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)
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.
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!
Indoor activities and recreation games recommended for summer (21–30)
Thunder Game
Let’s move our bodies while having fun! Here’s a thunder game idea.
If you’re spending time indoors, you might worry about not getting enough exercise.
That’s when this thunder game is perfect.
Children should lie down on their backs.
Make sure to leave enough space so they don’t bump into furniture or other people.
While a parent or teacher says “goro goro” (rumble), the children stay lying down.
When they hear the cue word “dokan” (boom), they quickly flip to put their stomachs on the floor.
Try whispering or speeding up the cues to add variety and keep it fun.