Keeping kids active doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth. You just need to get creative and hide exercise within something that holds the potential for fun! You can have a blast as a family when you turn exercise into a game. Here are some playful, engaging ways to get your kids moving – and the best part is you’ll get way more laughs than complaints. These activities ramp up kids’ imaginations and are also no-cost to low-cost.
1. Indoor or Outdoor Obstacle Course
Why settle for a boring routine when you can transform your indoor or outdoor space into an exciting obstacle course? Use household items like cushions, cardboard boxes, broomsticks, etc. to create an adventure-filled path. To advance through the course, challenge your kids to do a somersault, complete 10 jumping jacks, or stand on one leg for 30 seconds. Mix it up with tunnels to crawl through, pillows to hop over, and balance beams made from tape on the floor or rulers/rope in the grass. The possibilities are endless, and the fun is guaranteed!
2. Treasure Hunts
Turn your home or yard into an exciting, imaginative realm and have a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. Create clues that lead to hidden objects or treats and watch as your kids eagerly search high and low. Spice things up with themes like pirate adventures or superhero missions. Imagine your little ones donning pirate hats or capes as they race to uncover the next clue. It’s a fantastic way to keep them moving and engaged in a thrilling quest.
3. Funky Foot Races
Who says foot races have to be boring? Make them wildly fun by adding creative twists. Have the kids carry an egg on a spoon while they run (preferably outside!), or race while hopping like a frog or galloping like a horse. If straight-up races don’t appeal, classic games like tag and kick-the-can are always a hit. These variations add a layer of excitement and keep everyone laughing and moving.
4. Active Storytime Adventures
Bring Storytime to life by incorporating movement into your reading sessions. Choose interactive books where characters run, jump, or dance, and encourage your kids to mimic these actions. For example, if the hero of the story has to leap over a stream, have your children jump over a pretend stream in the living room. This not only makes reading more engaging but also sneaks in some physical activity.
5. Supercharged Follow-The-Leader
Put a new spin on the classic game of follow-the-leader. Let each participant take turns being the leader, guiding the group through energetic and silly actions. Award a small prize to the leader who gets everyone moving the most. Whether it’s hopping on one foot, doing silly dances, or crawling like a crab, this game is sure to get everyone giggling and active.
6. Dance Party Extravaganza
Turn up the music and get those feet moving with a dance fest. Alternate between your favorite tunes and your kids’ top picks. When the dancing starts to wind down, add a twist with freeze play: whenever the music stops, everyone has to freeze in place. Capture the funniest freeze positions with your camera for some hilarious memories.
7. Kid-Friendly Yoga
If you practice yoga, why not share it with your kids? Teach them some basic poses and run a simple yoga session. They’ll enjoy learning how to stretch and balance, and it’s a great way for you to bond while sneaking in some exercise. Make it fun by pretending to be animals or objects as you move through the poses.
8. Adventure Walks
Transform ordinary walks into exciting adventures. Challenge your kids to balance on curbs, hop over cracks, or follow a leader who sets various tasks along the way. Explore new routes, parks, or trails to keep things fresh and exciting. These mini-adventures make walking much more engaging and fun.
9. DIY Carnival
Bring the carnival to your backyard or living room with a ball-throwing game. Use cans from the recycling bin as targets and set them up on a bench or table. For younger children, the recycling bin itself can be the target. Award small treats or prizes for hitting the targets. This simple setup provides endless fun and helps develop hand-eye coordination.
10. Gardening Fun
Get your kids involved in gardening activities like digging, planting, weeding, and watering. These tasks are not only physically engaging but also educational. Explain the benefits of gardening and growing their own vegetables, making it a fun and informative activity. Plus, they’ll love watching their plants grow and enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of their labor.