[For Kids] Indoor Games and Activities Recommended for Winter Break
We’re introducing indoor activities for kids that are perfect for spending winter break with family and friends!
It’s important for kids to play actively outdoors even in winter, but when it’s too cold, that’s not always possible.
Plus, winter is the season when colds and other illnesses tend to spread, so to avoid getting chilled, indoor play naturally becomes more common.
So in this article, we’ve put together a list of recommended indoor activities for winter to help you when you’re wondering, “What should we do for fun during winter break?”
We’ve picked out a variety of activities, from brain games to those that get kids moving, so be sure to have fun trying them with your child!
- Fun winter activities: Recreations that children can enjoy
- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
- A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
- Exciting! Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Christmas Party
- [Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Upper Primary Grades
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
- [List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love
[For Kids] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Winter Break (51–60)
Drop the Handkerchief
I think many children like playing tag, but it can be hard to do indoors due to limited space and other reasons.
In such cases, why not try “Drop the Handkerchief”? First, the children sit in a circle with their eyes closed.
The “it” drops a handkerchief behind one of them, and if they can make it around the circle once, they win.
On the other hand, the child who was dropped on wins if they catch the “it” before they complete the circle.
This way, it can be enjoyed even in a small classroom.
That said, there’s still a chance of bumping into objects or people, so please be careful.
mini table tennis
How about some mini table tennis you can play on a table? Small nets, paddles, and ping-pong balls are sold as a set.
Kids can play against each other, or adults can play against kids.
In fact, adults vs.
adults might get pretty exciting too!
indoor kite flying
When we think of kite flying, we tend to picture a New Year’s activity, but these days—partly due to space constraints—we don’t see people enjoying it as much.
This is a craft-and-play idea where you make a kite from scratch and try it indoors.
Since it’s for indoor use, the kite is small, with drinking straws forming the frame.
First, create a template, cut plastic to that shape, attach the straws, and then just add a toothpick and string! You can also add a tail or draw illustrations on the kite—making it is part of the fun.
indoor horizontal bar
The horizontal bar is something everyone must have used as a kid.
But it’s one of those playground activities where people are clearly split between those who are good at it and those who aren’t.
It was the same in PE class.
Speaking of horizontal bars, they’re usually found in schoolyards or parks, but it turns out there are indoor versions these days! You might think indoor bars are only for gymnastics schools, but they’re sold at reasonable prices and seem really useful for easing a lack of exercise.
If you have one at home, even kids who aren’t good at the horizontal bar might try it willingly, and it could help them overcome their reluctance.
[For Kids] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Winter Break (61–70)
Snowflake made with origami
The appeal of paper cutting is that when you unfold it, it turns into an unexpected shape.
Since it’s winter, let’s make snowflakes this time.
All you need are paper and scissors, which makes it easy and casual to enjoy.
First, to create the crystal shape, start by folding the paper into a hexagon.
Fold it into a triangle like a paper napkin, then fold it in half once more; when you open it up, it will form a hexagon.
Make free cuts without cutting all the way through, then unfold it to finish.
It’s also a good brain exercise, so I highly recommend this activity.
Kagami mochi made of origami
How about making a kagami mochi out of origami to get into the New Year spirit? Its plump look is so cute.
Let’s also make other New Year-themed items like kadomatsu and hagoita to display together.
It’s a perfect winter-break activity for when you want to relax under the kotatsu.
Clay play
Playing with clay is also highly recommended as training to develop dexterity in the fingertips.
Place a large lump of clay on the table and let the children create pieces that draw on their own free ideas.
You can paint them with colors or set a theme and have everyone make the same item.
As they knead and stretch the clay with their hands, they may make new discoveries.
If you’re doing this over winter break, making Christmas items like Santa, reindeer, or snowmen is a great idea.
Give clay play a try—it’s a fun way to learn while playing.
