Health & Wellness Child Developement

10 Simple activities to keep kids active, even when indoors

All of these activities will work on the big muscle groups- the idea is not a strenuous workout but to help with the gross motor skills.

Put these activities as a break between screen time or studies to bring back the energy and smiles.

Or write these down on pieces of paper- put in a bowl and have your child pick one to do during breaks.

Make a rainbow

Wave a streamer or a scarf over your head in an arc. Do it 5 times for each hand.

Roll on the floor

Pretend you are a log of wood- roll 5 times to the front. Now roll 5 times to the back.

Balance like a flamingo

Imagine you are a flamingo. Stand on one leg, balance for 10-15 seconds and then switch to the other leg.

Tiptoe walk

Walk on your tiptoes from your room to the kitchen and then from the kitchen to the living room and then from the living room to the bed room and back. Repeat as many times as you like!

Frog Jump

Squat down to the ground with your hands on the floor between your feet. Hop forward like a frog 5 times.

Crab walk

Sit on the floor and place your hands on the floor behind you. Lift your bottom off the floor by pushing into your hands and feet. Walk sideways for 10 steps and then try walking forward 10 times.

Squeeze and stretch

Lie down on your back and get your knees to your chest. Squeeze as tight as you can. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Now stretch your arms and legs out.

Head-shoulder-knees and toes

Classic top to toe energy builder, sing along and touch your head, shoulder, knees and toes to the tune of the song. Vary the speed to make it more fun.

Giant steps

Imagine that you are a 10 feet giant. Huff and puff and stomp your feet hard as you walk from room to room. (make sure you don’t do this at a time when neighbours get disturbed!)

The Hungry Caterpillar

Get in plank position (start from push-up position with arms on the floor and body in a straight line from ears to toes; now bend your elbows and rest your weight on your arms)

Now, move your knees (or feet) in to meet your hands. Crawl your hands out until you're in plank position. Repeat, moving forward for as many steps as you can.