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

Let’s defeat the demon with a ball!

[Age 2] Setsubun Play: Let's Defeat the Oni with Balls! | Sendan Kindergarten, Certified Kodomoen

February is still full of chilly days, so let’s get moving and play indoors! This Setsubun game involves defeating the oni (ogre) by throwing balls at it.

Ideally, the target oni is made in separate parts—head, torso, and left and right legs—and then assembled.

It’s fun because the way it falls changes depending on where you hit it: hit the head and only the head might drop; hit the torso and the whole thing might topple over.

When it’s knocked down, set it back up and try again and again.

Cheer each other on—“You can do it!”—and work together with friends to defeat the oni.

It’s a great way to build cooperation and learn the importance of steady, persistent effort.

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Bean-throwing play with empty boxes

Before you throw away the empty box! Bean-throwing game ♪ BEAN SOWING GAME!

How about a bean-throwing game idea that turns an empty box you’d normally throw away into a fun toy? It’s perfect for indoor play in February.

Fix the box lid upright with duct tape or similar so it stands vertically.

Line the bottom of the box with colored construction paper, and stick a paper-made oni (demon) face and pants on the inside of the lid.

For hair, use small pieces of colorful origami paper for a fun look.

Using shiny, reflective origami will also get kids excited.

Make paper balls by crumpling origami, then throw them at the oni.

If they land inside the box, you win!

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Roll it! Throw it! Demon-slaying

[Parent and Child Activity] Roll and Throw Toward the Target: Defeat the Oni with Movement Play!

Here’s an idea that lets kids move their bodies—throwing or rolling toward a target—while also enjoying a seasonal event.

Prepare five plastic bottles, some string, and origami paper, and make ogre (oni) faces with the origami.

It’s more fun with a variety of colors, so let them choose their favorites.

Encourage them to draw freely—smiling, angry, or crying faces—so their individuality can shine.

Attach string to each ogre face and secure it to a plastic bottle by fixing it under the cap, and you’re done.

Roll or throw a ball to knock down the plastic-bottle pins.

Making toys fosters imagination and gives a sense of accomplishment.

Above all, kids will feel attached to what they’ve made and learn to value their belongings.

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Setsubun balance game toy

@chooobo2

Balance game 👹 This material will be distributed via an Instagram subscription ✨ You can also play by stacking plastic bottle caps or sponges 🌼Made in FebruarySetsubun craftSetsubun#HandmadeToyspaper plate#AtHomePlayPaper Plate Craft

Oria – niKu

Let’s try playing the “Setsubun Balance Game,” which helps kids develop their sense of balance while having fun! It’s easy to make: add two fold lines to a paper plate to create a wobbly base.

It’s a good idea to tape the plate so it doesn’t open back up.

Decorate the paper plate with construction paper and crayons, and make the pieces to place on top using printed oni (demon) materials.

You can also use bottle caps or sponges as substitutes, or draw your own illustrations on construction paper.

This game trains fine motor skills and balance, making it a great educational activity for children!

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Fun Oni (Demon) Games for Infant Classes

[Ages 0–2 (Infant Class)] “Oni Game (Let’s Enjoy Seasonal Play)” | Minami Senrioka Yuiku-en [Nursery/Kindergarten Event]

Try fun oni-themed games that capture the Setsubun season: “Mame Korogashi,” where you roll up a newspaper into a ball and roll it around; “Mame-maki,” where you throw newspaper ‘beans’ at an oni face or its pants; “Pak-kun Oni Golf,” where you aim balls into a cardboard target; and “Oni Balloon Play,” using balloons decorated with many oni faces.

Do a warm-up with the Oni’s Pants dance, then start the games—pick whichever activities interest you.

Playing with toys made by you or by older students from other classes sparks curiosity and fosters a sense of achievement and self-esteem.

Feel free to use these ideas and bring Setsubun play into your activities.

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