10 Fun Ways for Kids to Stay Active while Stuck at Home

I am writing this at a time where many parents are wondering “what should I do with kids at home for weeks”? We are working our way through the Coronavirus pandemic and sadly facing many unknowns. So, although I typically share playgrounds to stay active, for today I’m sharing how to stay active INDOORS.

Here is a list of 10 ideas for staying active inside your home…

1 – Create an Obstacle Course

Right off the bat, this comes with a warning – there is likely an age limit depending on your home and amount of breakable items. However, if you have a good space, my girls love making obstacle courses for each other! Using cushions, colored paper, zigzagging tape on the floor, etc, you can create quite the adventure. Don’t forget to use a stopwatch to see how fast they can go!

2 – Scavenger Hunts

We have come across scavenger hunts at many playgrounds in Colorado and our girls love them! Now let’s take that fun inside with an indoor scavenger hunt. You can create one for the kids or they can create them! For your simplest option, check out these scavenger hunt clues or try out these other options:

• Picture scavenger hunt for smaller children
• Hide a letter at each clue that they have to unscramble at the end
• Dress up in pirate costumes and make it a treasure hunt
• Prize or treats at the end

3 – Animal Walks

I remember watching my daughter at preschool tumbling class do animal walking as a warm up. This is where the coach yells out an animal name and everyone has to cross the mat (walking, hopping, slithering) like that animal. Taking that idea into your home, you can take turns calling out animals and it becomes hysterical quickly! Have you ever tried to move like a slug or hop like a bunny through your kitchen? Be creative and have fun!

4 – Clean Up Tag

Having an extended time at home lends itself to a perfect time for cleaning and organizing. However, that is usually not your kid’s favorite thing to hear… So, we’ve started playing “Clean Up Tag” in our house! The first person has to put something away and then they tag the next person, that person then has to put something away and they tag someone else, and so on. Ways to change it up:

• Pick a number of items they have to put away before they can tag the next person
• Focus cleaning up in one specific room
• Teams – one room vs another room and whoever has the cleanest room first wins
• Celebrate when the room is picked up!

5 – Minute to Win It Games

Did you watch the “Minute to Win It” television show? It has grown and can be found at office parties, birthdays, icebreakers and, now, in your home! There are some great ideas on YouTube and I found a fantastic list of ideas at this link:

Keep reading on page 2 for FIVE more great ideas for staying active inside!