Fun summer activities for kids: ideas you’ll want to try in childcare and at home

[Production] Fishing

Fishing play set made from a milk carton

Even if they’re interested in fishing, some kids get a little scared when it comes to touching real fish.

For those children, try a fully hand-made fishing game where both the fish and the rods are DIY! One way is to attach magnets to paper cut into fish shapes and “catch” them with a homemade fishing rod that also has a magnet.

If you want a more summery, refreshing version, cut water-resistant milk cartons into fish shapes, and make a fishing rod using a chenille stem (as the hook), twine, and a disposable chopstick.

Milk-carton fish float on water, so set them adrift in a kiddie pool and enjoy a more realistic fishing experience!

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SAKI

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[0-Year-Olds] What Is Wind? Mysterious and Fun Wind Play!

[0-Year-Olds] What Is Wind? Mysterious and Fun Wind Play!

This is an easy wind-themed activity recommended even for infants.

All you need is a piece of cardboard with thin strips of vinyl tape attached and a large fan.

When you flap the fan, the colorful vinyl strips flutter in the air, capturing the children’s interest.

It may seem ordinary to adults, but to children it’s something mysterious and fresh—“What is that?” Try commenting, “It’s swaying in the wind—so pretty,” or “It feels cool when the wind blows.” If possible, connect it to experiences outside the classroom too by saying things like, “You can feel the wind blowing, can’t you?”

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hiyori

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Where is the goldfish?

[For 3-year-olds] A big search with everyone! Where did the escaped goldfish go?!

Are you familiar with the picture book “The Runaway Goldfish”? It’s one of the most popular books among children, and it’s fun like a game as you search for the goldfish hiding in various places.

This activity, “Where’s the Goldfish?”, is based on that book.

Everyone looks for the goldfish that has hidden somewhere in the daycare room and returns it to the aquarium.

It’s a fun game that engages both mind and body, and finding the goldfish is so exciting.

Returning the goldfish to the tank also seems like a great way to nurture children’s kindness.

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sasashina

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Soap bubble play

[1- and 2-year-olds] Let’s play outside to our hearts’ content! Bubble play!

Wrapped in the warm, pleasant weather and with more days at comfortable temperatures, spring makes you want to head outdoors and play to your heart’s content with the kids, doesn’t it? How about incorporating bubble play into those outdoor activities? Fill a basin with plenty of bubble solution and use things like fans or hangers to enjoy making big, dynamic bubbles.

In the spring sunlight, the bubbles will likely sparkle and shine.

I can just picture the children happily running around with the bubbles.

Give it a try for some inspiration!

playing camp

[Indoor Play] Pretend Camping with 2- and 4-Year-Olds: Seria Stove and Kids’ Tent

When it’s rainy and you can’t go play outside, why not enjoy a camping vibe at home? Pitch a tent indoors, try some camp-style meals, or switch off the room lights and spend time by lantern light—there are lots of ways to have fun right at home.

There are also play sets designed for pretend camping, like toy kits that include essentials such as a lantern, cooking gear, and a campfire, so using those is a great idea too.

Just spending your time a little differently than usual can make your at-home hours much more fulfilling.

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