Lovely childcare

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

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

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 Physical Activity Ideas (31–40)

Come-here game

[Toddler Play] “Come here, come here” game — a play activity that even 3-year-olds can do!

Come-here game

The “Come here” game where children move toward the teacher step by step when the teacher calls, “Come here.” The children can only move forward while the teacher is saying “Come here.” If the teacher says another word that also starts with the “o” sound, they don’t move forward.

And if the teacher says “obake” (ghost), the children quickly run back to the starting line so they don’t get caught by the teacher.

Try adding feints with other “o”-starting words like “otousan” (dad), “okaasan” (mom), or “onigiri” (rice ball), in addition to “oide” and “obake.” Because the children focus on the teacher’s words, it helps develop their listening skills!

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Mark-finding game

[For 5-year-olds] Mark-Finding Game!

Mark-finding game

The “Mark Hunt Game,” where you walk along specified marks like circles, triangles, and squares, is an indoor activity recommended for children aged five and up.

First, tape several sheets of paper with different marks drawn on them to the floor to make a path.

Also prepare one sheet for each type of mark at the goal.

The children start while holding a ball.

It’s best to play barefoot so they don’t slip.

At the end, count how many balls were correctly placed at the goal for each team.

Competing by team and counting out loud together makes it really exciting!

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rhythm game

[Simple Rhythm Game] Fun to do on the spot even for toddlers. Also great for practicing jump rope!

rhythm game

Rhythm games, which let you train your sense of rhythm, quick reactions, and endurance while having fun, are a great indoor activity when you want to move your body but can’t go outside.

You move to the beat following instructions like forward/backward, left/right, or up/down.

Kids will likely get absorbed in it.

Because you make instant decisions to match the rhythm and experiment to see if you can execute the correct movements, it becomes a full-body workout that rivals outdoor play.

Once you get used to it, you can enjoy adding more complex instructions and gestures—an active indoor game that adults can join in and enjoy together.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Morning-Noon-Night Game

Indoor games for large groups starting from age 3! Even elementary school kids can have fun while practicing moving quickly!

Morning-Noon-Night Game

As the name suggests, this is an indoor game where players instantly respond with movements that match the commands “morning,” “noon,” and “night.” An adult acts as the caller and randomly calls out morning, noon, or night to keep the game going.

For morning, it’s time to wake up, so players stand up; for noon, it’s time to do activities like eating or drawing, so they sit; and for night, it’s bedtime, so they lie down.

Because players must quickly decide and move, the game requires both judgment and quick reflexes.

When kids get absorbed in it, it becomes exercise comparable to outdoor play.

It’s a recreation activity you’ll definitely want to try with children.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Churippu sharippu

tulip sheriff

Churippu sharippu

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.

There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.

It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.

Be sure to try it in your activities.

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[Childcare] Full of energy! A collection of indoor play ideas to get kids moving (41–50)

Thunder Game

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Enjoy] The “Thunder Game” recommended from age 3 / Rule-based movement games and exercise-gymnastics educational videos to improve motor skills together with mom

Thunder Game

This is an indoor game where children lie on their backs and hide their belly buttons at the thunder god’s signal.

When the thunder god shouts “Boom!”, they catch any child who hasn’t flipped over onto their stomach to hide their belly button.

For ages 3 and up, the thunder god can use feints by saying other words like “Fish cake!” to trick them.

You win if you don’t get fooled and only hide your belly button when they say “Thunder!” Because the rules can be adjusted by age, it stays fresh and fun as an indoor game for a long time.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Reaction Game

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

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