[Childcare] Have fun even on rainy days! Indoor play ideas
When rainy days continue, we end up spending more time indoors, don’t we?
Many teachers at nurseries and kindergartens may be wondering, “What should we play with the children today?” and running out of indoor activity ideas.
So this time, we’re introducing recommended indoor play ideas for rainy days.
From activities that get kids moving, like circuit play and mat play, to group games that let them enjoy interacting with friends, as well as rainy-day crafts and unique sensory play, we’ve packed in a wide variety of ideas!
Have a blast together with the curious and energetic children!
- [For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors
- For 1-year-olds! Indoor play ideas that make rainy days fun
- Indoor activities that delight 2-year-olds. Enjoy the fun inside on rainy days!
- Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
- [Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds
- [Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
- [For 5-Year-Olds] Recommended Indoor Play! A Collection of Exciting Games
- Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
- Indoor games that different ages can enjoy! Ideas for fun everyone can get excited about together
- [Childcare] Fun Rhythm Play! Recommended Games and Hand-Clapping/Hand-Play for Kids
- Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas
- Collection of indoor play ideas for September! Autumn recreational activities that will captivate children
- [Childcare] Perfect for June! Indoor play ideas to incorporate into childcare
[Childcare] Enjoy Rainy Days Too! Indoor Play Ideas (71–80)
Fishing game
On rainy days, it’s hard to go to nearby seas or rivers to catch or even watch fish.
At times like that, enjoy homemade indoor fishing.
One way is to attach magnets to fish cut out of construction paper and to a fishing rod made from a chopstick; the magnets stick together so you can “catch” the fish.
Another way is to make fish out of origami, punch a slightly larger hole in them, and hook them with an origami fishing rod.
You can also cut milk cartons into fish shapes and float them in water to enjoy a scene that’s a bit closer to real fishing.
Try indoor fishing in whatever style you like!
Copycat game
Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.
While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.
You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.
While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!
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!
Rolling Dodgeball
@toiro_efilagroup Do you know “Korokoro Dodgeball”?After-school day service#toiro#Kanagawa PrefectureAndanteChildcare Worker
♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day
Let me introduce Rolling Dodgeball, a game where you roll the ball instead of throwing it.
The rules are similar to regular dodgeball, but players are split into inside and outside groups, and the ball is rolled to keep the game going.
If an inside player is hit by a ball rolled by someone on the outside, they move to the outside and join their team’s attack from there.
It can also be fun to decide the winner by counting how many players remain inside at the end.
Unlike regular dodgeball, this version uses a soft ball, so you can play safely.
Cat and Mouse
Which team will win? Here’s a game idea called Cats and Mice.
What you need are designated areas for each team.
Make the most of the room so the children can move around freely and play in a spacious environment.
Split into a Cat team and a Mouse team, and play a game where you try to return to your territory without getting caught by the teacher.
It’s a fun activity that makes kids burst into laughter, with the tension of listening carefully so they don’t mishear, and the exhilarating feeling of running away! In the end, which team will have more members? Give it a try!
Drop the Handkerchief
Here’s a game I recommend that can be played both outdoors and indoors: “Dropping the Handkerchief.” The rules are very simple.
Everyone except the ‘It’ sits in a circle facing inward with their heads down.
‘It’ runs around the outside of the circle and secretly drops a handkerchief behind someone.
When the person notices the handkerchief, they chase ‘It’; if they manage to tag them, they’re safe.
If they can’t tag ‘It,’ they switch and become the new ‘It.’ Players try to spot exactly when the handkerchief is dropped, while ‘It’ can pretend to still be holding it even after dropping it—making for a fun game of bluffing and strategy.
Ball arranging game
Get the excitement going indoors! Introducing the “Ball Line-up Game.” First, split into two teams, and each person takes a ball in their team’s color.
At the start signal, players place their balls onto a ball stand arranged like a tic-tac-toe grid.
After placing a ball, tag the next teammate.
The team that places their balls on the stand first wins.
It’s perfect for short indoor distances and still super fun.
Try adding more stands or creating your own rules to make it even more exciting!