Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for summer
We’re introducing indoor games and activities perfect for kids in the summer! When you think of summer, many people probably picture outdoor fun like swimming at the beach, playing in rivers, or going camping.
However, it’s not realistic to go out every day during the holidays, and in recent years the extreme heat has made it difficult to spend time outdoors.
Considering children’s safety, it’s not easy to just say, “Go play outside!” For parents in that situation, we’ve gathered a list of indoor activities that are perfect for summer and fun to enjoy together with your kids.
With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy all kinds of play even indoors.
We hope you find these ideas helpful!
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Indoor summer-friendly activities and recreation games (11–20)
Making snow that doesn’t melt
Snow play indoors in summer!? Here’s a way to enjoy snow that doesn’t melt.
First, make “non-melting snow” using—believe it or not—baking soda and hair conditioner.
Adjust the amounts to your liking; aim for a firmness that lets you form a ball that won’t fall apart.
Once you’ve made the snow, you can start playing right away.
If you want it to feel even more like real snow, chill it in the fridge—it will become surprisingly snow-like.
Let’s make snow bunnies and snowmen indoors! Just imagining the scene is exciting, isn’t it? With a little creativity like this, you can have fun indoors even in summer—highly recommended.
fishing
Here’s a very fun fishing game you can make with a simple craft.
The fishing itself is fun, but it’s even more enjoyable when you start by crafting together with your child.
You can make it using construction paper from the 100-yen shop and empty containers you have at home, so let your imagination run wild and give it a try.
It’s a great way to learn about fish and sea creatures, and it uses both your hands and your mind—so let’s have fun making and playing!
Make squishy fruits with peel that comes off!
Have you heard of nano tape, a clear and strong double-sided tape? It’s often used to stick posters on walls, but lately crafting with nano tape has been slowly becoming a trend.
How about layering strips of nano tape and filling the gaps with colored water or clay to make fruit? The fruit you make can be used for pretend play, and just touching them feels so satisfyingly squishy that you might find yourself wanting to keep touching them.
Try adapting the idea to create all sorts of foods and fruits!
ohajiki game
Do you know the game ohajiki? It’s an old-fashioned game, so especially if you’re a woman, you’ve probably played it at least once.
Ohajiki is a classic indoor pastime.
The flat glass pieces are so pretty that you can’t help wanting to collect them.
The basic way to play is to flick one piece to hit another; if you hit it, you get to keep it.
However, the rules often vary by region and locality.
It sounds fun to gather different rule sets and try them out to see which ones make the game most exciting.
It’s a perfect indoor game for summer, and I highly recommend it.
Ring toss game
It develops the ability to adjust force, control it, and throw.
Using proper, sturdy equipment improves motor skills more than making things by hand.
The rules include: 1) the thrower must not step over the line, 2) both feet must be on the floor, and 3) no do-overs.
It is important to play the game while following the rules.
Many children seem to want to keep trying again, but as part of education, we guide them to follow the rules and stick to the set number of attempts.
Vegetable stamp art
Here’s a classic, fun activity: vegetable stamping.
Slice vegetables into rounds, apply paint, and use them as stamps.
Because you’re using natural materials, it’s also great when kids later see the same vegetables in cooking or at mealtime and say, “I know this!” They can learn to recognize the cross-sections of veggies like lotus root and green peppers—shapes that can be hard to understand from the whole vegetable—leading to lots of new discoveries.
Rescue play
@eqkosodate Kids will love it! Rescue play!#SensoryPlaySensory playPlaying with agar#AtHomePlayIdeas for at-home playSummer activities
♬ Under The Sea (from “The Little Mermaid”) – From “The Little Mermaid” / Soundtrack Version – Samuel E. Wright & Disney
Rescue toys from a sea of gelatin! Here are some rescue play ideas.
Let’s enjoy an activity kids will get hooked on during those hot summer days when it’s hard to focus.
Add blue paint to water, then stir in gelatin and chill it to set.
The key is to put the toys in before it solidifies! As children enjoy the cool, firm texture of the gelatin, they’ll be completely absorbed in the process of retrieving the toys—no doubt about it! It also works as a sensory play activity, so be sure to give it a try.
Wind chime making
Summer-only craft! Here are some ideas for making wind chimes.
How about spending a relaxing day at home in summer working on a little project? This time, let’s try making a wind chime with a refreshing “chirin” sound.
You’ll need: water balloons, empty containers, tissue paper (flower paper), twine, glue, small bells, a spatula, an embroidery needle, water, scissors, and more.
With a parent or teacher, even two-year-olds can give it a try.
Create a one-of-a-kind, special wind chime and enjoy the summer!
Playing with water in the bath
Speaking of summer, playing with water is a must—but you can enjoy it at home in the bath, too.
Bring water-play toys into the bathroom and turn it into a play area! For example, with an Anpanman water-flow toy, you can float Anpanman and spin the handle round and round, or if you have a water gun, make a target and try shooting water at it.
With a little creativity, there’s so much fun to be had even in the bathroom.
Give it a try for summer play at home!
indoor dodgeball
Dodgeball teaches the basic movements of throwing, catching, and dodging.
Because the ball is relatively large, throwing it is easy.
People tend to start disliking dodgeball when they can’t catch the ball.
If you can “keep your eyes on the ball and not look away until you’ve firmly gripped it with both hands,” anyone can do it.
As they improve, teach them to throw to spots that are harder for the opponent to catch, and not to throw too hard when the opponent is nearby!