Keeping Kids Active Indoors: High-Energy Games to Try

Are you tired of hearing “I’m bored” from your kids while they’re stuck indoors? Keeping kids active indoors can be a challenge, but it’s important to keep them engaged and energized, especially during the colder months or on rainy days. That’s why we’ve put together a list of high-energy games that will keep your kids moving and having fun inside. From creative movement games to active scavenger hunts, these activities will keep your kids entertained and energized, no matter the weather outside. So, grab your kids, clear some space, and get ready to have some fun!

Creating a Safe and Fun Environment for Indoor Play

Ensuring Safety

Ensuring the safety of children during indoor play is of utmost importance. Here are some key points to consider:

• Check for any hazards or potential risks in the play area: This includes checking for any sharp objects, loose furniture, or other items that could pose a risk to children. It’s important to remove or secure any hazardous items before allowing children to play.
• Supervise children at all times: A responsible adult should always be present to supervise children during indoor play. This ensures that children are safe and helps prevent accidents or injuries.
• Have a first aid kit available: In case of any accidents or injuries, it’s important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. This should include items such as bandages, gauze, tweezers, and any medications that may be needed.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help ensure that children have a fun and safe indoor play experience.

Encouraging Fun

• One fun way to encourage kids to get active indoors is by setting up an obstacle course or maze. This can be created using household items such as furniture, pillows, and blankets. You can make it more challenging by adding crawl spaces, tunnels, and walls to climb over. This activity will help improve your child’s balance, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Another great way to keep kids active indoors is by creating a scavenger hunt with clues and prizes. You can hide small toys or treats around the house and create a list of clues for your child to follow. This activity will help improve your child’s problem-solving skills and encourages them to explore their surroundings.
• A ball pit or a bouncy house is another fun way to keep kids active indoors. Fill a large space with colorful balls and let your child jump and play. You can also add obstacles such as inflatable slides or obstacle courses to make it more challenging. This activity will help improve your child’s gross motor skills and coordination.

Indoor Games for High-Energy Kids

Active Games

Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a classic game that is perfect for getting kids moving and burning off energy indoors. Here are the rules:

1. Have the kids line up behind a starting line.
2. The player at the front of the line is the “runner.”
3. The other players stand facing the runner, with their arms outstretched.
4. When the runner says “green light,” the other players try to catch the runner.
5. When the runner says “red light,” the other players must freeze in place.
6. If a player is caught moving during “red light,” they must return to the starting line.
7. The game continues until all players have had a turn as the runner.

Simon Says
Simon Says is a game that requires no equipment and can be played anywhere indoors. Here are the rules:

1. One player is “Simon.”
2. Simon gives commands, such as “touch your nose” or “clap your hands.”
3. The other players must only follow the commands if Simon begins the command with “Simon says.”
4. If a player follows a command that was not preceded by “Simon says,” they are out of the game.
5. The game continues until only one player remains.

Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a fun and energetic game that kids love. Here are the rules:

1. Put on some upbeat music.
2. Have the kids dance around while the music is playing.
3. When the music stops, the kids must freeze in place.
4. If any player is caught moving during the dance, they must return to the starting line.
5. The game continues until all players have had a turn.

Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic game that is perfect for getting kids moving and burning off energy indoors. Here are the rules:

1. Set up chairs in a circle.
2. Have the kids sit in the chairs.
3. Play some music and have the kids dance around the chairs while the music is playing.
4. When the music stops, the kids must quickly sit in a chair.
5. The player left standing without a chair is out of the game.
6. The game continues until only one player remains.

Team Sports

When it comes to keeping kids active indoors, team sports are a great option. Not only do they provide a fun and competitive environment, but they also promote teamwork, communication, and social skills. Here are some team sports that are perfect for high-energy kids:

• Bowling: Bowling is a fun and energetic sport that is perfect for kids of all ages. It requires precision and technique, but it is also a great way to get some exercise while having fun.
• Darts: Darts is a great game for kids who love to aim and throw. It can be played in a small space and is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination.
• Foosball: Foosball is a fast-paced game that is perfect for kids who love to compete. It requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking, and it is a great way to get some exercise while having fun.
• Air Hockey: Air hockey is a classic arcade game that is perfect for kids who love to compete. It requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination, and it is a great way to get some exercise while having fun.

