Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities

balloon volleyball

Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.

All you need is a net and some balloons.

It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.

It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.

Give it a try!

Two-letter shiritori

Two-letter Shiritori

Shall we play two-letter shiritori? In regular shiritori, you connect the last letter of the previous word to the first letter of the next word regardless of length, and the person who says a word ending in “n” loses, right? This game adds a rule that you can only answer with two-letter words.

It’s perfect for when regular shiritori feels too easy and boring.

If you want to make it even harder, try banning repeated words or answering in rhythm.

It’s a great test of your vocabulary!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Look that way, hoi!

[Kindergarten Game] Rock, Paper, Scissors! Look That Way, Hoi!

There’s a game called “Acchi Muite Hoi” that can be considered a variation of rock-paper-scissors.

Acchi Muite Hoi is based on traditional parlor games and has long been loved by the Japanese.

Its appeal lies in the excitement of quickly pointing a finger in some direction at the cue of “Acchi muite hoi,” and the thrill of deciding which way to turn your face.

By the way, in the original version, if the direction of the finger and the direction the face turns match, the pointer wins, but there’s also a rule set where the pointer loses.

That version is called “Kocchi Muite Hoi.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Cleaning battle with uchiwa fans

Vol.13 “Cleaning Showdown with Paper Cups and Uchiwa Fans” — 3-Minute Guide: At-Home Play Series

A “Uchiwa Cleaning Showdown” that people of all ages—from kids to adults—can enjoy.

Divide the table down the middle and set lots of paper cups upside down.

Fan with a uchiwa (hand fan) to move the paper cups into your opponent’s side; whoever moves more cups wins! It’s a game that gets exciting whether played 1-on-1 or 2-on-2.

Perfect for summer vacation at home or summer activities at senior facilities.

Don’t lift the uchiwa—lifting is not allowed.

The trick is to flap it as if tapping the table to push the cups along.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

Hide-and-seek

[At-Home Hide-and-Seek] When we played seriously with our 5-year-old, it turned into a big deal at the end?! Surprisingly fun for parents and kids even in a small home ♪ Hide and Seek

Hide-and-seek is a game where you look for family and friends hiding inside the house.

You can hide in spots where no one will find you, and searching for the hidden players helps develop thinking skills.

Decide on rules such as “Hide while I count from 1 to 10,” and split into a seeker and hiders.

After counting, the seeker looks for those hiding around the house.

You can also add rules like setting a time limit or giving hints when it’s difficult.

Both the seeker and the hiders can enjoy the thrill!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

gomudan

Gomdan

Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).

First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.

Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.

Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.

Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.

Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.

Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Churippu sharippu

tulip sheriff

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.