Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children

Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game

[Group Play] Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game!

Great for group play! Here’s an idea for a “Run from the Hula Hoop” game.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

The rules are simple: children try not to get hit by a hula hoop that a parent or teacher rolls.

The key is to move while predicting the hoop’s speed and direction.

Once everyone gets used to the game, adding variations to how the hoop moves will keep kids engaged and prevent boredom.

Give it a try and include it in your activities!

Hula hoop down

[Sports Recreation] Hula Hoop Down — From Failure to Success

Here’s an idea for a “Hula-Hoop Down” activity.

Form teams of 7–8 people and lift a hoop using only everyone’s index fingers.

The key is to work together and communicate so you don’t drop the hula-hoop as you lower it from chest height to the floor.

It helps to coordinate your timing by watching the hoop’s movement and calling out cues like “Lowering now” and “Let’s stop.” It’s funny—if everyone’s mindset isn’t aligned, the hula-hoop somehow starts to tilt! Give it a try!

Hula hoop relay

[Challenge Video] Passing the Hula Hoop

Let’s move a hula hoop without holding it with our hands! Here’s an idea for a hula-hoop relay.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

First, hang the hula hoop on one person’s right wrist, then have them hold hands with another person.

Without grabbing the hula hoop, can you move it along to the other person’s left wrist while keeping your hands joined? Once you get used to it, try sending the hula hoop back and forth, or increase the number of participants to make the game more challenging.

It’s a fun way to enjoy cooperating with friends while following the rules.

Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda

[Age 3] Daruma-san ga koronda♪

More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Red Light, Green Light” using hula hoops.

You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.

“Red Light, Green Light” is a game that’s been loved for generations.

Since the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and childcare centers likely include it in their activities.

Using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams expands the possibilities, so it’s highly recommended.

Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!

Hoop Music Play

Eurhythmics Video for Children 15: “Let’s Play with Hoops!” — Song Home Lesson Movie

Let me share some ideas for playing with music using hula hoops.

All you need is a piano and large hula hoops.

Eurhythmics nurtures children’s interest in music and their abilities by moving the body to music and playing with rhythm.

While it’s possible to do these activities without any props, why not try eurhythmics ideas that use hula hoops? By moving the hula hoops to the music or along the scale, children can enjoy the fun of expressing themselves with their bodies.