Do you feel like there are days where you play with the same toys with your kids for hours on end?
You are not alone!
There’s only so many times every day that I can play with (insert your child’s favorite toy here). I like mixing it up, especially by playing games and keeping my kids physically active. If your children learn how to be physically active at a young age, they will be more likely to keep those healthy habits as they grow up.
Why is it important to be physically active? Well, take a look at these sobering stats from the CDC:
Need I go on?
With my experience as a physical education teacher, I have come up with 7 EASY and FUN active games that you can play with your preschooler, so they can lead a healthy lifestyle!
And here’s the good news… You can play all of these games at home!
This is one of my favorite games to play at home because it’s super easy to set up and it can be done indoors or outdoors.
Age level: 3 years old +
Equipment:
Where can you play this?: We have a long open hallway between our kitchen and family room that we use to play this game. If you’d like to play outdoors, your driveway is a perfect spot to play!
Players needed: 2+
Check out the video below if you would like to see how we play this game indoors with a limited amount of people.
All kids LOVE to play capture the flag. Whenever my students get a free choice day, this is one of the most popular choices by far!
Age level: 4 years old +
Equipment:
Where can you play this? This game is preferably played outdoors since you want a large open area to run. However, if you have a big basement or you have an open floor plan that has a lot of space, then that’s another option!
Players needed: You can play this game with as few as two people. Of course, it’s typically more fun when played with more!
Take a look at the video below to see how we play Capture the Flag at home with just two people!
Who can relate to this? I know I can! Unfortunately, dumping out our toy bins is son’s newest obsession. So why not turn that obsession into a game, where at the end they must clean it up?
Age level: 3 years old +
Equipment:
Where can this be played?: Trash Collectors should be played indoors, so you don’t have to take all of your toys outside unless they are already there!
Players Needed: At least 2!
What kid doesn’t like knocking things over?
I will admit, I have played this game with my students, and I get excited when I knock a pin down, and I’m 31 years old.
Age level: 4 years old +
Equipment:
Where can you play this?: This game should be played outside. On the off chance, if a ball gets thrown and knocks something over in your house, I would hate to be a reason why this happened!
Players Needed: at least 2!
Want to see how to play this game indoors? Here’s a quick video to see how it’s done!
Yes, you read that correctly, this game is called Toilet Tag - and your kids will love it!
Age level: 3 years old +
Equipment: None!
Where can this game be played?: Indoors or Outdoors.
Players Needed: at least 4!
At our latest family get together, I tried to play this with my nephews and sisters. The kids thought it was hilarious.
I love this game because it applies to real-life lessons!
Age level: 3 years +
Equipment: None!
Where can you play this game?: Indoors or Outdoors!
Players Needed: at least 3.
This is an oldie but a goodie.
Age level: 3 years old+
Equipment: None!
Where can this be played: Indoors or Outdoors!
Players Needed: at least 3, but the more the merrier!
Check out this video of our duck, duck, goose game in action!
Physical activity is essential for all of us, but sometimes it’s hard to come up with games on your own. You may think you can’t play certain games because you don’t have the correct equipment.
Well, guess what… YOU CAN play these games. The cost is usually very minimal and you will have the equipment to use forever, which I believe is a great investment. You get to have fun with your kids and keep them active!
Deena Keller is a health and physical education teacher and the creator of ABCDee Learning, a website with fun and engaging resources to help children learn and stay active. To learn more about ABCDee Learning and explore more activities for children of all ages, click here. You can also follow ABCD Learning on Instagram at @ABCDLearning
The Butler County Family YMCA is a non-profit, charitable organization open to all people, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, ability or income. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
