Lovely childcare

[For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games

Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Spending time with children, indoor fun time is important, isn’t it?

Even when the weather is bad or when you can’t go outside due to coordinating spaces with other classes, kids can refresh and have a fulfilling time if you enjoy doing recreations and games indoors.

Here, we’ve gathered ideas for indoor recreations and games that work well with large groups.

We’ve divided them into activities for preschoolers and for elementary school children, so you’re sure to find ideas that suit the kids who will be playing.

Please use this as a reference!

[For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games (61–70)

Ninja play

[Exercise & Gymnastics for Kids] Recommended Rule-Based Game for 4- and 5-Year-Olds: 'Ninja Play' / Rule-based active games, exercises, and gymnastics educational videos to improve motor skills together with Mom

Ninja play

Kids love to imitate ninjas, don’t they? In this ninja game, let the children fully become ninjas! An adult or teacher walks in front, and the children follow behind in stealth like ninjas.

When the adult suddenly turns around and says, “Who goes there?!” the children must freeze, crouch down, or follow other simple rules you set.

It’s very simple, but role-playing games like this are a big hit with kids!

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Spinning Mat Demon

Swirling Mat Tag for 3-year-olds: simple rules, high intensity, and super exciting! Worth trying even for elementary school kids 🐜

Spinning Mat Demon

For a high-intensity mat activity, we recommend “Spinning Mat Tag.” In this game, mats are lined up lengthwise to form a loop, and players move around them imitating animals—much like a game of tag.

The tagger stands outside the circle and gives a signal; in response, players inside the circle must hide part of their body under the mat.

Until they manage to hide, they can be caught by the tagger.

Enjoy the fun of imitating animals and the thrill of possibly being caught!

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chimney game

Chimney Game! Ball Play (4- and 5-Year-Olds)

chimney game

Let’s work hard so we don’t lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney-themed game.

It’s a unique game that uses balls and a mat.

If your center doesn’t have a mat, you can use connected cardboard pieces instead.

Inside the chimney, a teacher transformed into a chimney sweeper will go in.

The children will try to put balls into the chimney so they won’t lose to the sweeper.

They’ll develop their ability to strategize and be inventive by making plans and watching for the teacher’s openings.

Give it a try!

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Treasure Hunt

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

Treasure Hunt

“Maybe it’s in the toy box?” “If we open the drawer, it might be there!” This is a treasure-hunt game that keeps kids buzzing with excitement! Hide treasures all around the classroom and let the children find them.

You can weave in stories from picture books you usually read aloud, or say, “Actually, all your favorite characters are hiding in the classroom!” Incorporating things they love can make it even more engaging.

Will everyone notice the subtle changes in the classroom they see every day? The teacher might be in for one surprise after another as the kids set their sights on unexpected spots.

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Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors

Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors: Guaranteed to be a hit! A recreational activity

Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors

Guaranteed to be a blast—let’s play Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors! First, split into a defense team and an offense team.

Draw pyramid-shaped lines on the ground and place the defenders on the lines.

For example, if there are 15 defenders, put 5 people on the longest bottom line, then 4 on the next, and so on, ending with a single person at the top—that person is the King! The offense team starts by challenging anyone among the 5 at the bottom to rock-paper-scissors; if they win, they move up.

At the end, they play rock-paper-scissors with the King, and if they win, they clear the game.

If they lose at any point, they go back to the starting point.

Losing to the King also sends you back to start.

It’s a fun game where luck is put to the test!

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