During cold winter months or on long rainy days, you may feel like the walls of your house are closing in on you when your kids can’t go outside to run around and get all their energy out. And even though we are big advocates for outdoor play, there are many days when playing outside just isn’t possible (or it’s just very uncomfortable). Here are several ideas you can bring to life as needed with only a few materials and minimal set-up time.
1. A DIY obstacle course. You can make an obstacle course out of anything in your house. Guide your child to crawl under a coffee table, run around shampoo bottles, jump over a broom, and walk over pillows.
But how do you get your child to go through the course multiple times to keep them engaged for more than 30 seconds? Add in a game with pieces like a puzzle or Mr. Potato Head. Place all the pieces on one end of the course and the board on the other end of the course. Instruct your child to take one piece at a time to cross the obstacles.
2. Non-sedentary Board Games. Board games like Candy Land or Shoots and Ladders are usually played sitting on the floor or at a table and don’t do much for your child’s energy level. But they don’t have to be sedentary. After each turn, take a movement break by jumping, toe touching, bear walking, rolling, or skipping..
3. “The Floor is Lava”. Throw couch cushions and pillows all over the floor, turn on some music and hop from surface to surface, avoiding the hot “lava” beneath. This challenge can be done in any room and is pretty easy to clean up when the fun is done.
4. Treasure Hunt. Take pompoms, pennies, erasers, popsicle sticks or any other small item and hide them conspicuously around the house. Have your child go around in search of the hidden treasure. Offering a prize at the end like an art project or special treat can keep your child motivated to find it all.
5. Simon Says. This oldie but goodie doesn’t take up a lot of room, but can include lots of movement directives.
a. Jump up and down
b. Squat and stand
c. Stand on tiptoes
d. Jump and turn in a circle
e. Hop on one foot
f. March in place
g. Arm Circles
h. Shoulder shrugs
6. Keep up the Balloon. Kids love throwing balloons up into the air and running to catch them- and it actually takes a lot of energy. Keep some extra balloons on hand to be blown up for those bad weather days.
