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 (21–30)

kite flying

New Year’s fun! Great for indoors too ♪ Instant kite-flying

kite flying

Kite flying has long been loved as a classic New Year’s pastime in winter.

It might be a bit difficult on your first try, but after a few attempts you gradually get the hang of it.

Once you learn how to fly a kite well, you may find yourself losing track of time.

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Easy! Make a duck using tools

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Here’s an idea for making ducks using items from a 100-yen shop.

They’re originally meant for playing in sand, but you can use them in the snow, too.

The great thing about this item is that there’s a duck mold attached to the ends of crossed handles, so you can just grab the handles and press them together to form a duck.

Even small children, who might find it hard to pack snow into a mold, can enjoy it as long as there’s a decent amount of snow.

When it comes to snow, snow bunnies are the classic choice, but why not try making ducks for a change?

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Observation of soap bubble crystals

How about a bit of snow play that feels like a science experiment—something you can only do in the crisp winter air? When the temperature drops below freezing, try gently blowing soap bubbles with a regular bubble solution.

As the bubbles settle softly on the ground or on the snow, tiny ice crystals will begin to appear on their surfaces.

Watching hexagonal and star-like patterns gradually spread is like witnessing magic.

It’s also fascinating how the crystal patterns change depending on the angle of your breath and the strength of the wind.

A special winter-only moment that captivates children and adults alike.

Why not take a camera in hand and observe the artwork you create?

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Indoor play that even infants can enjoy!

@nexus_official5 ♬ Cute heartwarming BGM(1490583) – sanusagi

We’d like to introduce four types of activities that kids can enjoy energetically indoors, even on cold days.

First is the “Crawling Race,” where parents and children cheer each other on as they aim for the goal.

It’s simple, but full of smiles and lots of excitement.

Next is the “Animal Imitation Game.” Move your body to the fullest by hopping like a bunny or mimicking an elephant’s trunk.

“Balance Play” involves placing a string on the floor and walking along it.

Stepping over and hopping without touching the string helps build leg strength.

Lastly, there’s “Newspaper and Flyer Play.” Tear the paper using your fingertips, crumple it into balls, and use them for other games.

All of these are easy to prepare and perfect for cozy days at home when it’s cold outside.

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Fun indoors! Ice play

@nexus_official5
Makes you look forward to cold days?! We can’t wait for spring either, but try making this on a day when the forecast says it’ll be chilly the next day!#nexus #memorytree nursery school Kids will love it #IcePlay Winter Play Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #MemoriesTree Nursery School
♬ Escort – MoppySound

Using tissue paper and food coloring to make “flower ice” is a beautiful winter-only experiment play.

First, place tissue paper in a clear cup, add water and your choice of food coloring or paint, and gently stir.

Depending on the color combinations, you’ll get patterns as lovely as flower petals.

Set the cups outside to freeze, and you’ll have “flower ice” with colors sealed inside crystal-clear ice.

It’s fun to hold them up to the sunlight or stack them to create an icy flower garden.

A winter art experience that captivates both kids and adults.

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Instant Snow You Can Enjoy Indoors!

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Playing in the snow is fun, but you can get injured or even feel unwell depending on the temperature.

That’s why I’d like to introduce instant snow, which you can enjoy indoors.

Instant snow is a product that fluffs up and looks like real snow just by adding water, and it’s easy to buy from online shops.

It’s a great item for indoor play—not only for snow play, but also for make-believe games, snow art, and even turning into slime for sensory fun.

Another nice point is that it feels cool like real snow but doesn’t melt.

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The texture is fun! Snow play that even infants can enjoy

A popular winter activity that even very young infants can safely enjoy is sensory play using soft, fluffy snow.

Start by letting them touch the soft snow to experience its coldness and how its shape changes.

Simply squeezing snow with gloves on or scooping it into a cup will spark their curiosity.

Outdoors, riding in a sled pulled by an adult is also recommended.

If you keep the speed gentle, they can enjoy the pleasant sway and the feel of the wind.

For safety, choose a flat area and keep the session short.

It’s a fun way to experience winter-specific sensations like the texture and coldness of snow.

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