Lovely childcare

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

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

Last updated:2026/1/16

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 play ideas to get kids moving (1–10)

Seated tag

[Indoor Active Play] Have Fun with Seated Tag [Elementary School Kids]

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!

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Treasure-Grabbing Game

[Peripheral vision] [Decision-making] Train while playing! Fun for everyone from toddlers to adults!

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!

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Daikon Game

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Love] The “Daikon Game,” recommended from age 3 / Rule-based movement play and exercise-gymnastics educational video to improve motor skills together with Mom

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.

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Balloon Shiritori

[Balloon Shiritori] A series of at-home games you can play with your kids #shorts

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.

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Color Touch Game

[Brain Training] Color Touch Game that even preschoolers can play

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!

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