Lovely childcare

Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
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.

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!

Indoor play and recreation games recommended for daycare and kindergarten (21–30)

Let’s go hunting for wild animals.

Kasama Tomobe Tomobe Kindergarten Parenting Information: “Hand Play and Song Play Vol. 52: Let’s Go on a Monster Hunt”

Let's go hunting for wild animals.

“Let’s Go on a Beast Hunt” is a game where children move their bodies to music and form groups based on the number of syllables in an animal’s name.

The lyrics describe going on a hunt, and animal names appear along the way.

For example, when “raion” (lion) comes up, it has four syllables in Japanese, so you form groups of four and sit down.

Those who couldn’t join a group continue with the song and try to get into a group next time.

Various animals appear, offering many chances to interact with different friends.

It’s a highly recommended activity.

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Eurhythmics

Mebae Kindergarten Eurhythmics Class – Violet Group – Immediate Response

Eurhythmics

Eurhythmics is so popular that there are even after-school classes for it, and it’s also used in childcare settings.

Eurhythmics is an educational approach that uses music and movement to foster children’s abilities and development.

Its foundation is “immediate response,” where children listen for changes in the music or rhythm and instantly change their movements or poses.

Any movement is fine.

For example, walk to the basic music, jump when a high note sounds, and crouch when a low note sounds.

Kids love both music and moving, so it’s highly recommended!

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Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for Nurseries and Kindergartens (31–40)

Saying the same things, doing the same things.

Saying the same things, doing the same things.

Saying the same things, doing the same things.

After the call “Say the same, do the same,” someone names a direction like right, left, forward, or backward.

Everyone repeats the call and then jumps in the named direction.

There’s also a pattern called “Say the same, do the opposite,” where you jump in the opposite direction of what’s said.

You can mix it up with variations like saying the opposite, and try different combinations.

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Group therapy treasure hunt

@bear_kids_official
Group Therapy: Treasure Hunt Game. Everyone searched for the treasure using clues! We had fun while nurturing: the ability to act with foresight, comprehension of instructions and memory, and cooperation and social skills.After-school day service Child Development Support # developmental support (ryōiku)#ADHD #Indoor Play
♬ Original Song – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service

A game where you search for hidden treasures in a room.

As children naturally build concentration and observation skills—and if you turn it into a team game suited to their developmental stage—they also develop communication skills by cooperating with friends.

The sense of accomplishment when they find the treasure boosts their confidence and self-esteem! It’s easy to prepare and not affected by the weather, so you can put it into practice right away.

Since both kids and adults can enjoy it together, it’s the perfect activity for creating time filled with children’s smiles.

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Masking tape toy

[At-home play] A handmade toy you can make in 10 seconds! A toy made only with masking tape has revolutionized the daycare. Introduced by a director and a daycare-teacher mom.

Masking tape toy

Stick 2–3 strips of masking tape horizontally on the wall, leaving a small gap in the middle to form a tunnel.

Then drop balls or beanbags through it—simple and fun.

It helps children develop control of hand strength, aiming skills, and concentration.

You can place a box underneath and adjust how loose the tape is to match each child’s developmental level.

Children with disabilities can also enjoy success at their own pace, building confidence.

It’s easy to start with everyday materials, and it naturally brings smiles to children’s faces!

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Copycat contest

[Kids' Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Race (For Preschoolers to Lower Elementary)

Copycat contest

Here’s a fun “Copycat Race” you can enjoy on the spot.

Prepare small chairs or cushions to get started.

The teacher says, “What’s the copycat race today?” and then names an animal or vehicle for the children to imitate.

The children pretend to be that animal or vehicle and go around their own chair or cushion three times.

When they finish, they sit on their chair or cushion to reach the goal.

The first person to sit down wins.

The rules are simple, so it’s a great game for all ages to get excited and play together.

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Various number-taking game

@bear_kids_official
✨Group Therapy: Grab-the-Numbers Game✨ Use all kinds of cards—numbers, symbols, hiragana, and illustrations—to find 1 to 10! Take turns with friends and enjoy the challenge 🎴✨ 🎯Goals: While becoming familiar with numbers and letters, we nurture concentration, coordination, and social skills 💪After-school day service Child Development Support #ADHD # developmental support (ryōiku)#ASD #Indoor Play
♬ Original Song – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support & After-School Day Service

It’s a game where you use various cards—numbers, symbols, illustrations, and more—to find 1 through 10! While becoming familiar with numbers and letters, kids develop number recognition, concentration, and the ability to follow rules.

By cooperating or competing with friends, their communication skills improve too.

It’s full of clever ideas that naturally lead to learning through play.

Even adults watching will want to join in.

Give it a try—children and adults can play together and enjoy a great time.

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