Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games
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!”
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- [For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games
- A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
- Elementary School Fun Day a Big Hit! Indoor Game Idea Collection
- [For Kids] Have Fun at After-School Day Service! A Special Feature on Indoor Game Ideas
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games (161–170)
high-jump-style rubber jumping
Let’s get into classic Showa-era games! Here’s an idea for rubber jumping, similar to high jump.
Rubber jumping is the game where you hook a rubber band around your legs, stretch it, and jump over it alternately.
It seems to have been popular mainly among girls during the Showa period.
What you need is flat elastic.
Start with the height at your ankles.
As you get used to it, raise it to your calves, knees, thighs, and then your waist.
If you practice every day, your athletic ability will improve, and you’ll likely be able to clear higher levels over time.
Zabuton jumping game
If you’re in a place with zabuton cushions, how about trying the “Zabuton Jump Game”? First, place one zabuton on the floor, stand on it, and crouch down.
Put four zabuton in front of you.
While you’re pulling a zabuton toward you, jump and slide it underneath your feet.
If you fail to place it properly or you fall off the zabuton, you’re out.
If you manage to place all the zabuton correctly, next try jumping and pulling them out, then return each zabuton to its original position.
If you succeed, try the same challenge while sitting in seiza on the zabuton!
Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games (171–180)
Towel Tug-of-War
How about trying a game called “Towel Tug-of-War” that gets you moving and is fun even in a small space at home? As the title suggests, it’s a game where you hold both ends of a towel and play tug-of-war.
It’s a one-on-one game, so you can play in a limited space! The rules are simple: pull on the towel, and if your feet move and you step over the line drawn on the floor in advance, you lose.
Be careful of your surroundings while you play to avoid falling from pulling too hard or getting unexpected injuries.
Body percussion
Body percussion is a game where you make sounds by hitting different parts of your own body.
Try clapping your hands, slapping your thighs, and experimenting in various ways to create sounds in time with the music.
Value your sense of rhythm, explore which parts make sounds easily and which don’t, and enjoy understanding what kinds of sounds your body can produce.
It can also be fun to practice without playing any music, using only the sounds you make yourself.
Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt game where you search for little hidden treasures around the house.
It’s a popular activity that sparks children’s imaginations.
You might discover something new in the spaces you usually pass through without a second thought.
Searching together with a parent or guardian also creates opportunities for communication.
Both the hiders and the seekers can enjoy an exciting, heart-pounding time.
The joyful expressions when something is found will surely become cherished memories.
It’s also a great option for indoor play on a rainy day.
How about enjoying a treasure hunt game with family and friends?
Stop game
A light, get-your-body-moving game: the Stop Game.
The rules are very simple.
Once the music starts, move freely around the room.
Then, when the music stops, freeze right where you are! When the music starts again, start moving.
Keep repeating this.
If you speed the music up or slow it down, it gets a bit more challenging and exciting.
It’s also fun to add a rule where, just before stopping, the teacher or leader calls out something like “rabbit” or “elephant,” and everyone has to freeze while imitating that animal.
It’s perfect for filling a short break, so give it a try!
Team Battle Treasure Hunt
Let’s have fun trading riddles! Here’s an idea for a team-based treasure hunt battle.
It’s an exciting concept that sparks cooperation and creativity! Split into a team that creates riddles and a team that solves them to find the next clue, all aiming for the treasure.
By playing this game, you’ll not only boost your problem-solving and reasoning skills, but also learn the importance of teamwork and communication.
The appeal lies in getting absorbed in solving puzzles together with your teammates and enjoying a real sense of accomplishment.
In the video, the game is played in a model house, but try arranging a version for your own home.