[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.
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[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor play ideas that get kids moving (61–70)
Handkerchief-snatching game
The classic indoor game you can play even on rainy days, the “Handkerchief Grab,” has lots of fun variations depending on the rules.
In this version, players sit on chairs facing each other with their knees touching, place a handkerchief in the middle, and grab it when the whistle blows.
It works well with a larger group, or you can do head-to-head matches and make it a tournament.
There’s also a high-level version where someone keeps chatting to distract players, then blows the whistle when their attention slips.
It’s a recommended game that everyone can enjoy while training reflexes and coordination!
Playing with plastic bags
Versatile for all kinds of play! Here are some ideas for games using plastic bags.
These are unique activities you can enjoy with two-year-olds.
Plastic bags are light and sturdy, making them great for easy, varied play.
In the video, we introduce 10 different ways to play, such as inflating a bag to feel the breeze and making a ball using a bag.
Using familiar materials like plastic bags can help nurture creativity.
Let’s spend time full of smiles with the children!
Hula-hoop ring toss
Throw, fly, and cooperate—here’s a fun ring-toss idea using hula hoops! All you need is some large hula hoops.
Form teams of four and try to connect as many hoops as you can.
Jump with the hula hoop like a jump rope to move into your territory, then toss the hoop toward the next teammate.
See how many you can link together within the time limit! Once you get the hang of it, try competing team versus team or work to set a new team record.
Hula hoop relay
Let’s move a hula hoop without grabbing it with our hands! Here’s an idea for a hula hoop relay.
All you need is a large hula hoop.
Start by placing the hula hoop around one person’s right wrist, then have them hold hands with another person.
Without using your hands to grab the hula hoop, can you move it along to the other person’s left wrist while keeping your hands linked? Once you get used to it, try sending the hula hoop back and forth, or increase the number of participants to make the game more challenging.
It’s a great way to enjoy the fun of cooperating with friends.
Fruits Basket
By the time children are three years old, they’re able to play while following basic rules.
That’s when “Fruit Basket” is a great activity to introduce.
One of the charms of this game is that it can be enjoyed in a lively, large group.
The rules of Fruit Basket are very simple: the “it” player shouts the name of a specific fruit, and only the people sitting in chairs who belong to that fruit move to a different seat.
During this time, the “it” player tries to take a seat.
It’s ideal if the teacher can really set the mood so that children who are just learning the rules can have fun too!
Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda
More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Red Light, Green Light” using hula hoops.
You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.
“Red Light, Green Light” is a game that’s been loved for generations.
Since the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and childcare centers likely include it in their activities.
Using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams expands the possibilities, so it’s highly recommended.
Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!
Hoop Musical Chairs
Let’s play using our bodies and brains! Here’s an idea for a musical chairs-style game with hula hoops.
Prepare about 10 small hula hoops in various colors.
While everyone hums a song with a deserted island theme, walk around the hula hoops.
When the teacher calls out “1, 2, 3,” jump into one of the hula hoop islands.
As you gradually decrease the number of hula hoops, the excitement and suspense will build! Once everyone gets used to the game, try variations: specify the color of the hoop to enter, or say an item related to that color and jump into a matching hoop.
Enjoy the twists!