Winter storms have blanketed many states across the country, and sometimes it’s difficult to get that active outdoor play that your kids need. It’s still easy to get your kids moving and shaking . . . just indoors. Try one of these fun indoor games today to keep kids happy and give you peace of mind!
Land, Sea, Air. This simple game requires listening and a line on the ground. Pick a spot with a natural line, such as a tile, or place a small piece of tape on the floor. Identify behind the line as “land,” in front of the line as “sea,” and jumping directly up as “air.” Have the kids follow your directions. Say the commands “land,” “sea,” and “air” in no particular order. If the kids make a mistake, have them do three jumping jacks and try again.
Basketball. Get creative with household objects to create a basketball and hoop. You could use a wadded piece of paper and trash can or laundry basket and ball of socks. Then practice taking shots from different spots.
Running Through the Forest. Take the kids on an imaginary adventure in which they must run, skip, and crawl in place. Together, pretend that you are running through a forest. When you come upon a branch, duck. When you reach a log, jump. When you find a pond, get in and swim. When you meet a lion, run fast! Together create your imaginative adventure and get moving.
Maze Game. Create a checkerboard pattern on the floor—either with pillows, washi tape, or paper—with a start corner square and opposite exit corner square. Draw a hidden pattern on paper that the kids must follow in order to get through the maze. Have the kids take turns moving through the maze—moving left, right, forward, or backward without skipping over squares. If they pick the wrong square, have them go back to the beginning and try again.
Jumping. Really! Challenge the kids to jumping contests. How far can you jump? How high can you jump? Can you touch my hand? This spot on the wall? Or it might just be that special day to let the kids jump on the bed—especially if it keeps you all happy.
Huckle Buckle Beanstalk. This is a game of hide and seek, but instead of hiding yourself, you hide an object. Pick an object and hide it in plain sight in the house. Have the kids move all around the house searching for the object with their hands behind their back. When they see the object, they should discretely say, “Huckle Buckle Beanstalk,” then sit down on the couch. Once everyone has found the object, pick someone new to hide it.
How do you stay active in the house with kids?
