As a mom of two lively preschool-aged girls, I know firsthand the challenge of keeping kids active when the weather doesn’t cooperate or when outdoor play isn’t an option. Children need movement to burn off their endless energy, improve motor skills, and promote physical health, but as a parent, it’s not always easy to keep them engaged indoors.

Over the years, I’ve found that the key to keeping kids active at home is to make fitness fun and creative. If you’re looking for ways to keep your little ones moving indoors, here are some tried-and-true ideas from our family that can turn any rainy day into a fun, active adventure!

1. Create an Obstacle Course

My girls love nothing more than a good indoor obstacle course. It’s easy to set up and can be tailored to your space and their interests.

• Use What You Have: Pillows for jumping, chairs to crawl under, masking tape for a balance beam, and a small basket for tossing soft balls.

• Add Challenges: Incorporate jumping jacks, crawling like a bear, or balancing on one foot to work on gross motor skills.

• Time Them: Use a timer to see how fast they can complete the course—it turns into a fun game every time!

2. Dance Party

When all else fails, we turn on some music and have a dance party. It’s simple, effective, and always puts everyone in a good mood.

• Mix It Up: Create a playlist with a mix of their favorite songs and some upbeat tracks you enjoy, too.

• Freeze Dance: Add a twist by pausing the music and having them “freeze” in silly poses.

• Dress Up: My girls love wearing tutus or fun costumes during our dance sessions, which makes it even more entertaining.

4. Balloon Games

Balloons are a simple, affordable way to keep kids active indoors.

• Keep It Up: The goal is to keep the balloon from touching the ground.

• Balloon Volleyball: Use a string or ribbon as a net, and let the kids hit the balloon back and forth.

• Target Practice: Set up soft targets (like pillows) and see if they can hit them with the balloon.

5. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt combines movement with problem-solving and is always a hit with my girls.

• Make a List: Include items like “find something red,” “find a toy that makes noise,” or “find something soft.”

• Add Movement: Have them crawl, hop, or skip to collect each item.

• Themed Hunts: We’ve done hunts centered around colors, shapes, or their favorite animals to make it more exciting.

6. Play Active Games

Classic games never go out of style, and many can be adapted for indoors.

• Simon Says: Add active commands like “jump three times” or “spin in a circle.”

• Follow the Leader: Incorporate hopping, crawling, or dancing to keep it fun.

• Red Light, Green Light: This one’s great for working on listening skills while burning energy.

7. Build and Play

Sometimes, the process of creating an activity is just as fun as doing it.

• Build a Fort: Use blankets, cushions, and chairs to make a cozy hideout, then play “adventure” games inside.

• DIY Bowling: Set up empty water bottles as pins and use a soft ball to knock them down.

• Cardboard Creations: Transform large boxes into tunnels, cars, or houses for imaginative active play.

8. Fitness Challenges

I like to set up mini fitness challenges to get their bodies moving in new ways.

• Jumping Jacks Contest: See who can do the most in 30 seconds.

• Animal Walks: Pretend to be different animals—crawl like a bear, hop like a frog, or waddle like a penguin.

• Mini Workouts: Guide them through simple exercises like toe touches, squats, or stretches.

9. Creative Movement Activities

Encourage imaginative play with activities that inspire movement.

• Pretend Play: Be astronauts walking on the moon, animals in the jungle, or explorers climbing a mountain.

• Parachute Play: If you have a large sheet, lift it together and run underneath for endless giggles.

• Story Time with Actions: Read a story and act out the scenes as you go.

10. Faith-Focused Activities

As a faith-filled family, we love integrating movement with our spiritual practices.

• Bible Story Movements: Act out stories like Noah’s Ark or David and Goliath with dramatic movements.

• Prayer Walk Indoors: Walk around the house while saying prayers or singing worship songs.

• Thankfulness Dance: Dance as a way to celebrate God’s blessings.

A Reminder for Parents

Staying active with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated or require expensive equipment. It’s all about making the most of your space and using your creativity to keep them engaged. Some of my favorite moments with my daughters have come from these simple, playful activities, and I hope they’ll inspire joy and connection in your home too. Be sure to join LJ Lifestyle Kids for all this early learning, and wellness for kids. Click here.