Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children

Indoor beanbag toss

Tamaire (using a vinyl umbrella and badminton shuttlecocks) [indoor play]

Speaking of tamaire (ball toss), it’s a classic event at school sports days, right? Let’s try enjoying that ball toss game indoors! Have one person act as the “basket” by holding an umbrella or a cardboard box above their head.

Then use light balls, beanbags, or other soft items that won’t cause any harm if they hit something as the “balls.” Set a time limit and compete to see how many balls you can get in.

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Friendship Activity Card

[Physical Activity Play] Friendly Exercise Cards [Childcare]

This is a recreation activity where you prepare cards that depict different exercises, and the children perform the exercise shown on the card they pick.

They need to remember in advance what each picture represents, but you can also see them cooperating with one another as they try to recall, thinking, “What was this again?” It’s also recommended to rotate the pairs of children as you go.

Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

Summer festival pretend play

[For 4-year-olds] Let’s play summer festival!

Recommended for 4-year-olds! Here are some ideas for a pretend summer festival.

Summer festivals are often held as local events or at schools and kindergartens.

This time, let’s plan a summer festival play where 4-year-olds take the lead.

They can crumple newspaper with both hands to make candy apples and takoyaki, and use them for decorations.

There can also be stalls like a shaved ice shop using cotton and cups.

Through this pretend summer festival, children can interact across age groups and even learn about money—great ideas with lots of possibilities.

A waterless yo-yo

Enjoy decorating it too! Here’s an idea for a no-water yo-yo.

How about making the popular water yo-yo from summer festival stalls without using any water? The bouncy, springy feel when you flick it with your hand is so fun! You’ll need balloons, washi tape, rubber bands, and stickers.

Inflate the balloon, wrap it with washi tape, then attach a rubber band—and you’re done! You can also use your favorite washi tapes or decorate with stickers to make it even more exciting!