Childcare: Ideas for activities to enjoy in July
July brings alternating bouts of the rainy season and summer.
At nursery schools and kindergartens, you want to play a lot with the children, but there are surely days when the unpredictable weather makes preparation difficult.
So here, we’ve gathered ideas for games you can enjoy in July.
From activities related to Tanabata to fun water play, you can enjoy the season of July while feeling its atmosphere.
There are also games you can do indoors, so be prepared for rainy days, too.
Please use this as a reference to expand your repertoire and spend a fun time together with the children!
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[Childcare] Play ideas you’ll want to try in July (21–30)
Versatile item! Indoor play with a pool cue
Here are some indoor play ideas using versatile pool noodles.
These easy-to-find pool noodles are great because kids can play with them safely.
While seated, you can make a slope with your knees and roll a pool noodle from the top—watching it pick up speed is lots of fun.
You can also try different activities, like crawling through a bent pool noodle, or moving just before a noodle falls (like the game “stick drop”) to catch it.
The variety of ways to play is a big attraction.
Since they’re made of soft material, they won’t hurt if they bump into the body, making for safe, enjoyable play.
sponge toy
Introducing jellyfish and fish toys made from sponges that are perfect for water play.
Sponge toys are a big hit with kids because they can soak up water and be squeezed for fun! Give it a try.
Prepare two mesh sponges.
Cut the net of one sponge and remove the sponge inside.
Cut the sponge into a jellyfish shape and make a hole in the center.
Thread a string through the top of the net to make a loop, pass the loop through the hole in the sponge, then cut the net to create the tentacles.
For the other sponge, cut it into a fish shape, tie a rubber band between the body and the tail fin, and draw patterns with a pen.
plastic bottle shower
Kids love playing in the shower, don’t they? Here’s a simple shower toy you can make using a plastic bottle.
Cut off the bottle’s neck and cover the edge with tape to prevent injuries.
Puncture holes on both sides of the rim and thread a vinyl string through them to make a handle, then make about 5–6 holes in the bottom.
Decorate the bottle with vinyl tape to make it cute, and you’re done! When you scoop up water, it will pour out through the holes like a shower.
Goldfish scooping toy
Goldfish scooping, a classic at summer festival stalls, is actually easy to make and enjoy at home! Cut a milk carton into a long strip to form a ring, attach a handle made from another piece of the carton, stretch a drain net over it, and secure it with vinyl tape to make a poi (scooper).
Next, draw fish on a milk carton, cut them out, and make your goldfish.
You can also cut goldfish from construction paper and laminate them between layers of OPP tape.
Float the goldfish in water and scoop them up with the poi.
Since the poi won’t tear, even small children can enjoy it.
Ice Paint
Let’s enjoy a cool activity: Ice Painting.
Simply put, you draw on ice using paint.
We usually draw on paper or cardstock, so this offers a fresh and fun sensation.
Make a large block of ice and treat it like a canvas.
From there, add colors with your favorite paints.
Watch how the melting ice blends the colors and how the colored water flows.
If you rinse the ice with water, the paint washes off cleanly, so you can enjoy drawing on it again and again.
Turtle’s plastic bottle bucket
Here’s an idea for a turtle-themed bucket made from a plastic bottle that kids can use to fill with water or scoop and play.
First, cut off the bottle’s mouth and protect the cut edge with tape.
Design a turtle on the side of the bottle using tape, then draw the face with a permanent marker.
Punch holes on both sides of the bottle’s rim, thread through suzuran tape (polypropylene ribbon) that has a 2 cm-wide piece of straw cut and slipped over it, and attach it as a handle to finish.
Using straws in several colors makes it bright and cute.
Ice excavation game
Experience an exciting play activity! Here are some ideas for ice excavation play.
Kids love new challenges and discoveries.
Create memories with play that stimulates their curiosity and spirit of exploration.
You’ll need an ice tray, small toys, water, and more.
Place bouncy balls or toys that fit into the ice tray, pour in water, and freeze.
Once you take out the ice, you’ll see the kids become absorbed in trying to extract the toys inside!