[Childcare] Enjoy March! A collection of ideas for event-related activities and nature play
In March, the number of pleasantly warm, comfortable days increases, and both children and adults feel more cheerful, don’t they?
This time, we’re introducing play ideas perfect for March that let you sense the arrival of spring!
Focusing on activities related to events held in March—such as Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and kindergarten graduation ceremonies—we’ve assembled a wide range of games you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.
We’re also sharing plenty of activities that deepen interest in creatures and plants unique to March.
Spend a fun time with the children while feeling the arrival of spring together.
- [Childcare] Recommended crafts and activities for March, such as Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) and cherry blossoms
- [Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts
- [Kindergarten (older class)] What kind of season is March? Let’s make events and natural objects with origami!
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [For 4–5 year olds] A collection of recommended origami ideas for March—featuring seasonal events and natural motifs
- [Childcare] Recommended indoor activities and recreation games for April
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- February: Liven up childcare! A collection of ideas for indoor play and physical activities
- Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
- [Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts you can play with after making them
- [Childcare] Ideas for March wall decorations
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
[Childcare] Enjoy March! A collection of activity ideas related to seasonal events and nature play (11–20)
Chirashi Sushi Party
When it comes to foods eaten on March 3rd for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), chirashi sushi is a must! Topped with shredded omelet, lotus root, shrimp, and salmon roe, it’s a beautiful and delicious dish.
That’s why I recommend a chirashi sushi party.
It’s great for lunch or as a school meal, and making it together with the kids is also a wonderful option.
It’s an idea that lets you feel spring with your eyes and your palate! By the way, chirashi sushi can vary by region, such as between western and eastern Japan.
The version introduced above is the style commonly eaten in western Japan!
Making botamochi (sweet rice cakes)
When it comes to holidays in March, there’s the Vernal Equinox Day.
And the event held around that day is the spring Ohigan.
What people do—like visiting graves—varies by region and family, but what I’d like to introduce here is making botamochi! The gentle sweetness of red bean paste and glutinous rice… just imagining it makes your mouth water.
If you’re making them with kids, it’s easy and recommended to have the red bean paste and glutinous rice prepared in advance so all that’s left is to roll them into shape.
By the way, the only difference between botamochi and ohagi is the season when they’re made.
Ohagi is for the autumn Ohigan.
Candy Book Making
March 14 is White Day.
It’s the day when people who received Valentine’s chocolates give a return gift, and the classic present is candy.
So let’s all have fun making a candy book! At first glance, it looks like just a book with pictures of candy, but when you cast a little spell, lots of candies fall out from inside.
In fact, it’s a pop-up style book made using items like paper cups, and it’s easy to make.
Decorate it cutely and finish it into a lovely candy book!
Spring insect search
When spring comes, the pleasant weather lures out the insects that were hiding during the cold season! So why not look for springtime bugs while you’re out for a walk? You might spot colorful creatures like cabbage white butterflies, swallowtail butterflies, and ladybugs! Also, if you do find them, rather than catching and touching them, it’s best to observe how they live as they are.
Encourage children to notice things and nurture their curiosity! March offers a climate that’s perfect for playing outside!
Spring Birdwatching
As spring arrives, you’ll start spotting more birds while out on walks.
When you hear birdsong, many children can’t help but wonder, “What kind of bird is that?” With the temperatures rising, why not head out on a nice day to look for wild birds? While places rich in nature are ideal, you’d be surprised how many birds gather even in city parks.
In spring, migratory birds come to Japan to lay eggs and raise their young.
If you come across birds building nests, consider yourself lucky.
Let’s help children discover that, beyond the familiar birds they usually see, there are many different kinds out there.
thank-you party
After the graduation ceremony, there’s a thank-you party where the oldest kids, teachers, and parents get together.
Since it’s the final gathering, many preschools really put effort into the performances, don’t they? You can enjoy delicious food, watch skits and other entertainment, sing and dance—it’s the kind of event where you forget the time.
To keep those memories alive, it’s highly recommended to record the entire party on video.
If you look into it, you should be able to find videography services that can handle the recording, so be sure to check.
Since many schools may hold the party on the same day, it’s best to book early!
[Childcare] Enjoy March! A collection of ideas (21–30) for event-themed activities and nature play
Experience the natural cycle through rapeseed blossoms
In spring, the yellow rapeseed flowers (nanohana) bloom beautifully, don’t they? In April, we recommend a hands-on experience with the natural cycle using rapeseed flowers.
First, dry the plants thoroughly until their color changes, then collect the seeds—you’ll find lots of small black seeds inside.
In the end, they’re transformed into rapeseed oil! It could become an event that inspires people to think about global environmental issues and the SDGs.
Using picture books to share stories about environmental topics is also recommended.
Be sure to try it with the children!