The pandemic has made many parents and kids feel stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun and stay active.

Engaging in physical activities is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and it’s also a great way to bond with your kids. Here are some fun and active games that parents can play with kids at home.

Dance Freeze

Dancing is a great way to get moving and have fun with your kids. With Dance Freeze, you can add an extra element of excitement by incorporating a freeze game. Play some music and get everyone dancing.

When the music stops, everyone must freeze in their current position. The last person to freeze is out, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

Obstacle course

An obstacle course is a fun and engaging way to get kids active and burning off energy. Use items that you have around the house such as pillows, chairs, and boxes to create an obstacle course.

Kids can crawl under chairs, jump over boxes, and balance on pillows. Time them as they navigate through the course, and see who can get the fastest time.

Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic game that’s perfect for getting kids active and listening to directions.

One person is designated as Simon and gives out commands starting with “Simon says.” For example, “Simon says do five jumping jacks” or “Simon says touch your toes.” The other players must follow the command only if it starts with “Simon says.” If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” anyone who follows the command is out.

Treasure hunt

A treasure hunt is an exciting way for kids to burn off energy while searching for hidden treasures around the house. Create a series of clues or a treasure map that leads them to different areas of the house where small treasures are hidden.

You can use small toys, stickers, or candy as rewards for each treasure found. The winner is the person who finds the most treasure.

Indoor bowling

You can create your own indoor bowling alley with some empty plastic water bottles and a ball. Set up the water bottles like bowling pins, and take turns trying to knock them down with the ball.

You can make it more challenging by placing the pins farther apart or using a smaller ball.

Pictionary

Pictionary is a fun and creative game that gets everyone moving and thinking. Divide into teams and take turns drawing pictures while your teammates try to guess what you’re drawing.

You can add a physical twist to the game by requiring players to act out certain phrases or words instead of drawing them.

Charades

Charades is a classic game that’s perfect for getting kids active and engaged. One person acts out a phrase or sentence without speaking, while the other players try to guess what they’re acting out.

Whoever guesses correctly is the next one to act out a phrase or sentence.

Balloon volleyball

You don’t need a net or a lot of space to play volleyball. All you need is a balloon and a sense of fun. You can play one-on-one or in teams, and the objective is to keep the balloon from touching the ground.

If it does touch the ground, the other team gets a point. You can also make it more challenging by setting up boundaries for the playing area.

Hula hoop contest

Hula hooping is a fun and challenging way to get moving and burn calories. Have a hula hoop contest with your kids and see how long each person can keep the hula hoop going.

If you have different sizes of hoops, you can make it more challenging by using a smaller hoop.

Balloon pop relay

Balloon pop relay is a fun and lively game that’s perfect for a group. Divide into teams and have each team line up.

The first person in line must run to the other end of the room or yard, sit on a balloon until it pops, and then run back to tag the next person in line. The first team to finish wins.

In conclusion

Playing active games with your kids at home is a fun and healthy way to bond and stay fit. These games are not only great for physical activity, but also for mental stimulation and creativity.

They’re simple to set up and require little to no equipment, making them a convenient and affordable way to stay active. So, whether you’re stuck at home due to inclement weather or a pandemic, these games will surely keep you and your kids entertained for hours on end.