Lovely Play & Recreation

Fun winter activities: Recreations that children can enjoy

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

We’ve gathered winter activities that kids can enjoy!

In addition to classic seasonal pastimes perfect for winter—like kite flying and spinning tops—we also introduce a variety of outdoor games and recreational activities that will warm them up.

Some children aren’t fond of playing outside because it’s so cold in winter.

On the other hand, some kids want to play outside a lot even when it’s chilly.

This article features both indoor and outdoor activities, so find the ones your kids want to try!

These are great for elementary school recreation, and we’ve also included fingerplay songs and traditional children’s songs, so feel free to incorporate them into early childhood care as well!

Fun winter activities: Recreations kids can enjoy (71–80)

snowboard

happy☆life #33: Kids Snowboarding for Ages 5 and 7 (K2)

snowboard

These days, snowboarding is more popular than skiing, right? When you think of snowboarding, both feet are fixed to a single board, so it seems harder than skiing, but once you can get moving, it’s actually easier to turn than on skis.

However, it’s harder to break your fall when you wipe out, so make sure to teach proper falling technique carefully.

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nature skiing

nature skiing

nature skiing

Skiing tends to get too fast before you know it, but skiing isn’t just about racing straight down steep slopes.

Nature skiing—moving at a walking pace or gliding gently through wooded areas—is an activity that even children who are afraid of speed can easily try.

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Museum hopping

I went to the Railway Museum.

Museum hopping

When it comes to winter outing spots, museums where you can have fun indoors are highly recommended.

Many museums these days have hands-on areas for children, so your kids are sure to enjoy them.

Of course, adults can have a great time too, so be sure to check them out.

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Shadow stepping tag

2016.05.01 Black-and-white tuxedo cat playing shadow tag lol

Shadow stepping tag

In winter, the sun shifts toward the south, so shadows get longer.

That’s why, in shadow-tag, the “it” has an advantage compared to other seasons.

It’s an outdoor game, but you’ll start to feel warm as you play.

Give it a try on a clear winter day.

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first calligraphy of the year

Winter Break Homework ★ New Year’s First Calligraphy ★ Nya-Nya Channel

first calligraphy of the year

How about enjoying kakizome (the first calligraphy of the year) with your children during the New Year holidays? Of course, you can write your New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also fun to try quirky characters or have everyone write the same character and compete for beauty.

Even getting covered in ink will make for a great memory.

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Yarn Play

[Play] Perfect for the cold season! Introducing yarn play [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Yarn Play

Warm fashion featuring yarn is a winter staple.

Let’s get those hands moving with a familiar, cozy yarn activity.

We’ll have them knit to make bracelets or pom-poms; if the steps seem tricky, it’s best not only to provide a model but also to give thorough support.

Watching straight yarn transform into a shape can spark surprise and delight.

Let them choose the colors, and have them knit with a sense of anticipation about how the finished piece will turn out.

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four-wheeler (ATV)

ATV four-wheeler buggy BRP Can-Am Outlander 570 heading into the mountains with 28-inch large-diameter tires

four-wheeler (ATV)

Stable buggies are perfect for exploring on snow and on rough terrain after the snow has melted.

There are not only adult buggies but also kids’ buggies, and there are two-seater buggies as well, so for safety it’s better for an adult to drive.

Even if children can’t drive, it’s a thrilling activity they can still enjoy.

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In conclusion

There were lots of activities unique to winter, like playing in the snow and traditional New Year’s games, as well as outdoor play to warm up the body and indoor games using winter-themed items.

Did you find any activities that your child might enjoy? Winter can make us feel reluctant to be active, but please try finding some fun-sounding activities and give them a try!