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

Hula hoop relay

Hula hoop relay

This is a “hula hoop relay” where everyone lines up in a row, holds hands firmly with the people next to them, and passes a hula hoop from the first person to the last.

From start to finish, hands must remain clasped; you pass the hula hoop to the next person using only body movements, without using your hands.

If anyone lets go, the team is disqualified or must start over.

Try making it a team competition and race against the clock!

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utatane

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Cat and Mouse

[You can see the childcare in action] Teacher Rio’s active play [Cat and Mouse]

If you’re looking for a game that lots of people can enjoy, we recommend this Cat and Mouse game.

The rules are very simple—think of it as similar to tag.

Each time the facilitator says “ne,” the cat team and the mouse team each take one step forward.

Once the two teams are at just the right distance, the facilitator calls out either “neko” (cat) or “nezumi” (mouse).

If they say “nezumi,” the cat team chases the mice, and the mouse team tries to reach their home base without being tagged by the cats.

It’s also fun to have the facilitator throw in unrelated words like “nezu-ko,” which slightly increases the difficulty and keeps everyone on their toes.

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Ryo

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The Falling-Falling Game

[Nursery/Kindergarten] The “It Fell, It Fell” Game [How to Play, Target Age, Variations]

This is the “Falling, Falling” game where the gesture changes depending on what falls.

If it’s an “apple,” you make a catching pose with your hands; if it’s a “fist,” you cover your head; if it’s “lightning,” you cover your belly button.

The tempo gradually speeds up, so it gets harder.

You can also choose your own original words and poses instead of these three to make it even more fun.

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utatane

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Tail tag game

Tail tag game

When you get tired of regular tag, why not try a tail-grab game? In this version, players tuck a towel—used as a “tail”—into their waistband, and whoever snatches the opponent’s tail wins.

The roles of chaser and chased switch rapidly, so quick reflexes are key.

By the way, this tail-grab game can be played individually or as a team competition.

Choose the format that best fits the kids’ personalities and the size of the group.

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yamamoto

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Fruits Basket

Group game: Fruit Basket! The new Sumire class takes on the challenge together! Everyday life at Hachiman Kodomoen (Fukui City). April 2018.

It’s the classic indoor game, “Fruit Basket”! Here’s how to play: choose one person to be “It,” and everyone else sits on chairs arranged in a circle.

Everyone except “It” is assigned to a fruit group in advance.

When “It” calls the name of your group, you must get up and move to a different seat.

While players are moving, “It” also tries to sit in a chair; the person left without a seat becomes the next “It.” If “It” calls “Fruit Basket,” everyone must change seats.

There’s also a variation called “Anything Basket,” where the groups aren’t fruits but anything you like—for example, “people wearing white socks.” Once you’ve gotten used to “Fruit Basket,” give “Anything Basket” a try too!

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sasashina

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