Lovely Play & Recreation

[Exercise] Recreational Ideas for Olympic Sports

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Many children look forward to the Olympics that come around once every four years!

Even with sports they don’t know, watching can make them want to cheer.

Seeing athletes compete with all their might can inspire kids to think, “I want to try that too!”

Here, we’ll share fun recreation ideas inspired by Olympic events.

These activities let children from preschool to elementary school move their bodies with ease, so everyone can have fun being active together—play energetically and enjoy yourselves!

[Exercise] Recreational Ideas for Olympic Sports (11–20)

Indoor basketball hoop craft

[Easy Craft 063] Mini Basketball Goal – Play Basketball Indoors! Mini Basketball Goal

Indoor basketball hoop craft

Let’s play with a handmade basketball set! Here are some ideas for crafting an indoor basketball hoop.

After watching Olympic basketball, many kids probably started admiring the players, right? This time, let’s try making an indoor basketball game you can build and play with.

You’ll need two hangers, yarn, cardboard, scissors, and more.

It’s great because the steps are simple.

This is also a recommended idea for when you want to get moving indoors!

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Target shooting

Make Your Own Shooting Game! Easy Craft Using Toilet Paper Rolls (For Ages 3 and Up)

Target shooting

Fun for toddlers and up! Here are some ideas for a target-shooting game.

Among Olympic sports, there’s shooting, where competitors use firearms to hit targets and compete for accuracy.

This time, let’s play a similar game that focuses on aiming at targets.

You’ll need straws, rubber bands, origami paper, tape, masking tape, scissors, glue, and a toilet paper roll.

Using a toy “gun” made from the toilet paper roll, the simple rule is to knock down the targets.

It’s great because everyone—from toddlers to adults—can enjoy it together.

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Cardboard Badminton

[Upcycled Play] The blade spins as it falls! Cardboard Badminton <Handmade toy you can make right now> [Easy craft, playable craft] Cardboard, tissues, clear file

Cardboard Badminton

Let’s have fun using recycled materials! Here’s an idea for cardboard badminton.

When you think of badminton, you use a racket and a shuttlecock, right? This time, let’s make both pieces of equipment using scrap materials you can find at home, like cardboard.

What you’ll need: cardboard, an A4-size clear plastic file, tissue paper, a permanent marker, tape, a ruler, scissors, and more.

The way the shuttlecock spins around as it falls is unique and really fun to watch!

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Parent-child gymnastics surfing

You can do it at home! Parent-child exercises | Surfing | Coordination training introduction video

Parent-child gymnastics surfing

Let’s join in while training your sense of balance! Here are some ideas for parent–child gymnastics surfing.

First, the parent lies down on their stomach.

The child gently stands on top.

Since the body will wobble, it’s good to stretch both arms out to keep balance.

Once you get used to it, try adjusting the parent’s body height or moving like a wave so the kids won’t get bored.

When trying it for the first time, it’s best to do it in an environment with a mat or futon laid out.

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Balloon Trampoline

[Balloon Trampoline] Strengthen the core with crawling movements! #indoorplay #developmentalplay #childcare

Balloon Trampoline

Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.

The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.

All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.

Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.

Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!

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indoor hockey game

Introducing a super popular “Hockey Game” for kids! A play activity that seriously boosts motor skills! Highly recommended as an indoor physical activity for preschoolers through elementary schoolers. #recreation #lifewithkids #gymnastics #PE

indoor hockey game

Kids are guaranteed to be hooked! Here’s an indoor hockey game idea.

Hockey, which was a big hit at the Olympics, is played with sticks and a hockey ball.

This time, let’s try an indoor version you can enjoy at home.

All you need are marker cones.

Set up two red and two blue marker cones facing each other as goals, then use another color of marker cone as the “ball.” Slide it along the floor and aim for the goal—game on!

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[Exercise] Recreational ideas for Olympic sports (21–30)

Tabletop curling game

Dr. Rinpei’s Make-and-Play Science: Curling Game

Tabletop curling game

Curling, the ice sport seen at the Winter Olympics.

This video introduces a simple craft that lets you enjoy curling casually on a tabletop.

By attaching a clear plastic file sheet, they’ve made it slide more smoothly.

If you have toy cars, they’ll glide even on plain paper or cardboard, making it even easier.

It’s also fun to write down point values and compete for scores.

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