[Childcare] July Events and Activities
July is when summer really begins.
Around this time, many nursery schools and kindergartens hold Tanabata festivals and open their pools.
There are also many other ways to enjoy the unique delights of summer.
Here, in addition to classic events, we’ll share fun event ideas you can enjoy in July.
They’re all perfect for summer, so feel free to use them as inspiration.
Add a fresh twist to familiar events, and you’ll have even more fun! Create plenty of summer-only, joy-filled moments together with the children.
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[Childcare] July Events and Activities (21–30)
The origin of Tanabata
To make the Tanabata gathering more meaningful, why not share the origin of Tanabata with the children? If you introduce the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi using illustrations or a picture-story show, it will really draw them in.
It’s also fun to present tidbits like: Why do we hang tanzaku (wish strips)? Why do we make wishes to the stars? Why do we eat somen noodles?—in a quiz format.
Even very young children can participate intuitively, and everyone will get excited together.
After each correct answer, add a brief explanation so the significance of the event is clearly conveyed.
This idea, which blends learning and play, is likely to become the new standard for Tanabata gatherings.
Watermelon splitting
Watermelon splitting is a game where you’re blindfolded and, relying on the voices around you, you shout “Here goes!” and bring a stick down.
It’s an event that lets you feel the essence of summer with your eyes, ears, and taste buds.
If you have the kids do it, it’s sure to be a huge hit.
“A little farther forward!” “Slightly right—no, too far, go left!” You can just picture everyone getting carried away and shouting.
Once it’s cracked open, you slice it up neatly and share it with everyone.
It’s a great way to experience an old-fashioned Japanese summer.
overnight childcare
A lot of preschools and kindergartens probably hold overnight stays, don’t they? Usually the children go home in the evening, but during an overnight stay there are all kinds of fun activities packed into the time after dusk and at night.
Some children may feel anxious being away from home and without their parents, but chatting happily with friends and eating meals together can blow those worries away.
On summer nights, it’s also great to enjoy fireworks, do a stamp rally or treasure hunt around the school, or have a movie night.
Hiking
During the rainy season, many kids end up playing indoors and feel an urge to really move their bodies.
Once the rainy season ends and the weather turns clear and refreshing, why not go for a hike? Mountain climbing can be tough for children, but you can all walk together aiming for the summit of a gentle hill or a low mountain with little elevation change.
Some kids may get tired on continuous ascents, so take breaks and watch your footing.
The exhilaration you feel when you reach the top is as satisfying as a well-earned reward.
opening of the pool
As July arrives, summer is in full swing, and many children are probably looking forward to the pool.
Instead of suddenly saying, “We’ll start using the pool on this day,” how about holding a proper pool-opening ceremony? An event like a playful pseudo-ritual, where teachers dressed as water deities purify the pool, would surely be a hit.
Then, clearly explain the safety rules for playing in the pool and have everyone review them together before finally getting in.
Be sure to emphasize the importance of warm-up exercises, too!
Tanabata Concert
If you’re thinking of doing something for Tanabata on July 7, how about hosting a Tanabata concert? There are many pieces related to Tanabata, stars, and the night sky—try performing songs like “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Tanabata-sama,” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also a great idea to vary the format by piece, such as ensemble or chorus.
Handbell performances pair beautifully and magically with star-themed songs, too.
If you opt for an ensemble, it can be fun to introduce the names and characteristics of each instrument by part after the performance.
Tanabata Festival
Around the time the rainy season ends—early July—you can’t leave out Tanabata when talking about seasonal events.
Many children look forward to hanging tanzaku with their wishes on bamboo branches.
I imagine many nurseries and kindergartens hold a Tanabata gathering every year as well.
How about performing the Tanabata story—the tale of Hikoboshi and Orihime—as a play or kamishibai? Paper puppets or reading a picture book would be great too.
It might make Hikoboshi and Orihime, whose names the children already know, feel more familiar and help everyone enjoy Tanabata even more.