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

playing laundry (pretend laundry)

The Elephant class (2-year-olds) enjoyed pretend laundry play.

At home, the washing machine usually does the laundry, but let’s try a pretend-play version that imitates hand-washing.

Prepare something for each child to “wash,” like small items such as hand towels.

In a basin, get them wet, apply soap, scrub, rinse thoroughly in clean water, wring them out, and then hang them with clothespins.

While you play, talk about how the washing machine does a whole sequence from washing to spin-drying, and how people used to wash clothes by hand.

If you play on a sunny day, the laundry will dry quickly and you can even bring it in when it’s done!

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utatane

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Pretend play: running a stall at a festival

[Ages 0–2] “Pretend Summer Festival”

When you think of festivals, this is the scene that comes to mind—why not set up some food stalls and play shopkeeper? You’ll get that lively fair atmosphere packed with people and the excitement of “I wonder what kinds of stalls there are?” With yakisoba stands, takoyaki stands, shaved ice stands, and even ring toss, it’s hard to choose just one! Hang up some lanterns and have the kids wear happi coats to really set the mood, and it’ll be even more festive.

Best of all, it works great with either a small group or a big crowd.

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Araki Jakkan

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Bug-catching game

Looks fun! …but the cleanup seems tough. #ChildcareWorker #AfterSchoolDayService #AichiPrefecture #TokaiCity #FreeSmile #Recreation #Play #Fluttering #Origami

Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.

The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.

The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.

The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.

It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.

Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!

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mayumi

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Balloon Whack Game

[Age 3] “Balloon Whack Game”

Here’s a game using balloons that kids love: the Balloon Smack Game.

It’s basically the summer watermelon-smashing game, but with a balloon instead of a watermelon.

One designated player wears a blindfold and swings a plastic bat toward the balloon.

Spectators should keep a safe distance and guide the player with their voices: “To the right!” “A little farther back!” and so on, helping them find the balloon.

It also works well as a warm-up when you’re planning to do a real watermelon-smashing activity at an overnight camp or summer festival.

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hiyoko sensei

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Three Balloon-Popping Games

[With 100-yen shop materials!] 3 Balloon-Launching Games 🎈 #short

Soft balloons let kids play safely indoors! Here are three recommended balloon-launch games perfect for indoor play—all using materials from the 100-yen shop.

1) Turn a 100-yen planter stand into a chimney by rolling an A3-size PP sheet and attaching it on top.

Stuff balloons into the chimney and use a handheld fan from below to blow them out—great fun! 2) A super-simple game: put balloons in a plastic basket and throw rubber balls at it to launch the balloons out.

3) Make a frame using a hula hoop and plastic bottles, place lots of balloons inside, and toss rubber balls to send the balloons flying—easy and exciting.

With just a bit of creativity, you can make games your kids will love.

Give these a try!

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miyabi

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