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 (41–50)
Marble Chicken Race
Will it fall or won’t it?! Here’s an idea for a marble chicken race.
When you think of marbles, many of you probably imagine rolling them to play, right? This time, let’s try a chicken race using marbles.
You’ll need cups, tissue paper, rubber bands, and marbles that have been wet with water.
Place the tissue over the cup and secure it with a rubber band, and you’re ready to go! Each person, one by one, places a water-wet marble on top.
If the tissue tears and the marble falls, it’s game over.
Wild Beast Hunting Game
A game that’s perfect for large groups! Here’s an idea for the “Wild Animal Hunt” game.
Have a parent or teacher act as the leader and stand in front of the children.
The leader calls out animal names like “giraffe” or “chimpanzee.” The children then form teams by grouping themselves into the same number of people as the number of letters in the animal’s name.
It’s a unique game with cute choreography and lively chants that add to the fun, so it’s best played in a bright, energetic atmosphere.
Definitely try incorporating it into your activities!
Treasure Hunt Game
How about playing a thrilling, heart-pounding treasure hunt game? Hide treasure items all around the room and have the children search for them.
It’s a good idea to limit the hiding area to some extent.
You can also make it a team game with one team hiding and the other team searching, letting the kids take the lead in everything.
It’s also great to have the children make the treasures themselves! Have them express their idea of treasure concretely—like items made with sparkly origami or cute drawings.
A treasure hunt can be arranged in many different ways, so give it a try!
Ice fishing
A simple chemistry experiment you can do at home! Here’s a fun ice-fishing idea.
It’s perfect for kids who are currently full of curiosity, always asking “Why?” and “How?” This ice-fishing activity is a wonderful way to deepen interest starting from “Why?” and connect it to learning.
All you need are ice, table salt, string, and a container.
Use ice that’s freshly taken out of the freezer.
Giving kids time to think about how to catch the ice will likely become a valuable moment for deepening their learning.
NG word game
Games that use lots of props can be a hassle to set up, right? So here’s an “NG Word Game” you can play instantly as long as you have some memo paper.
First, write down a word or keyword you want the other person to say.
Swap papers and, without looking, place the paper on your forehead.
Have a normal conversation, and if you get the other person to say the word, you win.
It’s fun even as the number of players increases, up to about five or six people.
It’s also a popular concept among YouTubers, with many videos uploaded.
They’re fun just to watch, so check them out for tips on how to play!
Anime and movie watching
For a recommended anime and movie-watching activity, take it a step further and turn your home into a movie theater! Make tickets like a real cinema, and use vouchers to exchange for juice and popcorn.
Even just that will get the kids excited.
Prepare a few films your child is likely to enjoy and let them choose what they want to watch.
Watching anime and movies helps nurture children’s creativity and dreams, so it’s highly recommended.
It’s a great at-home activity for times when you can’t go out much in the summer.
dance / dancing
It’s important to frequently teach them to move their bodies in time with the rhythm.
At this time, incorporating asymmetrical movements will gradually help them become more dexterous.
For example: moving only one leg, moving to the rhythm, stepping straight forward while alternating left and right, and so on.
Teach them a variety of patterns!
trampoline
Trampolines help improve how you control your body’s balance in the air.
This also enhances your reflexes so you can fall more safely when you take a spill.
With a larger trampoline, kids can strike various poses in midair and try 180- or 360-degree forward and backward rotations! Because they can reach heights they couldn’t with their own strength alone, make sure to watch them closely to prevent injuries.
balance play
Challenging themselves by climbing onto Dad’s or Mom’s body really boosts children’s motivation.
Use invitations like “Can you do this?” or “Shall we give it a try?” to nurture an active, playful spirit and encourage them to be a little brave and try.
Playing together also gives children a sense of security and is great for physical bonding.
It richly develops body balance.
Even if you do it once a week on Sundays, continuing will bring noticeable results!
Puzzle
Puzzles are the classic go-to indoor activity.
While playing, puzzles help improve concentration and fine motor skills.
They’re a steady, patient kind of play, but the sense of accomplishment when you finish is exceptional.
That feeling of achievement releases dopamine in the brain, so even though it might seem like a quiet activity, it can actually be quite exciting.
There are plenty of types too—puzzles made from different materials, a range of difficulty levels, and ones featuring favorite characters.
Choose a puzzle that suits your child’s interests and isn’t too difficult with too many pieces.
On days that are too hot to play outside, enjoy them in an air-conditioned room!