Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
Even on days when the weather is bad and the kids can’t go outside, they still want to move their bodies and play! At times like that, many teachers and parents wonder what indoor activities to do.
Here, we introduce indoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed at nurseries and kindergartens.
You’ll find lots of ideas that kids can dive into with sparkling eyes—full-body movement games, activities everyone can enjoy together, traditional games, and sensory play.
Have fun staying active with the children, even indoors.
These are also great as references for games at events!
Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for Nurseries and Kindergartens (1–10)
Color Touch Game
Move your body while training your memory! Here’s a color touch game idea.
All you need are hula hoops and color markers.
It’s a simple and fun game that kids as young as three can enjoy! Using the hula hoops and color markers, the rule is to touch the color specified by the teacher and then return to your base.
It’s great because kids can move their bodies while memorizing colors.
Start with one color, and as they get used to it, increase to two or three colors to naturally boost memory and reaction speed.
Give it 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.
Stacking paper cups
Let me introduce a fun stacking game with paper cups.
Stack 15 paper cups into a pyramid shape, starting from the bottom.
Time each round and compete to see who can finish their pyramid the fastest.
Because you have to think about the best way to stack the cups as you go, it trains both concentration and problem-solving skills at the same time.
Plastic cups are smooth and glossy, so for children, paper cups are recommended.
Give it a try!
Thunder Game
Speaking of thunder, there’s a common rumor among young children that “the Thunder God will steal your belly button.” This is a game called the “Thunder Game” where you protect your belly button from the Thunder God.
The children lie on their backs on the floor.
Then the “thunder,” the caller, approaches while rumbling like rolling thunder.
At the cue “Boom!” everyone flips over onto their stomachs so their belly buttons won’t be taken.
Try changing the speed of the transition from rumble to boom to make it more fun.
stop ball throw
https://www.tiktok.com/@secondhouseayumu/video/7338624401589554440Thinking while moving is fun! Let me introduce a stop-ball throwing activity.
You’ll need colored balls and cards with signs on them.
Place the colored balls on the floor and throw them into a basket.
When a “Stop” card is shown, everyone must freeze—even if they’re in the middle of throwing a ball.
Once kids get used to the rules, it’s fun to add similar-sounding words like “tomato” along with “stop.” Try adapting it while observing the children’s responses.
Touch-in game
https://www.tiktok.com/@bear_kids_official/video/7472713563929349394Let’s develop tracking skills and a sense of force! Here are some ideas for a touch-in game.
These are perfect for nurturing visual concentration and control of force.
Children can aim to improve their physical abilities while having fun by keeping a balloon from falling and collecting colored balls from the floor into a basket.
Simple yet effective for building concentration, this idea lets kids play by controlling balloons and colored balls—making it a fun game that can be used in after-school day services!
balloon volleyball
https://www.tiktok.com/@bear_kids_official/video/7453046550651079954Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.
All you need is a net and some balloons.
It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.
It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.
Give it a try!