Lovely Play & Recreation

Get the excitement going indoors! Winter activities that both kids and adults can enjoy

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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!

Precisely because it’s a cold winter, it’s nice when kids and adults alike can gather and enjoy games that warm both body and soul.

There are plenty of ideas—from lively activities you can play indoors with a big group while staying cozy, to games that incorporate winter-only experiences.

Here, we’ll introduce a wide range of options: from classic tag, to family-friendly venues, to indoor ways to enjoy winter traditions.

Spend a special time with friends and family, making the most of what only winter can offer!

Get the Fun Going Indoors! Winter Activities That Kids and Adults Alike Will Enjoy (41–50)

indoor skating rink

Nagashima Indoor Ice Skating Rink – Image Video

indoor skating rink

Many people want to enjoy winter sports and have their kids enjoy them too, but aren’t too keen on the cold.

Going up into the mountains for skiing or snowboarding can also be a hassle.

So how about trying ice skating somewhere nearby, indoors? You don’t really need to prepare any special gear—skates and helmets can be rented, so it’s easy and convenient.

The kids might glide around effortlessly, but as for the adults… you might want to brace yourself for some muscle soreness the next day (haha).

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indoor sports facility

Spo-Cha Handa location: a facility where you can bring a packed lunch and spend the whole day being active and playing with young children.

indoor sports facility

An indoor sports facility that kids—and of course adults—can enjoy together.

These days, the number of play equipment and sports you can try inside has really increased, to the point where it’s hard to decide what to start with.

Many children probably spend a lot of time cooped up at home during winter break and are just dying to move their bodies.

Take this opportunity to let them play to their heart’s content—until you finally hear them say, “I’m tired!” And for adults, too, it’s a perfect chance to recognize just how little exercise we’ve been getting, isn’t it? (Haha.)

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indoor barbecue

Recommended Winter BBQ: Go Big with Costco Ingredients!

indoor barbecue

Don’t you associate barbecues with summer? Actually, winter barbecues are fantastic too! Not just meat—winter-exclusive seafood sizzling on the grill is highly recommended.

There are even places where you can enjoy barbecues indoors, so be sure to savor the flavors of winter!

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Factory tour

I went on a tour of the Chao factory! I even got to see that thing before it goes on sale!

Factory tour

Factory tours are something you can enjoy not only in winter but all year round.

Since they’re generally held indoors, you can have fun without worrying about the cold, even in winter.

Some factories also offer hands-on manufacturing experiences and tastings, which is another great point.

There are many tours available, so be sure to try a factory tour.

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finger knitting

No knitting needles needed! Finger-knit scarf [Easy knitting, hand knitting, yarn]

finger knitting

For those who say, “It’s cold, but I want to play! I don’t want to go out though!” how about finger knitting? Knitting with your fingers is easier than conventional knitting.

If it’s something simple, even small children can make it, so it seems perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together.

It also helps you learn the challenges of making things, so it’s a recommended activity from an educational perspective too.

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