[For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games
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!
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[For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreations and Games (71–80)
Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game
Make predictions and control your body movements! Here’s an idea for a “Run Away from the Hula Hoop” game.
It’s an active game that lets kids develop their prediction skills and reaction speed while having a blast.
Within the area where the hula hoop rolls, players move quickly in response to its motion and try to avoid touching it—simple rules.
By making predictions and deciding where to move next, children can improve their body control and sense of balance.
Paper airplane throwing
Here’s a paper airplane throwing game that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Let’s fold paper airplanes using origami paper or flyers.
The size of the paper matters, too.
One of the fun parts of paper airplane throwing is that the flight distance changes depending on how you fold and throw it! If your flight distance isn’t improving, you might discover ways to make it go farther by trying again and again.
Try a variety of games using paper airplanes, such as high-score battles, cup knockdowns, dog-run catches, and pair catches!
Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda
More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Red Light, Green Light” using hula hoops.
You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.
“Red Light, Green Light” is a game that’s been loved for generations.
Since the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and childcare centers likely include it in their activities.
Using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams expands the possibilities, so it’s highly recommended.
Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!
Rhythm Play
Let’s enjoy a “rhythm play” that will get your body moving naturally! Tap your knees twice—ton, ton—and then clap your hands once in front of your chest—pan.
To the rhythm of “ton-ton-pan,” the leader changes the “pan” part and names a body part.
For example, “ton-ton head,” “ton-ton butt,” etc.
Everyone else taps their knees twice and then touches the body part the leader names.
Try to keep up with the rhythm without falling behind! As a fun variation, the leader can say an animal name like “ton-ton monkey!” and everyone can imitate its sound, such as “ton-ton ook-kee!” That would be entertaining too.
Bomb Game
A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.
The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.
First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.
The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!
