Lovely childcare

[Childcare] From small to large groups! A collection of fun game ideas

[Childcare] From small to large groups! A collection of fun game ideas

Last updated:2025/11/6

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Kids who love to play! Their innocent, adorable excitement as they find something fun every day is a joy to see.

Through lots of play and a variety of experiences, we hope they grow freely in both mind and body.

In this article, we’ll share plenty of fun game ideas for childcare settings.

It’s packed with activities you can enjoy at preschools or at home! Choose games that suit children’s ages and developmental stages, or adjust the rules to match their interests, and they’ll have even more fun.

Enjoy a wonderful time together!

[Childcare] From small to large groups! A collection of fun game ideas (1–10)

Bug-catching game

[For 3-year-olds] We played pretend bug catching!

Bug-catching game

Once you’ve got your very own original bug cage and butterfly net, it’s time to head out! Here are some ideas for pretend bug catching.

Bugs are familiar friends to children—whether it’s spotting pill bugs on a walk or chasing butterflies.

This time, let’s make a one-of-a-kind bug cage and net.

We’ll use recycled materials like milk cartons and plastic bags.

Decorate them with pens, stickers, and cutouts of your favorite motifs from construction paper.

Once you’re done, let’s go out to the schoolyard or park!

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Rock-Paper-Scissors Sugoroku

@kidschallengeclub ♬ EMA – go!go!vanillas

Turn your room into a sugoroku board! Here’s an idea for a Rock-Paper-Scissors Sugoroku game.

Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese board game where you advance spaces using dice.

However, in this version, you move forward by playing rock-paper-scissors instead of rolling dice.

The rules are simple: win to advance, lose and return to the start.

Kids can join in easily.

Set up mats, balance beams, and vaulting boxes around the room to represent the spaces.

If you’re playing with a large group, holding it in a gym or hall is recommended!

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Daikon-pulling game

@kidschallengeclub ♬ Anyway, Busy – Various Artists & Ken Ito

A game that kids and adults can enjoy! Here are some ideas for the Daikon Pulling Game.

It’s a fun game that works well with both small and large groups! The rules are simple and easy to understand, so anyone—from children to adults—can join in.

Divide into the “daikon” role and the “puller” role, and give it a try.

It gets even more exciting with larger groups, but it’s still plenty of fun with fewer people, making it great for any group size.

Once everyone gets the hang of it, trying team matches and competing for time sounds like a lot of fun!

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Abdominal Muscle Chain Game

@machan.kidsbodyspecialty
Fun ways to train your abs#Motor skills Core Parent-child gymnastics #ParentingConcerns Exercise Therapy
♬ Kids & Toys – FASSounds

A unique game to build core strength! Here’s an idea for an Ab Chain Game.

Your core plays an important role when standing, sitting, walking, and running.

Developing a strong core is essential for balance and good posture.

This time, let’s try the Ab Chain Game to train your core while having fun.

Get ready by lying on your back in a circle with your friends! Starting with the child holding the ball, use your abs to lift your upper body and pass the ball to the next friend.

The key is to hold the ball firmly with both hands!

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[Trump] Takoyaki

Surprisingly little-known!? A simple card game! Kids can enjoy it from around age 4 🤩 #playingcards #shortvideo #howtoplay

[Trump] Takoyaki

Enjoy a simple-rules playing card game! Here’s an idea called “Takoyaki.” Don’t you think card games are fun and full of learning for kids? By memorizing the rules and taking turns, they can develop memory and concentration.

The rules of Takoyaki are simple and easy to understand, so once they get used to the game, the kids can even play against each other.

It could be fun to set up a tournament in class, too! Give it a try.

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