[Childcare] Fun Wind Play: Kite Flying, Pinwheels, and Hand Fans
We’ve gathered a collection of wind-themed activities perfect for childcare settings that you can enjoy while feeling the breeze.
In addition to classics like kite flying, pinwheels, and the traditional children’s song “Ue kara Shita kara,” there are wind-inspired art projects and games that create wind with a handheld fan.
From 0-year-old babies experiencing wind for the first time to older children in the preschool classes, everyone can have fun.
Activities that use wind might seem a bit tricky, but they’re easy to try and really engaging—so give them a go and copy these ideas!
As you play, you might even come up with your own original games.
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[Childcare] Fun Wind Play: Kites, Pinwheels, and Fans (1–10)
Simple wind play
As an easy way to play with the wind, how about trying different kinds of tapes and strings? First, paper tape: bunches of colorful tape fluttering in the wind will spark children’s curiosity about the wind.
Second, vinyl (suzuran) tape: kids can also enjoy the process of splitting it to make fringes.
Third, a simple kite: just tie a string to the handle of a plastic bag and it’s done.
All of these are great for running with in the playground, and on bad-weather days you can use a fan to play indoors.
It’s nice that they’re all compact tools.
wind turbine
A wind-powered car that even kids who love crafts will be thrilled with—it runs when it catches the breeze.
Materials: an empty can, two paper plates, paper, tape, scissors, a ruler, and a pen.
First, tape the can to the back of a paper plate.
Encourage them with tips like, “If you stick it in the center, it will spin smoothly.” Attach the other plate the same way to make the wheels.
The size of the blades that catch the wind will vary depending on the size of the can and plates.
Make five blades and tape each one on firmly, and it’s done.
It’s also a great prompt to think about airflow—ask, “From which direction does the wind make it run best?”
Cleaning battle with uchiwa fans
Fan paper cups with a uchiwa and have a cleaning showdown! Put a tape mark in the center of the table and place paper cups evenly all over.
Once you’re standing by on both sides holding your uchiwa, start at the “Ready, go!” signal and fan from a low position to push the paper cups into your opponent’s territory.
The player with fewer cups left in their own territory at the end wins! The key is to fan as if you’re slapping the uchiwa against the table.
It could be even more fun if everyone draws pictures on the paper cups beforehand and you play with colorful cups.
[Childcare] Fun Wind Play: Kite Flying, Pinwheels, and Uchiwa Fans (11–20)
[0-Year-Olds] What Is Wind? Mysterious and Fun Wind Play!
![[0-Year-Olds] What Is Wind? Mysterious and Fun Wind Play!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fkqedEYiThw/sddefault.jpg)
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?”
Pinwheel Play
This is a pinwheel activity that engages all five senses.
You’ll need construction paper, a hole punch, scissors, a straw, glue, and so on.
As you explain how to make it, it’s nice to chat about questions like, “Have you seen a pinwheel somewhere before?” and “What makes it spin?” Cutting the corners of the paper and the tip of the straw is perfect practice with scissors, and the kids will be thrilled with their colorful, cute pinwheels.
Once they’re done, let the children enjoy the breeze to the fullest by holding the pinwheels in front of a fan or running with them.
Spinning origami
This is a fun origami activity where pieces spin as they fall while catching the wind.
The first is a ring-shaped piece that looks like glasses, the second is a fish-shaped piece, and the third is a curious boomerang-shaped piece.
Each one catches the wind and spins differently, so it’s fun to observe.
It’s great that all you need is origami paper, glue, and scissors.
The tasks of cutting with scissors and applying glue are simple, so even young children can enjoy the sense of accomplishment of making their own original creations.
kite flying
Kite flying, soaring through the sky on the wind, is one of children’s favorite wind-play activities.
Why not try feeling the breeze up close with a quick DIY kite made from A4 copy paper? First, fold the paper into thirds lengthwise.
Unfold it once, then fold it into fourths horizontally.
Use those crease lines to form a hexagon and attach straw spars for the frame.
Cut a toothpick into roughly 1 cm pieces to use as weights, tape them on, and tie on a string to finish.
This kite flies very well, and because it’s compact, it’s great not only outdoors but also for indoor play!