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!”
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Indoor recreation for kids: A roundup of exciting games (21–30)
Eurhythmics
Eurhythmics, moving your body to music.
It’s popular as a play activity that nurtures children’s creativity and expressiveness.
To the sound of the piano, they can walk slowly or run quickly.
It’s also fun to pretend to be animals or vehicles and move like them.
Using songs that evoke the seasons, such as “Rainy Day” and “The Frog Chorus,” is recommended.
By moving in harmony with the music, children naturally develop concentration and physical abilities.
It’s perfect for indoor play on rainy days, too.
Enjoying it together with teachers or guardians can make the activity even richer.
Butt-walking race
If you’re looking for indoor games that improve children’s physical abilities, how about a “butt-walking race”? In this game, players keep only their bottoms on the floor and compete to see who can move the fastest while maintaining balance.
It’s so much fun that kids can’t help getting absorbed in it, and in the process it strengthens their core and balance, making it perfect for children’s training.
Paper cup tower using clothespins
@bear_kids_official [Clothespins × Paper Cup Tower] Finger strength, sense of balance, concentration, and thinking skills. Even if it falls, kids build the ability to try again with “One more time!” Goals: • Improve finger strength and fine motor skills • Build concentration and perseverance • Develop trial-and-error skills (thinking and problem-solving)After-school day serviceChild Development Support#Indoor Play#ADHD# developmental support (ryōiku)#ASD
♬ Original Song – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service
Develop fine motor control through play! Prepare paper cups and clothespins and try building a tall tower.
As children play, they’ll think for themselves and experiment with “How can I stack them without losing balance?” It’s an activity where you can watch them learn through trial and error.
At first, it’s great for focusing and working alone.
Once they get used to it, you may see them collaborating with friends to figure out and carry out ways to stack even higher.
Team matches or individual competitions could be fun, too!
King Janken
A King Rock-Paper-Scissors game everyone can get excited about.
The rules are simple: everyone plays rock-paper-scissors, and the child who keeps winning until the end becomes the first King.
If a participant loses to the King, they go to the back of the line.
If they beat the King, they switch places and become the new King.
The child who remains King at the end of the time limit is the winner.
The thrill of competition and cheering will further boost the atmosphere.
It’s also recommended to prepare a crown for the King to wear.
Ninja Play
It’s a game where children pretend to be ninjas and treat various activities as training.
Because it uses both body and mind, it’s a fun way to exercise even indoors.
There are many variations, such as taking ninja poses and walking quietly with sliding steps without making a sound, like “sneaking on tiptoe,” incorporating movements from the game “Red Light, Green Light,” and games that use shuriken, which kids love.
Children love role-playing, so this game is very popular.
Jumbo Karuta
Here’s an introduction to “Jumbo Karuta,” a great recommendation for New Year gatherings that kids and adults can enjoy together! You match the large picture cards to the corresponding clue cards as they’re read out.
For example, when you hear a food item from a clue card, quickly find the matching picture among the laid-out cards and grab it.
Because the cards are jumbo-sized, there’s a physical, active element to the game, and younger children can learn by recognizing the illustrations.
Adults get their reflexes and decision-making tested, which makes it easy to get competitive and really fired up.
Play it with family, relatives, or friends, and you’ll have a lively time full of laughter and cheers—so definitely give making a set a try!
Balloon release
Try a balloon-toss game using pool noodles without cutting them—use the full stick as is.
Each person holds one pool noodle and taps the balloon to keep it from falling.
It takes some practice to track the balloon with your eyes and tap it with the noodle you’re holding.
With repeated play, it will become more enjoyable.
Recommended age: 3 and up.
Since kids will move a lot and chase the balloon, make sure to secure a spacious area and play with a small group.
