Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children

Denden parent-and-child thumb

From Oyako Yubi Denden, “Latest and Most Fun Recreation Games”

Let’s try a finger-play to the tune of the children’s song “Snail” that kids all know.

First, stick out the thumb on your right hand and the little finger on your left hand.

While singing, alternate which finger you stick out.

For the second verse, it’s fine to add a little variation.

It’s actually pretty tricky when you try it, but that makes it all the more fun!

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staring contest

Warabe-uta Selection No. 42: “Daruma-san Staring Contest” by Theater Group ZERO Kawabata Kei

“Niramieko,” the face-off game everyone’s played at least once.

At the end of the song, you make a funny face, and if you can make the other person laugh, you win.

Try it with kids or as a parent-child activity.

One of the best parts is how the funny faces escalate more and more with each round!

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Bomb game

[Indoor Play] A Game Enjoyable Across Ages [Bomb Game]

First, have the kids sit in a circle with their friends.

While the music is playing, pass a ball—pretending it’s a bomb—to the friend next to you.

When the music stops, the child holding the ball has the bomb explode and loses.

It’s a simple game, but it gets everyone excited.

If musical chairs is too difficult for the age group, try this game instead.

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Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

Let’s Play with Nursery Rhymes (Cloth Edition)

Let's play with nursery rhymes! — Games using fabric

Traditional Japanese nursery rhymes, passed down since long ago, are perfect for play that gets children moving their hands and bodies.

They may not be used as often in child-rearing today, but try teaching them as play songs in daycare or kindergarten.

Among them, hand-play games that use a small cloth like a handkerchief are especially fun because children can enjoy the cloth’s movement and texture, so even kids who don’t know the song will love them.