Fun Fitness Activities for Kids

In our digital age, keeping kids away from screens can be tough. But if you introduce it at an early age, they’ll naturally love an active lifestyle. So, how do you start? Well, kids love to have fun, so we suggest choosing activities that they’ll enjoy so much, they won’t even realize they’re exercising.

Remember, exercise for kids should be fun. Instead of thinking of it as a chore, think of it as “exercise play.” That’s the term used by Ewunike Akpan, a certified personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise.

For school-age kids, movement and play are great ways to add fitness to their daily routines. It’s a fun way to get them away from screens and help them burn off all that excess energy they seem to have. Plus, exercise can be a fun family activity that promotes bonding. And guess what? Physical activity can also help kids do better in school, both academically and behaviorally.

And if you’re still not convinced, remember that play is a crucial part of child development. So, let’s get moving and make exercise a fun and enjoyable part of our kids’ lives! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite exercise games and activities for kids that will keep them moving and laughing all the way through. They’ll love these movements and games, and they’ll get some great benefits too. The best part? You don’t need any equipment or a big outdoor space. You can do them in short bursts of five to ten minutes, or you can mix and match different activities for a longer playtime.

 

Jumping Fun Exercises

Get those feet moving and off the ground with these simple exercises. Jumps are a great way to build muscle strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and boost endurance. And who doesn’t love a friendly competition with a friend, sibling, or even an adult to see who can jump the highest?

Here are some fun and challenging jumps that kids can try:

  • Criss-cross feet: Jump straight up, then cross one foot in front of the other. On the next jump, switch feet and keep going.
  • Hurdle hops: Imagine you’re jumping over a pretend hurdle. Jump side-to-side or front-to-back, whichever feels more fun.
  • Jumping jacks: Stretch your arms and legs out to the side like a starfish while you jump. On the second jump, bring your arms back to your sides and your legs back to the center.
  • One-foot hops: Lift one knee and jump on the standing leg. Alternate legs as you hop. This is a great way to improve your balance.
  • Tuck jumps: Bend your knees and lift your heels high while you jump. This is a fun way to stretch your legs and improve your balance.

Exercise Fun Games

Turn exercises into games to make them fun and enjoyable. Here are some fun ideas:

  • Corners: Divide the kids into teams and assign each team a home corner. Have them run around the room in a circle. On your cue, they need to return to their “home” corner and perform a few simple exercises, such as five jumping jacks or a 30-second plank. Akpan suggests allowing the kids to choose the exercises they want to do in each corner, giving them a sense of ownership over the game.
  • Go back and hit it: On “go,” the kids run forward in designated lanes. Then, call out “back,” prompting them to run in reverse. Finally, say “hit it!,” which is a cue to incorporate another skill, such as a tuck jump or a squat.
  • Squat relay: Have the kids line up on opposite sides of the room, facing each other. On “go,” all the kids run toward the center of the room and meet in the middle. They need to perform three squats, giving each other a high-five with both hands in between each rep. Afterward, they return to their starting positions and repeat the process.
  • Traffic: Imagine “red light, green light,” but with more action. The kids stop and start at the red and green lights, but they also shuffle to the side for the yellow light. They can do bunny hops at speed bumps, link elbows while running with a partner for a “carpool,” and even gallop when the cue is “deer crossing.” Encourage your kids to come up with their own unique moves as well!
  • Keep the balloon up: Get ready for some wild fun! This is one of the rowdiest physical fitness games you’ll ever play. Make sure to secure your lamps and pictures on the wall! Simply blow up some balloons and tell the kids to keep the balloons from touching the floor. It’ll be a blast for the kids!
  • Variations: This can be a game where the kids can get a little adventurous. Round up a few judges, and if a kid hits a balloon that hits the ground, they’re out. The last kid standing wins!

Indoor Ball Games

Playing ball games indoors or outside is a fantastic way to get kids moving and have fun. It’s not just about getting their hearts pumping - it also helps them improve their balance, coordination, and overall fitness. And guess what? Kids are usually drawn to any activity that involves a ball, so you’re sure to find something they’ll love.

Here are some fun indoor ball games that don’t take up much space:

  • Tossing balls into laundry baskets
  • Hitting balls at a target with a household object
  • Catching balls with a plastic mixing bowl
  • Throwing, rolling, or kicking a ball against the wall

So, gather the kids, grab a ball, and let the games begin!

 

Skipping

Skipping is a fun way to get some exercise and improve your balance and coordination. Here are some skipping games you can try:

  • Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch board on the ground using chalk or masking tape. The board should have a grid of numbered squares. There are many ways to play hopscotch, but the basic idea is to throw a small object (like a beanbag) onto one of the squares and then hop, skip, or jump your way through the course without landing in that square.
  • Jumping rope: Have your kids jump rope for a set amount of time. You can make it more challenging by asking them to jump forward and back, or by seeing who can skip the most in a set amount of time.
  • Obstacle course: Set up a simple obstacle course with items that are easy for your kids to jump over, like a chair or a pot. Then, set a timer and have your kids try to beat their personal records.
  • Skipping tag: Play tag but have everyone skip instead of running or walking to catch their opponent. You can add some variety by switching to hopping on one foot, all fours, or some other way of moving.

 

Crab Walk

Have you heard of the crab walk? It’s a super fun activity that not only helps kids build their core and arm strength, but it might even make them laugh while they’re doing it.

To get started, teach your kids how to perform this movement. They’ll need to lift their torso and tummy up while moving their hands and feet on the ground, with their legs bent at the knees. Once they’ve mastered the basic move, you can set up some fun challenges for them to do while in this pose.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Balancing act: Have your kids balance items (like a stuffed animal or a plastic cup) on their stomach and see who can go the furthest without dropping it. Alternatively, see how many stuffed animals your child can balance on their belly as they hold this pose.
  • Obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course for your kids to navigate through while in the crab crawl.
  • Race: Ready, set, crab crawl to the finish line!

 

Bear Walk

The bear crawl is like walking on all fours, but with your belly on the floor (the opposite of the crab crawl). This movement can be a great way to get your kids’ whole bodies moving and using their arms and core. Start by having your kids practice the bear crawl on their own. Then, you can work on using it in more fun games, like doing an obstacle course or having them race to a certain spot in the house and back. With a little bit of practice, your kids can even leap over each other’s backs in this pose!

 

Benefits of Exercise Games for Kids

Before we get into how to make physical activity fun, let’s talk about why it’s so important for kids:

  • Health Benefits: Regular physical activity helps kids build strong bones and muscles, stay at a healthy weight, and lower their risk of developing diet-related chronic illnesses.
  • Mental Health: Exercise makes kids feel happier, reduces anxiety and stress, and makes them feel better overall.
  • Social Skills: Group activities and sports teach kids teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills.

 

Reasons Why Your Child Should Play Sports

Sports are super important for kids! They help kids feel less stressed and happier. Plus, they build strong bones and muscles, make them more fit, and help them sleep better. Sports also teach kids how to work together, boost their self-confidence, and stay healthy.

 

Conclusion

Encouraging kids to stay active is all about making it exciting and enjoyable. By adding some fun elements, being a positive role model, and trying out different activities, you can help your child develop a lifelong love for physical fitness. Give the activities listed above a try and see which ones your kids enjoy the most. Remember, the goal is to keep moving and having fun!