1. Play follow the leader

This classic game never gets old, and you don’t need any equipment to play. Let your kiddos take turns being the leader, directing the others to match their every move. Encourage them to get active by hopping, skipping, crawling, shuffling and using their imaginations.

2. Have a dance party

Pop in your favorite tunes, crank up the volume and get moving and grooving! For extra fun, kill the lights and turn on some fun lighting, like a disco ball or some lava lamps. Kids can compete for best dance move, or you can simply make up a dance to an entire song.

3. Create a scavenger hunt

Hide things all over the backyard or throughout the house and have kids race to find each clue. If you want to sneak even more exercise into this activity, include requirements with each clue, like “Do four cartwheels before moving on,” or “Make up a funny dance.” This activity is fun because it can be elaborate and long or short and sweet.

4. Draw a maze on the driveway

Chalk can help you create beautiful masterpieces, but it can also assist in some fun fitness activities. Draw an elaborate, detailed maze all over the driveway, then let your little ones run (or race) through it! This activity encourages fitness and creativity at the same time!

5. Sock skating

If you have hard surfaces in your house, put on some socks and slide around. Kids can practice spinning and seeing who can slide the farthest. Pretend you are professional ice skaters in the middle of a frozen pond in the winter. Be careful of corners, however, and watch for splinters!

6. Have a pillow fight

It’s an age-old activity, and pretty much every little kid’s dream! We recommend using pillows other than the feather-filled versions, unless you enjoy having a house covered in feathers.

7. Make an obstacle course

Using couch cushions, pots and pans, and plenty of other household objects, construct an engaging and challenging obstacle course. Kids can climb under blankets stretched between the couch and coffee table, or they can somersault across the living room. Take this kind of play outside if you want more room to move around.

8. Wheelbarrow or crab walk races

These tough, yet funny positions are both fun to attempt and hilarious to watch. Have kids race from one end of the yard to another, or time a pair to see how long it takes them to wheelbarrow around the house three times.

9. Go for a hike or nature walk

Who says walking long distances has to be boring? Pick a scenic trail, strap on your hiking boots and explore the outdoors! If you don’t live in a mountainous area, go for a nature walk in a park, by a pond, or in the woods and investigate the landscape. Do a little research beforehand, and the exercise doubles as an academic lesson.

10. Red light, green light

It’s an oldie, but a goody! Play the “red light, green light” game in the backyard, and help kids exercise and learn about following directions. Add color visuals by making a red or green sign to help children learn about color as well!

Information from Rasmussen University