I have active kids. Very, very active kids. And sometimes they need just a little help channeling their energy so they don’t tear down the house. I have compiled a list of more than 20 of our favorite Boredom Busters for Active kids for you to use next time they need a little inspiration for getting the wiggles out. These are all Simple games and challenges that can be done at home or in the yard, with minimal supplies and preparation.
Build an Obstacle Course: This is one of my favorites, since you can use anything you have around the house, it can be done inside or out, and it really gets them moving. You can build an obstacle course based on time of year, weather, or any fun theme they might like. Get creative with jump ropes, buckets, balls, tunnels, even pillows!
Fall Themed Obstacle Course from The Chaos and the Clutter involves jumping in a pile of leaves
- Winter Obstacle Course from The Golden Gleam can be done inside with some creative thinking and using household objects instead of “real” snow and ice.
- Water Obstacle Course from Meaningful Mama is perfect for some outdoor summer fun.
- Themed Obstacle Course like this Circus Theme from Lalymom add some fun elements when working on specific skills or playing up a child’s favorite animals, characters, or events.
- Simple Indoor Obstacle Course like this one from the Gummy Lump Toys Blog are great on a rainy day when you’re forced to play indoors.
- Paper Web from Craftulate is great for the little ones and only requires crepe paper and some tape.
Run, Run, Run: Races can be so much fun, especially if you have more than one child. If not, timing them to see how fast they can go is a great option. You can add a twist like a pillow sack, or obstacles to jump over, making each race unique.
- Gunny Sack Races like this from Meaningful Mama can be done indoors or out with nothing more than a pillow case
- Silly Races from Creative Family Fun will have the kids giggling as they run around hopping, singing, and imitating animals.
- Race to 100 from Afterschooling for Smarty Pants involves counting with their actions to beat the other player to 100. A fun twist on learning that will get the kids moving.
Balls are for more than bouncing: Balls are a simple toy that most kids own, but can be used indoors or outside in a variety of ways. Come up with your own unique game or try one of these.
- Stair Ball from Busy Kids Happy Mom, can be played alone or with a friend and was invented by an 8 yr old.
- Color Golf from School Time Snippets is a fun game for matching skills and color recognition.
- Milk Jug Toss from Creative Connections for Kids is a fun game and recyclable craft project.
- Ball and Bean Bag Toss from Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails requires nothing more than a bucket and a few balls or bean bags.
Dance the Wiggles Out: Turn on some music and have a dance party or get creative and make it a game.
- Letter Sound Freeze Dance from Meaningful Mama turns dancing fun into a learning game.
Use Your Boxes: Cardboard Boxes can provide hours of entertainment and get the kids moving and creating. Turn them into houses or cars or use them to create fun games.
- Cardboard Box Ball Game from Little Bins for Little Hands combines cardboard boxes and small balls.
- Go Dumpster Diving for Hidden treasures like Hands On As We Grow.
Use the Floor for some Fun: Using the floor as a space for your movement provides another element.
- Create a track for cars with some painters tape.
- Build a Pillow Mountain like this one from JDaniel4sMom
- Make a giant Dot-to-Dot from What Do We Do All Day, combines both fine and gross motor skills.
Get up and Get Moving: Calling out Actions, jumping rope, or Hopping….any way you do it, get them up and get moving.
- Exercise Plate Game from Meaningful Mama makes activities like jumping jacks and arm circles fun.
- Hop Scotch like this one from Kitchen Counter Chronicles ads a learning element.
- Follow the Leader is a favorite of Mamadoo
Do you have any other fun ways to get the kids up and moving? I’d love to hear about hem!
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