[For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation
March, when it gradually gets warmer, is a season that lifts our spirits as we feel the signs of spring.
Why not incorporate seasonal activities into recreational programs to enjoy with older adults? We’ve gathered ideas full of seasonal flair—from games and crafts themed around spring icons like cherry blossoms, butterflies, and bamboo shoots, to snack-time activities that spark the appetite with sweet aromas, and even music sessions that make you want to move.
Many can be done while seated or prepared with familiar, easy-to-get materials, so be sure to try them in your daily recreation programs.
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For Seniors: Activities to Enjoy March — Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (21–30)
Take photos with a Hina doll panel
Haven’t you ever wanted to become the Ohinasama (Empress doll) or Odairisama (Emperor doll) at least once? But actually preparing kimono and getting your hair done is a lot of work, isn’t it? So why not become the Ohinasama or Odairisama using one of those face-in-hole panels you often see at tourist spots? All you have to do is hold up the panel and put your face in, so anyone can enjoy it easily.
If everyone takes photos together while holding the panels, it will surely make for wonderful memories of Hinamatsuri.
Hinamatsuri Doll Carrying Game
Place the hina dolls and the imperial prince and princess made from cups on a base attached to a string.
Participants should pull the string with their feet to reel in the base.
Try not to knock over the dolls as much as possible.
You can decide the winner by how many cups remain standing, or assign points in advance and compete based on the points of the dolls that stay upright.
Since you have to use your feet firmly to pull it in, it’s also perfect for a lower-body workout!
[For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreations (31–40)
Spring lettering
Wrap beanbags with flower tissue paper to make balls that look like hina-arare, and write one hiragana character on each.
Prepare a five-letter target word and a box that holds five letters.
Using chopsticks, pick up the balls and move them to another box to complete the word.
The time spent deciding which letters to choose is fun, and natural conversation flows—“Huh? Is that wrong?” “That’s a good one!” Unexpected words can appear and spark big laughs, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
It engages both the mind and the fingertips, promoting brain activation and fine motor movement.
It’s a perfect Hinamatsuri game you can enjoy while playing.
Hinamatsuri cosplay by staff
Staff members transform into Hina dolls and have fun! This is a “serious Hinamatsuri” recreation activity.
It might be nice to dress up as the Emperor and Empress, and depending on the number of people, as the three court ladies or the five musicians.
When the staff make their entrance, the venue fills with smiles.
Coming out a little shyly is also part of the fun.
Try lining up like a real tiered Hina display, or let the participants decide the order—both are recommended.
Taking photos together will make for a wonderful, memorable day.
Enjoy Hinamatsuri together in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Making ohagi (sweet rice balls) for the spring equinox
Speaking of spring, it’s all about the equinox, and when it’s the equinox, it’s all about ohagi, right? How about we all make and eat ohagi together? There are various theories about why we eat botamochi and ohagi during the equinox, but it’s said to be a custom of offering them to our ancestors because the red color of azuki beans is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Let’s prepare glutinous rice, sweet red bean paste, and kinako, divide up the tasks, and make them assembly-line style while having fun together.
Ohagi is delicious—but when you make it yourself, it’s even more delicious!
Hinamatsuri Quiz
Quizzes are loved by everyone from children to adults.
How about trying a trivia quiz related to Hinamatsuri? Let’s have fun with a variety of questions about the history of Hinamatsuri, how to display the dolls, and traditional seasonal foods.
These days, there are even apps that provide questions, so using them could broaden the range of your quiz topics!
Song and Dance Exercise ‘Happy Hinamatsuri’
Singing exercises that combine light movements while singing.
Since it’s March, let’s try a routine focusing on hand gestures to the song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” Even though we call it exercise, you can do it seated in a chair, so there’s no need to worry about falling.
Making your movements bigger will increase the workout, too! Please enjoy it together with everyone.