Fun winter activities: Recreations that children can enjoy
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!
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Fun winter activities: Recreations kids can enjoy (41–50)
Cat and Mouse (Mousetrap)
“Cats and Mice” is a game where the children on the cat team hold hands to form a big circle, and at the signal “Ready, go!” the children on the mouse team inside the circle try to escape.
Of course, the cat team should try to block them by crouching down and closing the gaps so the mice can’t get out.
Switch roles and play once each; the team that lets more mice escape wins.
It’s a game you can play indoors or outdoors as long as there’s enough space, and it gets everyone moving a lot.
It’s perfect for winter play.
snowshoe
Why not try enjoying a snowshoe walk in the snowy mountains? Winter means snow, and even adults get excited just seeing it—so kids who love the outdoors will have even more fun.
Snowshoes, sometimes called Western kanjiki, are gear for walking on snow.
With them on, your feet won’t sink into the snow, and you can glide along easily—even on slopes.
While hiking in the winter mountains, you might encounter plants and animals unique to the season.
Snowshoe hiking is fun even if you take a tumble, so head out with an adult and enjoy the season!
Nursery Rhyme: Daruma-san Rolling
It’s a cute children’s song that depicts a daruma doll rolling around.
Feel the rhythm of the music and use your body to mimic the lyrics’ image of the daruma rolling.
Rather than actually rolling, gently sway side to side to convey a soft, floating sensation.
You can move slowly yourself while singing, or it’s also nice to place the child on your lap and sway together.
Move gently and slowly to gradually warm up the body.
two-person cat’s cradle
When it comes to classic indoor winter games, ayatori (string figures) is a favorite.
Here we introduce the two-person version, “Futari Ayatori.” You and your partner take turns forming shapes like a boat, rice field, diamond, and more.
Once you remember how to take the string and the order of the shapes, it’s a game even young children can enjoy.
On winter days when you can’t play outside, try it with family, siblings, or friends.
The key to two-person ayatori is to keep the string taut so your partner can grab it easily.
If the string is slack, it’s harder to take and you’ll likely make mistakes, so be careful.
Building a snow hut (kamakura)
When it snows enough to build up firmly, try making a kamakura (a snow hut).
When building a dome-shaped kamakura, it’s actually often easier to first make a large, round mound of snow and then hollow it out with a shovel.
If you want extra strength, try inserting some long branches into the snow mound.
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)
Oshikura Manju is a game where, to the chant “Oshikura manju, don’t cry when you’re pushed,” players press against each other back-to-back to push opponents out of the territory.
It warms up the body, making it perfect for cold winter days.
Since it can be played in a short time, it’s also great for killing time.
Making a snowman
If it snows in winter, why not make a snowman? It may be familiar in areas with heavy snowfall, but in regions where it doesn’t snow much, children will surely have a great time making snowmen.
Start by rolling small snowballs and gradually make them bigger.
When making the eyes and nose, use natural items like small stones or a carrot—then, when the snowman melts, it won’t cause trouble in the neighborhood! Try making a unique, original snowman at home or at school.
