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[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
There are times when the weather or location keeps you from playing outside, right?
You still want to get moving and play with your energetic kids, even just a little.
For teachers who feel this way, here are some ideas for indoor active play.
The games that captivate children vary depending on their age and interests.
This time, we’ve gathered activities that involve different movements and creative thinking—so you’re sure to find ideas that fit your class perfectly!
Kids will be thrilled with games that are possible precisely because they’re indoors.
Teachers, have fun together with the children, too.
[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor play ideas to get kids moving (1–10)
Seated tag
“We can’t play outside because of the rain, but I still want to move my body as much as possible today!” In times like these, here’s a childcare-friendly game we recommend: “Seated Tag.” First, the children start in a seated position.
The rule is that they must keep their bottoms on the floor at all times.
Set a time limit, then play tag while staying seated.
Since it doesn’t involve running, it’s safe and fun to play indoors.
It also helps build leg strength as kids move using their legs and bottoms, so be sure to add it to your play repertoire!
Treasure-Grabbing Game
Let’s play with excitement! Here’s an idea for a treasure-grabbing game.
This unique activity can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, so teachers and guardians should join in with the children and have fun together.
It’s a simple game where you spread two colors of hula hoops around the room and move markers into the hula hoops of your team color.
The key rule is that only one marker can be placed inside each hula hoop! Give it a try!
Daikon Game
Let me introduce the “Daikon Game,” a fun activity you can enjoy indoors while moving your body! Get everyone excited by having them pretend to be daikon radishes.
Lie down in a circle holding hands.
Stay in character as daikon and don’t let go of your friends’ hands so the ‘oni’ can’t pull you out.
The child who stays until the end wins! Rules vary by region, but if you link arms instead of holding hands, you can become even stronger daikon! It’s also fun to let the kids come up with ways to avoid being pulled out, so I highly recommend it.
Balloon Shiritori
It’s a game where you pass a balloon around while playing shiritori, trying not to let the balloon fall.
When the previous person says a letter and passes the balloon, the next person must add a shiritori word before touching the balloon.
It may seem easy, but sometimes you can’t think of words when you’re focused on the balloon.
This game helps develop various skills in children—not only physical ability but also recognition skills and a sense of rhythm.
When playing indoors, trying it while seated offers a different kind of fun and is recommended! Feel free to adapt it to suit the age of the children.
Crawling tail-chasing game
Here’s a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited! Each child wears a “tail” made by braiding vinyl (suzuran) tape.
The teacher plays the “it” chaser.
At the start signal, the children crawl and try to escape so they don’t get caught.
If a child has their tail taken by “it,” they can do five jumps, put the tail back on, and rejoin the game.
Try switching who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the tail-tag game fun!
Say the same thing, do the opposite game
https://www.tiktok.com/@soramame.sensei/video/7453280020379798791It’s simple but tricky—that’s what makes it fun! Here’s an idea for a game where what you say and what you do are opposites.
A teacher or guardian plays the role of the caller, giving directions like forward, backward, left, and right.
The children imitate what the caller says, but perform the opposite movement.
It’s a unique game! At first, it’s best to go slowly and carefully.
Once everyone gets used to it, try speeding up the tempo or adapting it into a three-person team match to make it more exciting.
Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors
https://www.tiktok.com/@kidschallengeclub/video/7430069083858554119An amusing game where you evolve by winning rock-paper-scissors: “Evolution Janken.” Aim to become a god within the time limit! Everyone starts as a baby.
Since you’re a baby, you crawl to move and play rock-paper-scissors with people you meet.
If you win, you evolve and can move by hands-and-knees crawling.
If you lose, keep belly-crawling and look for your next opponent.
It goes like this: belly-crawl, hands-and-knees crawl, bear walk, adult, elderly person, and finally, you become a god and the game ends.
Evolve within the time limit!
Color Touch Game
Move your body while training your memory! Here’s an idea for a color-touch game.
All you need are hula hoops and color markers.
It’s a simple and fun game that kids as young as three can enjoy! Using the hula hoops and color markers, the rule is to touch the color the teacher calls out and then return to your base.
It’s a great way to be active while learning colors.
Start with one color, and as they get used to it, increase to two or three colors to naturally boost memory and reaction speed.
Give it a try!
chimney game
Let’s work hard so we don’t lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney-themed game.
It’s a unique game that uses balls and a mat.
If your center doesn’t have a mat, you can use connected cardboard pieces instead.
Inside the chimney, a teacher transformed into a chimney sweeper will go in.
The children will try to put balls into the chimney so they won’t lose to the sweeper.
They’ll develop their ability to strategize and be inventive by making plans and watching for the teacher’s openings.
Give it a try!
Newspaper Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@soramame.sensei/video/7243753164468473089You only need two things to prepare! Here’s an idea for a newspaper sheet game.
It’s also a great option when you have to switch activities indoors due to sudden bad weather.
With just newspaper and tape, you can start playing right away! Set up a long chain of connected newspaper sheets under a chair.
While sitting on the chair, move both feet left and right to store the newspaper under the chair.
The key is to use the entire sole of your feet, which also makes it perfect for strengthening your core.