[Childcare] Fun February Indoor Play Ideas That Work for Both Small and Large Groups

Oni Bowling

Bowling Game with PET Bottle Monsters [DIY] [Handmade Toy]

How about a bowling game that kids love—with a Setsubun twist by turning the pins into oni (demons)? Stuff empty plastic bottles with colored paper for the oni’s body color, then attach parts like the oni’s pants, horns, and face using colored construction paper around the outside.

For the bowling ball, crumple up newspaper into a ball and wrap it all around with vinyl tape in your favorite colors.

And don’t just make red or blue oni—use lots of colors to create a cute and colorful bowling set!

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utatane

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Eurhythmics “Mame Mame, Pah”

[Setsubun Play] 'Mame-mame, Pa' (Bean-Throwing Eurhythmics)

This is a Setsubun-themed eurhythmics activity using a loop towel.

In this version, you identify the direction the oni (demon) is coming from by sound, and throw the towel, treating it like beans.

Actual bean-throwing is fun, but cleaning up can be hard and it may pose a choking risk for small children, so this is a good alternative.

The towel loops around the hand for a secure hold, so kids can throw it over and over without making a mess.

It’s also convenient because you can easily get one at a 100-yen shop.

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sasashina

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Finger play ‘Oni no Oyako’ (Demon Parent and Child)

Hand play for Setsubun: 'Oni Parent and Child' 👹 with lyrics

Here’s a fun fingerplay song connected to the theme of oni (ogres): “Oni no Oyako” (“The Ogre Family”).

It’s a song that focuses on the horns on their heads, which are common to both ordinary oni and thunder-god-style oni.

The humorous lyrics highlight each character: verse 1 says “the child’s horns are small,” verse 2 says “the father’s horns are big,” and verse 3 says “the mother’s horns are scary.” The fun part is making your own gestures—showing small horns as small, big horns as big, and so on.

The ending “goro-goro…” where you rotate your arms also lets children express themselves freely.

It’s also enjoyable when children face each other and perform it together.

Bean-Throwing App: ‘Setsubun—Oni Invasion’

Setsubun Game! Demons Attack! “A demon took over our home...” Setsubun Games

This is a game app called “Setsubun: Demon Invasion”! Throwing beans at home can be a hassle to clean up, but with the app you can easily enjoy the Setsubun vibe while keeping your room tidy.

It’s content you can enjoy with your children during your time at home.

Demon Bowling Game

[Crafts] [Handmade Toy] Perfect for Setsubun! PET Bottle Oni Bowling Game

Introducing the “Oni Bowling Game,” where you throw a ball to knock down pins.

First, let’s make the pins and the ball.

Prepare several empty plastic bottles and stuff them with tissue paper.

Decorate them with construction paper to create oni (demon) designs, and the pins are done.

For the ball, simply crumple up some newspaper into a sphere and wrap it with colored tape.

Using tissue paper in several colors will make it look festive.

If the pins are too light and topple too easily, try using colored water or something similar instead!

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sasashina

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