It’s easy to keep kids active when the sun is shining, but what about when the rain won’t stop — or it’s too hot to head outdoors? Cooped-up energy has to go somewhere, and a bit of indoor movement can turn a grumpy, restless afternoon into a fun one.
Here are 6 fun active games for kids to burn off some energy, perfect for a rainy day at home.
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Fun Active Games For Kids
You’re stuck indoors — don’t panic! If you’re wondering what to do with the kids to burn off some of that pent-up energy, try these active games that work brilliantly indoors.
#1. Hold a Dance-a-Thon
Turn your living room into a disco and get everyone moving. Put on a favourite playlist and try some classic musical games:
- Musical chairs
- Musical statues
- Best and worst dancer competition
- Get everyone to try the Can Can
- Limbo dancing
Stop for a minute in the middle and do a quick heart rate check — feel for the pulse on the inner wrist or neck and count how many beats you feel over 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get the beats per minute. Kids love comparing their numbers before and after dancing!
#2. Set Up an Obstacle Course
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Create an indoor obstacle course with plenty of climbing, crawling, hopping, jumping, and falling onto cushions or a mattress. Let the kids go wild and try to beat each other’s times around the course.
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#3. Step Aerobics
If you have stairs in your house, you’ve got a ready-made workout!
- First, get the kids (carefully!) racing up and down the stairs 10 times in a row.
- Then have them try calf raises up and down off the bottom step.
- Finally, jump down and up off the bottom step 10 times.
#4. Follow the Leader
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Turn on the music and get the kids exercising — try hopping, skipping or jumping jacks. If you have more than one child, take turns being the leader, with the others copying whatever move they’re doing (a bit like Simon Says).
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#5. Skipping and Hula Hooping
Clear some space, get the skipping ropes or hula hoop out, and have a contest! Who can skip or hula the most times in a row?
#6. Stretching and Yoga
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Put on some relaxing music and get the kids stretching — try touching their toes without bending their knees, bending one leg back to hold their foot, or twisting gently from side to side without moving their feet.
The Tree pose is a good one to start kids off with, helping with balance and breathing. Next, try the Cat pose: on hands and knees, lower the head and arch the back gently, then raise the head and curve the back the other way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are good active games for kids on a rainy day?
Dancing, obstacle courses, step aerobics on the stairs, follow-the-leader exercise games, skipping, hula hooping and simple yoga stretches are all great ways to get kids moving indoors without needing much space or equipment.
How can I get my kids to burn off energy indoors?
Set up a short, timed activity like an obstacle course or a dance-a-thon with musical games. Giving kids a challenge — beating a time, counting skips, or taking turns as leader — helps channel their energy in a fun, focused way.
Do I need special equipment for indoor active games?
No. Most of these games use things you already have at home — stairs, cushions, a skipping rope or hula hoop, and a music playlist. A little floor space is really all you need.
Are these games suitable for younger children too?
Yes, most can be adjusted for age and ability — younger children might do fewer stairs reps or simpler yoga poses, while older kids can add more of a challenge or competitive element.
Related Articles
- 50 Super Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids of All Ages
- Get Active with These Fun Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids
- 25 Of The Best Indoor Games For Kids Aged 8-12 Years
- Download Your FREE Indoor Scavenger Hunt For Kids
Save These Ideas For Your Next Rainy Day
No printable needed for this one — just bookmark this page or save it to your favourites so you’ve got a ready list of active indoor games the next time the weather lets you down.
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