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)
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.
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!
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!
Indoor activities and recreation games recommended for summer (21–30)
Coin drop game
Even in the heat of summer, you can enjoy a cool atmosphere with the “Coin Drop Game”! Fill a tank with water and sink glass cups or dishes inside.
Drop coins into the tank—if a coin lands in one of the submerged containers, you score! Using containers of various sizes expands the range of challenges.
You can also assign points based on container size and have players try multiple times, with the higher total score winning to boost the game’s excitement.
If you prepare higher difficulty settings and offer more luxurious prizes for tougher challenges, it will motivate kids even more!
