[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?”
Scarf Dance: “The Wind Is Calling”
Scarf Dance “The Wind Is Calling,” where you dance while fluttering a scarf in your hand as you catch the breeze.
Swing your arms forward and back, twist your body, raise your hands and spin around—using your whole body in big movements to enjoy dancing while feeling the wind.
As the scarf flutters, your movements look even larger, so it’s great to include as a performance for a school play or sports day! Enjoy how the scarf’s motion changes with the way the wind blows, and dance with your arms and legs stretched wide.
[Childcare] Fun Wind Play: Kite Flying, Pinwheels, and Uchiwa Fans (11–20)
from top and bottom
The children’s song “Ue kara Shita kara” is a wind-play activity that delights kids now as much as it did in the past.
Prepare the largest piece of cloth you can, and sing while shaking it broadly.
If you have a big cloth, two adults can each hold a corner and do it over a group of children for an even more dynamic experience.
Of course, using a small cloth with stuffed animals is fine too.
With each shake, the children become fascinated by the soft, airy movement they can feel.
Watching those expressions has a way of making adults feel gentle and calm as well.
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.
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.
paper cup airplane
It’s a paper-cup airplane that spins as it flies! Tape two paper cups together bottom to bottom, then decorate the sides with pens, stickers, and more.
Next, tie five rubber bands together in a chain and you’re ready to go! Wrap the rubber band chain snugly around the center of the cups, hook the end loop on your finger, pull it back at an upward angle, and release the cups—your airplane will shoot off with a whirl.
It’s a breezy toy you can make easily with just a few materials and tools.
Let’s all make one and fly them together in the schoolyard or at the park!