A play activity that seriously boosts motor skills! Highly recommended as an indoor physical activity for preschoolers through elementary schoolers. #recreation #lifewithkids #gymnastics #PE

indoor hockey game

Kids are guaranteed to be hooked! Here’s an indoor hockey game idea.

Hockey, which was a big hit at the Olympics, is played with sticks and a hockey ball.

This time, let’s try an indoor version you can enjoy at home.

All you need are marker cones.

Set up two red and two blue marker cones facing each other as goals, then use another color of marker cone as the “ball.” Slide it along the floor and aim for the goal—game on!

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Target shooting

Make Your Own Shooting Game! Easy Craft Using Toilet Paper Rolls (For Ages 3 and Up)

Target shooting

Fun for toddlers and up! Here are some ideas for a target-shooting game.

Among Olympic sports, there’s shooting, where competitors use firearms to hit targets and compete for accuracy.

This time, let’s play a similar game that focuses on aiming at targets.

You’ll need straws, rubber bands, origami paper, tape, masking tape, scissors, glue, and a toilet paper roll.

Using a toy “gun” made from the toilet paper roll, the simple rule is to knock down the targets.

It’s great because everyone—from toddlers to adults—can enjoy it together.

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Cardboard Badminton

[Upcycled Play] The blade spins as it falls! Cardboard Badminton <Handmade toy you can make right now> [Easy craft, playable craft] Cardboard, tissues, clear file

Cardboard Badminton

Let’s have fun using recycled materials! Here’s an idea for cardboard badminton.

When you think of badminton, you use a racket and a shuttlecock, right? This time, let’s make both pieces of equipment using scrap materials you can find at home, like cardboard.

What you’ll need: cardboard, an A4-size clear plastic file, tissue paper, a permanent marker, tape, a ruler, scissors, and more.

The way the shuttlecock spins around as it falls is unique and really fun to watch!

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Balloon Soccer

🧡 Six balloon soccer games for girls to enjoy: beginner’s soccer edition

Balloon Soccer

Great for first-time soccer players! Here are some balloon soccer ideas.

Many parents may want to enjoy soccer together with their children.

This is a recommended idea when you’re unsure where to start playing soccer.

All you need is a balloon.

First, use the balloon as a stand-in for a ball and get used to the rules.

It’s good to help kids get a feel for body movement and eye coordination through activities like juggling with the thighs or toes and heading with the head.

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Balloon Tennis

We played with Anpanman's “Big Balloon Tennis”! ★Anpanman Big Balloon Tennis★

Balloon Tennis

Kids’ smiles bursting with joy! Here are some balloon tennis ideas.

Tennis is usually played with a racket and a tennis ball, right? In the video, they’re using rackets with Anpanman illustrations.

Using larger-than-normal balloons might make it easier to hit with the racket.

Since balloons can easily be carried away by the wind, if you play balloon tennis outdoors, it’s best to choose a spacious area and a day with little wind.

It’s also a fun idea for indoor play.

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Balloon Trampoline

[Balloon Trampoline] Strengthen the core with crawling movements! #indoorplay #developmentalplay #childcare

Balloon Trampoline

Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.

The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.

All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.

Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.

Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!

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