During Japan’s rainy season in June, we end up spending more time indoors, don’t we? Among children who love playing outside, some may feel gloomy on rainy days.
So this time, we’re introducing recommended indoor activities that will bring smiles to their faces.
From games that let them move their bodies to their hearts’ content, to group activities that foster interaction with friends and teachers, to craft projects that build focus and fine motor skills—there’s a wide range of fun to choose from! Adjust the content to suit children’s ages and developmental stages, incorporate plenty of activities, and enjoy rainy days together with lots of fun.
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Recommended indoor activities and recreation games for June (1–10)
Butt tag
https://www.tiktok.com/@jr_12340301/video/7465116152386178311When we think of tag, we usually imagine running around as fast as we can, but this is a more relaxed version you can enjoy at an easier pace.
The basic rules are the same as regular tag, but the way you flee and chase is different.
Both the runners and the chaser (the “it”) move forward while sitting with their knees up, using only their bottoms and arms.
You must never stand up! Anyone tagged by “it” becomes the next chaser.
To make it clear who’s “it,” it might be good for that person to wear something noticeable like a hat or a sash.
Since foot speed doesn’t matter here, people can play together regardless of differences in physical ability!
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!
Body Rock-Paper-Scissors
Rock-paper-scissors using just your hands is fun, but when it’s hard to get outside and move around, let’s play a full-body version to get active! For rock, squat down and curl up small.
For scissors, step one foot forward and one back, and extend both hands in front making a peace sign.
For paper, spread your arms and legs wide like a star shape.
Once you’ve learned the movements, the rules are the same as regular rock-paper-scissors.
It really gets your body moving, so it’s perfect when you’re short on exercise! Once you’re used to it, try doing round after round without stopping, repeating rock-paper-scissors nonstop.
Musical chairs
A June with ongoing rain.
Let’s liven things up with a game of musical chairs you can play indoors! It’s great fun even with a large group.
That tension when you’re walking around the chairs, waiting for the music to stop—nothing beats it!
Seated sumo
Seated sumo is a form of sumo you play while sitting down.
It’s fun for parents and kids or friends alike! June tends to be rainy, so it’s a great option for those who want to get moving indoors.
It actually takes more energy than you’d expect, and once you get into it, you’ll be so absorbed that time will fly by—guaranteed to get everyone excited.
Balloon play
Colorful, floaty balloons are fun and a favorite toy for kids.
How about trying various games using balloons? For example, you can keep batting a balloon up so it doesn’t touch the floor, like a gentle game of volleyball; you can line up in a row and pass the balloon over your heads from person to person; or you can even kick it around like a soccer ball.
It’s also great to let the children come up with their own new games using balloons while they play.
Newspaper play
When it comes to items that liven up indoor play on rainy days, nothing beats newspaper.
You can enjoy a variety of activities tailored to children’s developmental stages.
For example, have them crouch while holding a crumpled ball of newspaper, then jump and open the newspaper at the same time, or let them experience the motions and sounds of tearing newspaper.
There are also races where children try to reach the goal without letting a sheet of newspaper stuck to their belly fall off, and races where they carry a sheet of newspaper balanced on a stick.
Try using a wide range of ideas—like a game where teachers or parents hold a basket for a ball-toss, and the children chase after it—to make playtime fun.
