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!
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Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for Nurseries and Kindergartens (121–130)
Agar play
Let’s encourage free play with the prepared agar gel and, through steps like transferring it between containers, let children experience its unique texture.
We’ll nurture their sense of touch—one of the five senses—by valuing both the distinctive feel of agar when handled directly and the changes in sensation when using tools.
While imagining the final result, let them freely enjoy experimenting, such as seeing what happens when they mix different colors of agar.
If there’s a risk they might put it in their mouth, we recommend placing the agar in a bag so they can safely enjoy the tactile experience with their hands.
Storm Storm Big Storm Game
Let’s play using our heads and bodies! Here’s an idea for the Big Storm Game.
Depending on the age group, it’s helpful to prepare visual aids like sample diagrams or origami markers.
Assign one child as the squirrel and two children as the trees.
At the teacher’s cue, “A wolf is coming!” the squirrel moves to a different tree.
At the cue, “A lumberjack is coming!” the trees move to a different squirrel.
At the cue, “A big storm is coming!” everyone moves and pairs up with different friends.
To start, try playing while using the sample diagram or markers as guides!
Shape imitation game
Here’s a shape-matching game using cotton swabs.
Put a strip of tape on a table and create a shape on one side using cotton swabs.
Children look at the completed shape and then use cotton swabs to make the same shape on the opposite side of the tape.
If they get stuck, it’s a good idea to support them with hints so they can create the same shape, watching over them and working together.
As they get used to it, try making the shapes slightly more difficult or increasing the number of cotton swabs to add variety.
For the tape on the table, colorful tape is recommended because it’s easier to see and understand.
Number Touch Game
Let me introduce a number-touch game where you touch numbers posted on the wall.
Prepare by writing numbers on pieces of paper and sticking them randomly on the wall.
Have the children memorize the positions of the numbers on the wall.
The teacher calls out a number, and the children touch that number—this is the game.
It also helps train memory and reaction speed by remembering where the called number is.
Adjust the height of the numbers to match the children’s reach and give it a try.
You can also make the numbers easier to remember by using different colors of paper or other creative touches.
Morning Noon Night game
Here’s an introduction to the Morning-Afternoon-Night game.
You can play it anytime, anywhere, with any number of people, so it’s perfect for filling small gaps of time! When the teacher says “morning,” the children stand up.
For “afternoon,” they sit in seiza (kneel with legs folded under).
For “night,” they lie down right where they are.
The fun is in doing each action as quickly as possible.
Once they get used to it, try adding twists like “duck” or “monkey.” How will the children respond? Will they imitate the animals, get confused, or tell you, “Teacher, that’s wrong!”? That uncertainty is part of the fun of this game.
Playing musical instruments
This is an activity where children can experience how musical instruments make sounds.
Prepare instruments that produce sound with simple actions, such as tambourines and castanets.
It’s also recommended to play along to songs based on nursery rhymes and keep the rhythm with the instruments.
You can include elements of eurhythmics and incorporate movement activities set to music.
This activity helps children become interested in making sounds and conveys the joy of expressing together as a group.
Showcase the teacher’s piano or guitar performance as well, and liven up indoor time on rainy days.
Picture shiritori
Let me introduce a drawing shiritori game that gets everyone excited while you draw.
The drawing shiritori game can be enjoyed by two or more people.
First, decide on a theme for the first drawing in turn.
The first person draws a picture on paper based on the theme.
The next person looks at the previous person’s drawing and draws a picture that starts with the last letter of the previous drawing’s word.
Take turns and keep going.
It gets even more fun if you set final rules in advance, such as what happens if a word ends with “n” (which would normally end the game) or if someone can’t draw on their turn.
Have fun and give it a try!
Colored water play
Let’s try a colored-water activity where you add color to clear water and enjoy both the feel of touching the water and the visual changes in color.
First, use colorful water-based markers to add color to a sheet of copy paper.
Next, dip the copy paper into a clear cup filled with water.
You can enjoy watching the color gradually spread, and you can look forward to the children’s surprised reactions.
Once you’ve made a few different colored waters, it’s also fun to mix them to create new colors.
Give this activity a try—it also helps train concentration and observation skills.
The ‘It fell, it fell’ game
Let me introduce a quick-reaction game called “It Fell, It Fell.” The teacher says, “It fell, it fell,” and the children ask, “What fell?” The teacher names what fell.
For example, if the teacher says “an apple,” the children should pose as if they’re catching an apple.
If the teacher says “a fist,” the children should protect their heads with their hands so they don’t get bonked.
If it’s “thunder,” they should hide their belly button with their hands.
It might be more fun if you teach the poses to the children beforehand and then start the game so they can join in easily.
Once they get used to it, it’s also recommended to have fun by changing up what “falls.”
Bug-catching game
Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.
The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.
The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.
The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.
It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.
Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!