Attention all parents, teachers, and caregivers of energetic preschoolers! If you’re looking for delightful and easy-to-organize games that will have your little munchkins hopping with excitement, look no further. In this blog, we’ve gathered a collection of 33 indoor and outdoor physical games for preschoolers, promising endless fun and laughter.
Let’s embark on this playful adventure!
Table of Contents
Tips For Creating A Safe Environment For Physical Games For Preschoolers
Creating a safe environment for physical games is crucial to ensure that preschoolers can have a blast without any unnecessary risks. Here are tips to help you set the stage for safe and joyful play:
1/ Start by choosing a play area with a soft and cushioned surface
A grassy lawn or a rubberized playground surface can be ideal. Avoid hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, as they can lead to more serious injuries if a child falls.
2/ Check the equipment
If you’re using any play equipment or toys, inspect them regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Make sure they are age-appropriate and meet safety standards. Replace or repair anything that looks damaged.
3/ Supervision is key
Always have adult supervision during physical playtime. An attentive eye can quickly address any potential hazards, diffuse conflicts, and ensure that children are using equipment correctly.
4/ Set simple and easy-to-understand rules for the games
Teach children about sharing, taking turns, and respecting one another’s space. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and playing safely.
5/ Help kids learn to pay attention to their bodies
Playing can be tiring, so ensuring they stay hydrated and take short breaks will keep them energized and reduce the risk of overheating.
If a child is feeling tired or sore, they should take a break.
6/ Always have a basic first aid kit nearby.
In the case of minor cuts or scrapes, having the necessary supplies readily available will help you quickly attend to any injuries.
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19 Indoor Physical Games For Preschoolers
Indoor physical games for preschoolers can be a fantastic way to keep them active and engaged, especially on days when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor play. Here are 19 fun and easy-to-organize games:
1/ Freeze Dance:
Play some music and let the children dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze in place until the music starts again.
2/ Balloon Volleyball:
Use a soft balloon as the ball and encourage the kids to hit it back and forth over a makeshift net or imaginary line.
3/ Simon Says:
Have a designated leader (Simon) give commands for the kids to follow, such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says hop on one foot.”
4/ Animal Races:
Assign each child an animal and have them mimic the movements of that animal during a race, like hopping like a bunny or waddling like a penguin.
5/ Mini-Olympics:
Set up a series of simple physical challenges, like jumping through hula hoops, crawling under a table, or tossing beanbags into a bucket.
6/ Indoor Bowling:
Use soft balls or empty plastic bottles as bowling pins and roll a ball to knock them down.
7/ Obstacle Course:
Create an indoor obstacle course using pillows to jump over, tunnels to crawl through, and masking tape lines to walk along.
8/ Laundry Basket Basketball:
Place laundry baskets or buckets on the floor and have the kids toss softballs or rolled-up socks into them.
9/ Indoor Hopscotch:
Use masking tape to create a hopscotch grid on the floor and let the kids hop from one square to another.
10/ Pillow Fight:
Set ground rules for gentle pillow fights to allow the children to release some energy in a fun and safe way.
11/ Dance Party:
Turn up the music and let the kids dance freely, showing off their moves.
12/ Indoor Soccer:
Create goals using household items and have the children kick a soft ball or a rolled-up pair of socks into the goals.
13/ Animal Yoga:
Lead the kids through a series of yoga poses named after animals, like “downward dog” or “cat-cow stretch.”
14/ Paper Plate Skating:
Place paper plates under the children’s feet and let them “skate” around on a smooth floor.
15/ Feather Blowing:
Provide each child with a feather and have them blow on it to keep it in the air as long as possible.
16/ Ribbon Dancing:
Give the kids ribbons or scarves to wave and twirl around while dancing to music.
17/ Indoor Bowling:
Use empty plastic bottles or cups as bowling pins and roll a ball to knock them down.
18/ Beanbag Toss:
Set up targets (like buckets or hula hoops) at varying distances and have the children toss beanbags into them.
19/ Musical Statues:
Similar to the freeze dance, when the music stops, the kids have to freeze in a statue-like pose. The last one to freeze is out for the next round.
These indoor physical games are sure to keep preschoolers entertained and active even on the rainiest days! Remember to adapt the games based on the space available and the children’s ages and abilities. Happy playing!
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Outdoor Physical Games For Preschoolers
Here are 14 delightful outdoor games for preschoolers:
1/ Duck, Duck, Goose:
Have the kids sit in a circle, and one child walks around tapping others on the head, saying “duck, duck, goose.” The chosen “goose” then chases the tapper around the circle.
2/ Red Light, Green Light:
Designate one child as the traffic light who shouts “red light” (stop) or “green light” (go). The other kids must move towards the traffic light, but they must freeze when the “red light” is called.
3/ Nature Scavenger Hunt:
Create a list of simple outdoor items for the children to find, like a pinecone, a leaf, or a flower. Let them explore and gather the items on their list.
4/ Water Balloon Toss:
On hot days, have the children pair up and toss water balloons back and forth without popping them.
5/ Bubble Party:
Blow bubbles and let the kids chase and pop them.
6/ Nature I-Spy:
Encourage the kids to find and identify various natural items in the surroundings, like a bird, a butterfly, or a specific tree.
7/ Three-Legged Race:
Pair the kids up and have them tie one leg together to race in pairs.
8/ Hula Hoop Ring Toss:
Lay hula hoops on the ground and have the children toss beanbags or rings into them.
9/ Obstacle Course:
Create a fun obstacle course using cones, ropes, hula hoops, and tunnels for the children to navigate.
10/ Tug of War:
Divide the kids into two teams and have a friendly tug of war using a soft rope or a long scarf.
11/ Sack Races:
Provide large burlap sacks or old pillowcases for the children to hop in a sack race.
12/ Nature Art:
Encourage the kids to create art using natural materials they find, like making leaf rubbings or mud paintings.
13/ Ring-Around-the-Rosy:
Gather the children in a circle and sing this classic song, adding a fun spin at the end by all falling together.
14/ Outdoor Picnic and Games:
Combine physical play with a picnic in a park or backyard, where the kids can run, jump, and play after enjoying a tasty meal.
Remember to always prioritize safety and make sure the games are suitable for the age and abilities of the children involved.
Final Thoughts
Physical games for preschoolers are not just a way to burn off energy; they are a gateway to joy, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Hopefully, with these 33 physical games for preschoolers, you can make every game a treasured memory your kids carry with them throughout their journey of growth and discovery.
Make sure not to miss out on the treasure trove of templates and interactive features offered by AhaSlides. Dive into this library of creativity and design the most amazing game nights for you and your family! Let the fun and laughter flow as you embark on exciting adventures together.
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FAQs
What are examples of physical activity for preschoolers?
Examples of physical activity for preschoolers: Balloon Volleyball, Simon Says, Animal Races, Mini-Olympics, and Indoor Bowling.
What are fun physical activities for kids?
Here are some physical activities for kids: Nature Scavenger Hunt, Water Balloon Toss, Bubble Party, Three-Legged Race, and Hula Hoop Ring Toss.
Ref: Active For Life | The Little Tikes
