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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Indoor Activities and Recreation Games Recommended for Nurseries and Kindergartens (51–60)
sensory toy play
Fun for all ages! Here are some sensory toy play ideas.
You’ll need: food storage bags, colored water, oil, adzuki beans, erasers, toy goldfish, beads, bells, hair gel, and tape.
Put the materials you prepared into the bag along with the hair gel! Changing up the colors and textures makes the feel different and more interesting.
Sensory toys are recommended not only for infants but also for preschoolers—they’re engaging to look at and touch, and kids will be totally absorbed.
Daikon Game
Do your best not to get pulled out! This is the “Daikon Game” that everyone can enjoy.
First, a few people lie face down on the floor and hold hands.
The remaining people grab the legs of those lying down and pull as if they’re uprooting a radish.
If you let go of hands or get pulled out, you lose.
Usually there’s one person doing the pulling, but if it’s among preschoolers, having multiple pullers could make it even more fun.
ladder rock-paper-scissors
“Ladder Rock-Paper-Scissors” is played by dividing into two teams.
First, use tape or a rope ladder to make a single straight path on the floor.
Team members from each side take turns moving from their end toward the center, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.
The team that loses yields the path, and the next member continues forward.
The winning player does not switch out and keeps advancing toward the opposing team.
The first team to reach the opponent’s territory wins.
Nursery rhyme play “Abukutatta”
Do you know the nursery rhyme “Abukutatta”? It’s a classic children’s game, both now and in the past.
One child is chosen as “it,” and the other children, who become “children,” gather around and play.
They hold hands and go around in a circle, pretend to eat the “it” child, and so on—simple, but fun no matter how many times you play.
At the end, a cue called the “ghost sound” turns it into a game of tag, so the kids can enjoy moving their bodies.
Children’s song game “Otebushi Tebushi”
This is a game where you guess which hand an item is hidden in, played to the tune of the children’s song “Otebushi Tebushi.” The lyrics are difficult for kids, but after playing a few times they’ll get used to it, and once you start singing “Otebushi Tebushi,” they’ll gather around! It also sounds fun to split into teams and have a guessing competition.
Seven Steps
Let’s have fun with a counting song fingerplay! Here are some ideas for Seven Steps.
This activity is a rhythm game that nurtures concentration by counting while moving the body.
Some children may find it a bit difficult until they get used to the rules, but sharing the sense of accomplishment with friends when they succeed will deepen their bonds.
If they make mistakes, don’t get discouraged—keep the atmosphere light and try again! This can help foster children’s perseverance and a mindset that doesn’t give up.
Cat and Mouse
Which team will win? Here’s a game idea called Cats and Mice.
What you need are designated areas for each team.
Make the most of the room so the children can move around freely and play in a spacious environment.
Split into a Cat team and a Mouse team, and play a game where you try to return to your territory without getting caught by the teacher.
It’s a fun activity that makes kids burst into laughter, with the tension of listening carefully so they don’t mishear, and the exhilarating feeling of running away! In the end, which team will have more members? Give it a try!
Animal Sounds Quiz
Try to see how many you can get right! Here’s an idea for an animal sound quiz.
Listen to animal sounds and think, “Which animal is this?” and answer! For example, sounds like a dog’s “woof-woof” or a cat’s “meow” are easy to recognize, right? A variety of animals will be featured, so it could be fun to compete and see how many you can identify correctly.
As a variation, you could also show pictures of the animals and have the children imitate the sounds as they answer.
Bomb Game
A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.
The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.
First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.
The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!
The Little Bird’s Move
Let’s play ‘Little Bird Moving House’! First, the children sit in a tucked sitting position (knees up, arms around legs) and move around by scooting on their bottoms.
The teacher should turn into a crab or a crocodile to chase and obstruct the children.
The children try their best to escape while staying seated so they don’t get caught by the teacher.
It’s like a gentle game of tag, but because they’re limited to bottom-scooting, the kids get super excited!