These team sports are not only fun, but they also provide a great way for kids to stay active indoors. Whether playing with friends or family, these games are sure to keep kids entertained and engaged for hours on end.

Creative Games

Creative games are designed to stimulate kids’ imaginations and provide them with opportunities to be active while having fun. These games can be played in a variety of settings, from small apartments to large living rooms. Here are some examples of creative games that kids can enjoy indoors:

Obstacle Course Race

An obstacle course race is a fun and challenging game that requires kids to navigate through a series of obstacles, such as tunnels, hurdles, and balance beams. This game promotes physical activity and coordination skills while providing kids with a sense of accomplishment.

To set up an obstacle course race, you can use household items such as furniture, pillows, and blankets. You can also add obstacles such as a tunnel made from a large cardboard box or a balance beam made from a broomstick.

Pillow Fight

A pillow fight is a classic indoor game that is perfect for high-energy kids. This game involves kids using pillows to hit each other in a controlled manner, promoting physical activity and providing a fun and safe outlet for their energy.

To set up a pillow fight, you can provide each child with a pillow and designate a safe playing area. You can also set rules to ensure that the game is played safely, such as no hitting below the waist or in the face.

Wii Sports

Wii Sports is a popular video game that provides kids with the opportunity to engage in physical activity while having fun. This game involves kids using motion controls to play various sports, such as tennis, basketball, and baseball.

Wii Sports promotes physical activity and coordination skills while providing kids with a fun and interactive experience. It can also be played in a variety of settings, from small apartments to large living rooms.

Board Games

Board games are a classic indoor activity that provide kids with the opportunity to engage in physical activity while having fun. These games involve kids moving pieces around a board and often require physical movement, such as rolling dice or moving game pieces.

Some popular board games for high-energy kids include Monopoly, Clue, and Connect Four. These games promote physical activity and cognitive skills while providing kids with a fun and interactive experience.

Tips for Keeping Kids Active Indoors

Scheduling

Creating a daily schedule with indoor activities is a great way to keep kids active and engaged, even when they’re stuck inside. Here are some tips for scheduling indoor activities:

• Create a Daily Schedule: Establish a daily routine with indoor activities, so kids know what to expect and can plan their day accordingly.
• Rotate Activities: To keep things interesting, rotate activities throughout the week. For example, if you have a game night on Monday, you could have a different type of indoor activity on Wednesday.
• Plan for Bad Weather Days: If there’s a bad weather day or rainy afternoon, have a list of indoor activities ready to go. This could include art projects, puzzles, or sports drills.

By following these scheduling tips, you can ensure that your kids are staying active and engaged, even when they’re stuck inside.

Incorporating Exercise

Dance Along to Kid-Friendly Music Videos

One fun way to incorporate exercise into your child’s day is by dancing along to kid-friendly music videos. You can find plenty of videos on YouTube that are specifically designed for children, with upbeat songs and simple dance moves that are easy for young children to follow. This is a great way to get your child moving and grooving while also helping them develop their sense of rhythm and coordination.

Have a Family Workout Session

Another option is to have a family workout session, where you and your child can exercise together. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be, depending on your interests and preferences. You could create a circuit of exercises that you and your child can do together, such as jumping jacks, squats, and push-ups. You could also incorporate fun and creative exercises, such as Simon Says or freeze dance, to keep things interesting and engaging.

Do Yoga or Stretching Exercises Together

Finally, you can also incorporate yoga or stretching exercises into your child’s day. Yoga is a great way to help children develop their flexibility, balance, and mindfulness, while also providing a relaxing and calming experience. You can find plenty of kid-friendly yoga videos online, or you can create your own routine using simple poses and breathing exercises. You can also incorporate stretching exercises into your child’s day, such as leg stretches or shoulder rolls, to help them maintain good posture and prevent muscle strain.

