Getting your kids to be active during winter months — or if they’re stuck at home thanks to a viral outbreak — can be hard if there’s harsh weather outside. Most tend to simply immerse themselves in their devices. But if you’re looking for ways to get your kids moving this season, these creative ideas for indoor winter games are sure to get them on their feet.
Ideas for Indoor Games
Judd King loves putting a modern twist on classic games. As the founder of Starlux Games, he and his team produce group games like Capture the Flag REDUX, which uses a glowing tech to make the old version feel fresh and new for tech-savvy kids. The idea behind all of their products is simple: encourage people of all ages to set aside their screens, open up their imaginations and do something active.
King understands that fun can often come to a halt during the winter season, but he says a little creativity is all it takes to engage kids.
“I think adults oftentimes overthink these things and assume kids need ‘more’ rather than a simplistic approach,” King tells Parentology. “More is not always better. Kids like having the flexibility to use their own imagination. The great thing is you can build and expand on most of these games to make them your family’s own.”
With this in mind, King has put a twist on childhood-favorites that he thinks everyone will enjoy.
Create an Indoor Treasure Hunt
Most kids have grown up watching the characters of their favorite TV shows go on a quest for some hidden treasure. King says that before the fun begins, parents have the greatest task ahead of them: creating a scavenger hunt map and hiding some special prizes or treats. Get creative, discover new places to hide some tokens, and set your kids off on a good, old-fashioned mystery.
Build with Cardboard Boxes
It seems everyone loves cardboard boxes — dogs, cats, and even kids. Gather up any of your extra cardboard boxes from the holidays, the moving days, or check with a local furniture store. They’ll usually have extra-large appliance boxes from living room sets or refrigerators. Your only task is to provide your kids with scissors, masking or duct tape, markers and time to build a rocket ship, clubhouse, submarine, or anything else they can dream up.
Kid’s Yoga Video
If you want a relaxing alternative to the high-energy activities, yoga is perfect for you and your kids. Your whole family can join in and unwind with fun yoga videos tailored specifically for children. Beyond the benefits of stretching and moving, yoga is great for managing stress, build their concentration and increase their confidence. YouTube channel Cosmic Kids makes great yoga videos for kids.
Balloon Ping Pong
All kids have probably played this one after a family get-together, sneaking the leftover balloons and patting them back and forth between kids without falling to the ground. King is using this same concept indoors — minus the grass stains.
Grab a ping pong paddle, a wooden spoon, or even a clipboard, and blow up a few balloons. You don’t need a ping pong table — you don’t even need a real table. A line on the floor to divide players will work just fine. Serve the balloon between players without letting it touch the ground. You won’t believe the fun and exercise you’ll get trying to keep the balloon in the air.
Indoor Hopscotch
Hand your kids some construction paper, printer paper, or old butcher paper you’d use when painting a room, and have them make their own hopscotch grid. Get creative with the designs on each square. Once finished, tape each piece to the floor to prevent slipping and use a sock in place of a rock.
Encourage your kids to build the grid bigger than the standard 10 squares while still being able to keep up the game. Expand the grid to go around the interior of your home, and after a few rounds, they’ll be tired out.
Jump to Cushion Island
While you may not love when your kids jump on the couch or spread out the sofa cushions, it’s time you break your own rules. Let your kids lay out all the cushions on the floor and designate them as islands your child must travel between. Encourage them to always land on an island. You can pretend there are sharks and other sea creatures on the floor between the cushions so they avoid falling in.
Indoor Games Ideas — Sources
Starlux Games Founder, Judd King
Highlights.com — Indoor Games