It’s easy to keep kids active when the sun is shining, but what do you do when the rain won’t stop (or it’s too hot to be outside)? Cooped-up energy has to go somewhere, and a bit of indoor movement can turn a grumpy, restless day into a fun one.
Here are 6 fun active games for kids to burn off some energy — perfect for a rainy day.
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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 built-up energy, try these active games that work brilliantly indoors.
#1. Hold a Dance-a-Thon
Turn your living room into a mini disco to get everyone moving. Put on a favourite upbeat playlist and try a few 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 heart rate check — feel for the pulse on the inner wrist or neck and count how many beats you feel over 15 seconds. Multiply by 4 to get the beats per minute (BPM). It’s a fun way to show kids how their body responds to exercise.
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#2. Set Up an Obstacle Course
Create an indoor obstacle course with plenty of climbing, crawling, hopping, jumping, and landing on cushions or mattresses. Let the kids go wild and race 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:
- Start with the kids (carefully!) racing up and down the stairs 10 times in a row.
- Then try calf raises up and down off the bottom step.
- Finish with 10 jumps down and up the bottom step.
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#4. Follow the Leader
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 everyone else copying whatever move they’re doing (a bit like Simon Says).
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#5. Skipping and Hula Hooping
Clear some space, get out the skipping ropes or hula hoop, and have a contest. Who can skip or hula the most times in a row without stopping?
#6. Stretching and Yoga
Put on some relaxing music and get the kids to stretch — 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 great one to start kids off with, as it helps with balance and breathing.
Next, try the Cat pose: on hands and knees, lower the head and gently arch the back, then raise the head and curve the back the other way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good active indoor games for a rainy day?
Dancing, obstacle courses, step aerobics on the stairs, follow-the-leader style exercise games, skipping, hula hooping and simple yoga stretches are all easy to set up indoors and get kids moving without needing much space or equipment.
How can I get my kids to burn off energy without going outside?
Games that involve music, movement and a bit of friendly competition — like a dance-a-thon or an obstacle course — are great for using up energy indoors. Short bursts of activity spread through the day work well, especially if kids are stuck in for a while.
Are these games suitable for all ages?
Yes, most of these games can be adapted for different ages. Younger children may need more supervision, especially with stairs or obstacle courses, while older kids can add their own challenges, like timing themselves or inventing new dance moves.
Do I need any special equipment?
Not really. A skipping rope or hula hoop is handy for two of the games, but the dance-a-thon, obstacle course, step aerobics, follow the leader and yoga stretches can all be done with things you already have at home.
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
Looking for more ways to keep the kids busy and active indoors? Browse our full collection of rainy day activity ideas for more inspiration whenever the weather won’t cooperate.
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