Getting children interested in playing sports and taking part in physical activities can be challenging for numerous reasons. However, by incorporating fun using exercise games, kids of all ages will love getting involved.
Here, we share some great children’s exercise games that boost health and wellbeing in a fun and engaging way.
Musical Statues
A children’s birthday party classic, Musical Statues gets kids up and moving until you stop the music. Choose songs that you know they love, or even ask them to help you make the playlist and encourage lots of movement so it’s harder for them to quickly pause when the music does.
How to play
- Start the music and everyone has to dance, run around, jump about, and move as much as possible
- Stop the music and everyone needs to stop and be as still as possible
- You can eliminate those who move once the music stops, otherwise just continue with another round of music until everyone’s worn out!
Obstacle courses
Obstacle courses are often a sports day favourite and can be played both indoors and outside. The great thing about these is that they can be as difficult or easy to complete as you choose, so they can be tailored to suit the age and ability of the children playing. Equipment can be used, or you can stick to skipping, running, jumping, and other simple movements.
Obstacle course ideas
- Hurdles
- Balancing a beanbag on the head
- Slalom using cones
- Dribbling a football
- Climbing over or under equipment
- Balance beam
Simon Says
Perfect for younger children learning how to listen to and follow instructions, Simon Says can be as energetic as you like. Children can be eliminated should they not complete an action correctly, but keeping everyone in the exercise game means all players get the most out of the activity and the health benefits it can bring.
How to play
- The leader says a statement starting with ‘Simon says’ e.g. ‘Simon says jump up and down’ and all players need to jump up and down
- If the leader says a statement without ‘Simon says’ at the beginning e.g. ‘Spin around’ the players shouldn’t complete this action
Red Light, Green Light
Another great children’s exercise game for those learning to listen carefully, Red Light, Green Light incorporates following instructions, moving stealthily, maintaining balance, and even running for those feeling brave!
How to play
- Someone stands at the front with their back to everyone else
- When they say ‘green light’ the children can move towards them
- When they say ‘red light’ and turn around, players must be very still. Anyone caught moving or wobbling must go back to the start.
- The aim is to reach the front without being caught moving
We hope these children’s exercise games have inspired you to add play into your P.E. lessons, school breaktimes, and children’s parties. Remember, any movement is a great step to a fit and healthy lifestyle for kids.
At the Sport and Health Academy, we seamlessly incorporate fun and games into many of our school fitness sessions to get children moving. Find out about our P.E. cover, lunchtime sessions, and after school clubs.
