Stuck Inside? Here Are 10 Fun Ways to Get the Whole Family Moving!

Blog | February 6th, 2025

Kids in boxes being pushed by parents on wood floor


Winter weather can make it hard to get outside, but that doesn’t mean the whole family has to sit still! Keeping kids active indoors is a great way to burn off energy, have fun together, and even sneak in a little workout for yourself. Here are 10 creative ways to get moving inside—no fancy equipment needed!



Couple and toddler play with pink balloon indoors


1. Playing with Balloons 🎈


Balloons are a fantastic way to keep kids active without worrying about breaking anything!

Simple version: Try “Keep It Off the Ground,” (or Keepy Uppy as “Bluey” calls it) where everyone works together to keep the balloon in the air. You can also see who can tap it the most times in a row.

🔥 Advanced version: Challenge kids to walk while holding the balloon between their knees or play balloon volleyball over a couch or table.

💡 Extra fun: Use a fly swatter or paper plate paddles to hit the balloon back and forth!

➡️ These balloons come with assorted animal faces and are a great price at $10 for 45 balloons.


Young child and grownup imitate animals together with hands up like paws


2. Animal Walk Races 🐸 🦀 🐧


Turn movement into a fun animal adventure!

Simple version: Take turns choosing an animal, and everyone copies its movement. Hop like a frog, waddle like a penguin, or crawl like a bear!

🔥 Advanced version: Assign animals to each other and race across the room using only that animal’s movement.

💡 Extra fun: Add a learning element—pause between rounds to read fun facts about the animals you’re imitating!

➡️ These flashcards are for ages 2 – 4 and can give you ideas for what animals to imitate and facts to learn about them. These ones cost a bit more money but they have fun facts and cute illustrations of 40 animals. 


Father and son practice yoga on black mats doing upward dog


3. Yoga for Kids 🧘‍♂️


Yoga is a great way for kids (and parents!) to stretch, breathe, and move.

Simple version: Follow a short, beginner-friendly yoga video for kids. Here’s one featuring a mom and her young toddler perfect for little kids. If you want to unplug for yoga, check out the “Yoga Bug” book

🔥 Advanced version: Challenge older kids to hold poses longer or try more difficult moves like a plank or warrior pose. Here’s a quick video for older kids. 

💡 Extra fun: Let kids take turns being the “yoga instructor” and leading the poses!

➡️ If you and your kids end up loving an indoor yoga practice, try Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube.


Mom and two young daughters dancing and smiling in a brightly lit kitchen


4. Dance Party 💃🕺


Turn up the music and get the whole family moving!

Simple version: Freestyle dancing—just move however you like! 

🔥 Advanced version: Follow a Just Dance video or learn a short routine together.

💡 Extra fun: Make it a freeze dance game—stop moving when the music pauses!

➡️ If the dance parties are a hit, check out these free kid-friendly dance workouts.


Young kid smiling in a pillow fort on a couch


5. Indoor Obstacle Course 🏃‍♂️


Build a fun course using household items!

Simple version: Crawl under tables, jump over pillows, and balance on a tape line.

🔥 Advanced version: Add time challenges or make it a relay race.

💡 Extra fun: Use a theme—pretend you’re spies avoiding lasers or adventurers crossing a jungle!

➡️ If you need more obstacles, check out kits like this one


Mother daughter doing jumping exercises and laughing inside near couch


6. Simon Says (Fitness Edition) 🏋️‍♀️


A classic game with a workout twist!

Simple version: Stick to simple movements like jumping jacks, arm circles, or stretching.

🔥 Advanced version: Add burpees, squats, and balancing challenges.

💡 Extra fun: Let kids take turns being “Simon” to come up with their own fun exercises!


Homemade bowling set with water bottles and a blow up ball


7. Bowling with Household Items 🎳


Set up an indoor bowling alley with things you already have!

Simple version: Use empty water bottles and roll a soft ball to knock them over.

🔥 Advanced version: Increase the distance or try rolling the ball backward between your legs.

💡 Extra fun: Keep score and turn it into a family competition!

➡️ If you want to upgrade your bowling set up, there are plenty of kits online like this adorable one featuring animal pins. 


Feet in socks on tip toes on wood floor


8. Sock Skating 🧦


Turn your floors into a skating rink!

Simple version: Put on socks and slide across a smooth floor.

🔥 Advanced version: Try spinning or doing a skating-style race.

💡 Extra fun: Play music and pretend you’re in an ice-skating competition!


Young child smiling on indoor trampoline


9. Mini Trampoline Fun 🤸‍♂️


If you have an indoor trampoline, use it for a jumping workout!

Simple version: Just bounce up and down to get moving.

🔥 Advanced version: Try doing tuck jumps, star jumps, or even balancing on one foot.

💡 Extra fun: Put on music and turn it into a mini trampoline dance party!

➡️ For toddlers, this Little Tike’s trampoline can provide hours of fun. 


Mom and child doing hula hoop indoors.


10. Hula Hoop Contest 🔄


Grab a hula hoop and see who can keep it going the longest!

Simple version: Just try to keep the hoop spinning.

🔥 Advanced version: Do tricks like spinning it on your arm or passing it between family members.

💡 Extra fun: Play music and try hula hoop dancing!

➡️ Here’s one fun video with lots of ways to get moving with a hula hoop. 


Get Moving and Have Fun!


Cold weather doesn’t have to mean sitting still! Try out these fun activities to keep your family active and engaged indoors. Whether you’re dancing, jumping, or pretending to be an animal, the most important thing is to have fun together.


Related: From Shoveling Tips to Knowing the Signs of Hypothermia: A Guide to Snow Safety