[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving

Stick-pulling sumo

Here’s an idea for a stick-pulling sumo game.

You’ll need a pool cue, a mat, and a platform.

It’s a fun game that develops strength and balance! Two players hold one pool cue and try to pull each other so that the opponent either falls off the platform or lets go of the stick.

Through this focused, physical contest, it can also build perseverance.

Since you use a mat and a platform to set up the game, it’s great for indoor play.

It looks like a fun way for kids to boost their fitness and competitive spirit.

Copycat Animals

[Have Fun with Music] Try imitating animal movements with “Copycat Animals”

Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.

Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.

The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.

You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.

It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.

This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Moving House Game

[For toddlers, simple, movement play] Moving House Game

Let’s move to a distant base! Here’s an idea for a “Moving House” game.

In this game, the cue word is “Moving House,” and children simply move from one mat to another.

Once they get used to it, teachers or guardians can try to interrupt them along the course.

The fun part is seeing whether they can complete the move while avoiding the teachers or guardians! It’s also a great idea for deepening bonds among the children by giving them a shared goal.

Tag

Must-see: 3 tag game variations that work your brain and body! Fun for elementary schoolers and even preschoolers, these games boost three abilities. Packed with tips for brain training and time-saving too.

Tag, both now and in the past, has always been a beloved and popular game, but with a few tweaks it can be just as exciting indoors.

Since indoor spaces are more limited than outdoors, why not try playing with a rule like moving from wall to wall without getting caught by the tagger? Compared to regular tag, the routes are more predictable, which gives the tagger an advantage.

But if you add a rule that the tagger must perform a set movement while waiting, it makes the game more interesting.

It tests different strategies and bursts of speed than outdoor play, so it’s a great variation to try when you’re bored with regular tag.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Balloon roly-poly game

First, attach a weight to a balloon to make one that pops back up when knocked over.

Create a 3×3 grid on the floor with hula hoops or similar, and you win by lining up three in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally! This activity effectively improves motor skills, hand–eye balance, and sense of force control.

Kids are sure to be captivated.

It’s easy to prepare and safe to enjoy indoors, so adults can join in the fun too.

It promotes growth through play, so be sure to enjoy it together with the children!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kepiko

Report a problem