It’s easy to keep kids active when the sun is shining, but what about when the rain won’t stop — or it’s simply too hot to be outside? Energy still needs to go somewhere!
Here are 6 fun active games for kids that are perfect for a rainy day, using nothing more than the space you already have 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 for kids that work brilliantly indoors.
#1. Hold a Dance-a-Thon
Turn your living room into disco heaven with a dance-a-thon to 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 heart rate check — feel for the pulse on the inner wrist or neck and count how many beats you feel over a 15-second period. Multiply by 4 to get the BPM (beats per minute).
#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 mattresses. 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, they should try calf raises up and down off the bottom step.
- Finally, jump down and up 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 everyone else following whatever exercise 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 to stretch — try touching their toes without bending their knees, bending one leg backwards 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, as it helps with balance and breathing.
Next, try the Cat pose — get down on hands and knees, lower your head and arch your back gently, then raise your head and curve your back the other way.
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FAQs About Active Indoor Games for Kids
What are the best active games for kids on a rainy day?
Games that get the whole body moving work best — dancing, obstacle courses, stair workouts, and simple stretching or yoga routines all keep kids active without needing outdoor space.
How can I get my kids to be active indoors without special equipment?
Most of these games use things you already have at home — stairs, cushions, open floor space and a bit of music. Skipping ropes and hula hoops are handy extras if you have them, but not essential.
How long should indoor active play last?
There’s no fixed rule — little and often works well. A 15–20 minute burst of dancing, stretching or an obstacle course is often enough to burn off restless energy on a wet afternoon.
Are these games suitable for younger children too?
Yes, most can be adjusted for age and ability. Simplify the obstacle course, shorten the stair sets, or keep the yoga poses gentle for younger children, and let older siblings take the lead.
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 this time, but it’s worth bookmarking this page or saving it to your favourites so you’ve got a ready-made list of active games the next time the weather turns.
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