Using Household Items

• Encourage active play by using items found around the house
• Set up an obstacle course using furniture, pillows, and blankets
• Engage in games with sports equipment such as balls and hoops

Make use of household items for active play

• Use cardboard boxes to create tunnels or obstacles
• Place pillows and blankets on the floor to create a soft landing pad
• Use everyday objects like chairs, tables, and bins as part of the game

Set up an obstacle course with pillows, blankets, and furniture

• Create a path through the house using furniture as obstacles
• Incorporate pillows and blankets to create a soft landing pad
• Encourage kids to crawl, climb, and navigate through the course

Play games with balls, hoops, and other sports equipment

• Set up a target with a hoop or basket for kids to aim at
• Use balls of different sizes and materials for various games
• Play games like catch, dodgeball, or kickball indoors

By using household items in creative ways, parents can encourage their kids to stay active indoors while having fun. These games not only keep kids entertained but also help them develop coordination, balance, and physical fitness.

FAQs

1. What are some high-energy games that I can play with my kids indoors?

There are many fun and engaging games that you can play with your kids indoors to keep them active. Here are a few ideas:
* Hide and seek: This classic game is a great way to get kids moving and exploring different parts of your home.
* Simon says: This game is a great way to get kids moving and following directions.
* Red light, green light: This game is a fun way to get kids moving and practicing their coordination.
* Obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course using furniture and other household items, and have your kids navigate through it.
* Dance party: Put on some upbeat music and have a dance party with your kids. This is a great way to get them moving and having fun at the same time.

2. How can I make sure my kids are getting enough physical activity indoors?

It’s important to make sure that your kids are getting enough physical activity, even when they’re indoors. Here are a few tips for keeping them active:
* Set a good example: Show your kids that you value physical activity by being active yourself.
* Make it fun: Find activities that your kids enjoy and that are easy to do indoors, such as dancing or playing games.
* Set goals: Help your kids set goals for the amount of physical activity they want to do each day, and encourage them to track their progress.
* Be creative: Think outside the box and come up with creative ways to get your kids moving, such as using household items as exercise equipment or having a “yoga day” where you all practice different poses together.

3. What are some age-appropriate activities that I can do with my younger kids indoors?

There are many fun and age-appropriate activities that you can do with your younger kids indoors to keep them active. Here are a few ideas:
* Playing with toys: Use toys to encourage your kids to move and play, such as blocks, balls, and action figures.
* Singing and dancing: Put on some fun music and dance around with your kids. This is a great way to get them moving and having fun at the same time.
* Yoga and stretching: Teach your kids simple yoga poses and stretches, and practice together as a family.
* Playing games: There are many fun games that you can play with your kids indoors, such as “Simon says” or “Hide and seek.”

4. How can I make sure my kids are getting enough physical activity indoors when the weather is bad?

It can be challenging to keep kids active indoors when the weather is bad, but there are many fun and engaging activities that you can do with them. Here are a few ideas:
* Have a dance party: Put on some upbeat music and have a dance party with your kids. This is a great way to get them moving and having fun at the same time.
* Set up an obstacle course: Use furniture and other household items to set up an obstacle course, and have your kids navigate through it.
* Play indoor games: There are many fun games that you can play with your kids indoors, such as “Simon says” or “Hide and seek.”
* Do a workout together: Choose a workout video or app and do it together as a family. This is a great way to get active and bond with your kids at the same time.

5. How much physical activity should my kids be getting indoors?

The American Heart Association recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, regardless of their age. This can include activities such as playing games, doing yoga or stretching, or simply being active and moving around throughout the day. It’s important to make sure that your kids are getting enough physical activity to support their growth and development, and to help them maintain a healthy weight.

Keep Kids Active Inside