Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children
Children in daycare and kindergarten are full of curiosity and energy! Still, some teachers might struggle to come up with play ideas.
There are also days when the weather keeps you indoors.
Here, we introduce a variety of activities that children in kindergarten and daycare can enjoy! We’ve gathered fun activities—from dance, exercise, and games to crafts—that are suitable for babies through toddlers.
Active, movement-based play is a big hit, too.
Let children and adults play together and enjoy a wonderful time!
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
- [Childcare] Play Right Now! Recommended No-Prep Games
- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- Popular recreation ranking for toddlers
- [Kindergarten/Daycare] Games and Performances for Fun Events
- Useful for childcare! Today’s recommended recreational activities, including fingerplay and games!
- Fun activities with newspaper! Recreation games kids will love
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
- [Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
- [Parent-Child Rec] Recreational activities and games for parents and children to enjoy together—also great for sports days.
- [Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy
- [Autumn Activities] Nature Play and Craft Ideas for Fall to Incorporate into Childcare!
- Indoor games for parents and children: fun activities that use the body and the mind
Recreational activities for nurseries and kindergartens: Fun games for children (11–20)
Ninja Play

“Ninja Play” is a simple movement game where children become ninjas with the teacher, sneaking on tiptoe and striking poses as if throwing shuriken in different directions.
Kids love ninjas, so it’s a highly recommended game.
By making the rules more complex according to age, you can tailor the fun to different developmental levels.
It’s a game that can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Balloon Play

Balloons floating softly in the air are very safe, so kids can play with them with peace of mind.
Here are some indoor games using balloons.
The “keep it off the floor” game naturally encourages kids to cooperate, calling out to each other to keep the balloon from touching the floor and getting excited together.
In the balloon passing game, form groups of about six and split into teams.
Enjoy sending the balloon from front to back, or passing it under the knees.
The team that can pass the balloon the fastest wins.
You can also stick a strip of plastic tape across the middle of the room and enjoy balloon volleyball or soccer.
Please choose and enjoy games suited to the children’s ages.
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.
Seated tag

“We can’t play outside because of the rain, but I still want to move my body as much as possible today!” In times like these, here’s a childcare-friendly game we recommend: “Seated Tag.” First, the children start in a seated position.
The rule is that they must keep their bottoms on the floor at all times.
Set a time limit, then play tag while staying seated.
Since it doesn’t involve running, it’s safe and fun to play indoors.
It also helps build leg strength as kids move using their legs and bottoms, so be sure to add it to your play repertoire!
Newspaper Game
@soramame.sensei #SoramameKids#SoramameKids#Therapy Time# developmental support (ryōiku)#HandmadeToys#Indoor Play#KagoshimaRehabilitation#StayHomeTimeLet's play at home#IndoorPlayCorenewspaper (newsprint)Newspaper#Nursery school child
♬ March-style BGM ideal for athletic meet march – harryfaoki
You only need two things to prepare! Here’s an idea for a newspaper sheet game.
It’s also a great option when you have to switch activities indoors due to sudden bad weather.
With just newspaper and tape, you can start playing right away! Set up a long chain of connected newspaper sheets under a chair.
While sitting on the chair, move both feet left and right to store the newspaper under the chair.
The key is to use the entire sole of your feet, which also makes it perfect for strengthening your core.



