[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts
In spring, when the warm sunlight feels pleasant, colorful grasses and flowers bloom and insects become active, giving children more chances to go outdoors and connect with nature.
So this time, we’re introducing fun play ideas that are perfect for spring.
We’ve gathered lots of engaging ideas that spark children’s curiosity—from nature-based activities unique to spring to fingerplays, eurhythmics, and crafts.
As a new school term begins, let’s incorporate plenty of play so children can spend each day freely and joyfully.
Let’s enjoy spring to the fullest!
Please note: In this text, items made by the children are treated as “works,” so we refer to them as “seisaku (制作).”
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[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Physical Play, and Crafts (41–50)
Pill Bug Made with Paper Plates
The pill bug is one of the insects that kids love.
Its habit of curling up into a little ball when touched is one of the charms that fascinates them.
Let’s make a pill bug out of a paper plate.
First, draw patterns on the paper plate with crayons, then paint over it with black paint.
Enjoy how the crayon resists the paint.
Next, cut the paper plate into six equal parts, stack all the small triangles together, punch a hole at the tip, and insert a split pin (paper fastener).
Finally, add a face and legs, and you’re done.
It even reproduces the pill bug’s distinctive movements, so kids are sure to be captivated.
Give it a try!
[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Physical Play, and Crafts (51–60)
Bug-catching game
Once you’ve got your very own original bug cage and butterfly net, it’s time to head out! Here are some ideas for pretend bug catching.
Bugs are familiar friends to children—whether it’s spotting pill bugs on a walk or chasing butterflies.
This time, let’s make a one-of-a-kind bug cage and net.
We’ll use recycled materials like milk cartons and plastic bags.
Decorate them with pens, stickers, and cutouts of your favorite motifs from construction paper.
Once you’re done, let’s go out to the schoolyard or park!
Bug-catching game
Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.
The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.
The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.
The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.
It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.
Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!
Broad beans you make by sticking (pieces) on
Broad beans, which are said to be in season from April to June, are perfect for spring crafts.
This time, we’ll introduce a project that uses these broad beans.
Prepare by pre-cutting the pod and bean shapes out of construction paper.
If the children are old enough and comfortable using scissors, it’s also great to let them cut the pieces themselves.
Glue the pod and beans onto a base sheet of construction paper, draw faces on the beans, and you’re done.
The steps are very simple, so even younger children can enjoy making this.
The vivid green of the broad beans is sure to energize the kids even more.
Give it a try!
Let’s try growing vegetables
Nurture life and learn the importance of food! Here are some ideas for trying your hand at growing vegetables.
It’s a wonderful way to show children how fascinating nature is and why food matters.
By growing vegetables like eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, they can watch the thrilling process as seeds sprout and leaves grow larger.
Harvesting and eating the vegetables they raised themselves brings joy and fosters gratitude for food.
With their hands in the soil, it becomes a lovely learning time that helps them feel connected to nature.
Rag-wiping race
The Osaka Towel Wholesale Trade Association designated April 29 as Towel Day.
It’s said that people use towels most frequently from early spring to early summer.
Children are very familiar with towels too, using them for wiping floors and tables, but wringing them out by hand after washing can take a lot of strength for kids.
When wringing a towel, the vertical wring is recommended.
By keeping the elbows close to the body and rotating the wrists, you can use the strength of your arms and wring more tightly.
Wringing towels also helps build grip strength, so try practicing it with your children!
Mat play
Mat play is often incorporated into childcare settings at nurseries and kindergartens.
It’s an item that enhances exercise safety while supporting children’s play.
The type laid on the floor is well known, but setting it up over a step can turn it into an athletic slope for climbing.
It’s also recommended to combine mats to create a slide-like piece of play equipment.
Mats allow for creative ideas that make a variety of games and exercises more enjoyable.
Try incorporating them into springtime activities to create opportunities for children to deepen their friendships.
