Regular active play helps children to develop healthy bodies and strong minds. Through movement, children strengthen their heart, muscles, and bones while working on coordination, dexterity, and a range of motor skills. In addition, physical active play fosters social interaction and emotional well being while building skills such as communication, self-esteem and imagination. Whether a structured activity or an unstructured exploration, it provides opportunities for learning, adventure, and discovery. Preschoolers can benefit a great deal from participating in a variety of different indoor active play activities. Here are a few ideas to get started.
Indoor Active Play Ideas for Preschool
Obstacle Course
Build an indoor obstacle course with a number of different stations for children to go through. Start out by running between alternating cones then complete a ring or bean bag toss, bunny hop five times to the tunnel that must be crawled through to reach the final obstacle of a web made out of tape. There are many different ideas that can make up the stations of an obstacle course, so choose obstacles that everyone can make it through. Start out with a simple course, switching it up as children learn the sequence.
Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt for preschoolers. It can be played in small groups or individually. Create a list of about 10 items to search for throughout the classroom. A picture list is a great idea for toddlers as it gives them a visual of what to look for and collect. Aside from the list, children will need a pencil to cross the item off when found, and a bag to put their finds in. Items to include could be things like a blue book, a block with the letter A, a small ball, the number 2, and so on.
Hooping
Hula hooping is great way to get kids involved in some active play. Hooping strengthens motor skills and coordination while building self-confidence. Provide a variety of hoops in different sizes and colors for children to choose from. Turn on some music and let them free hoop. It could also be fun to teach them a short and simple routine to perform later for parents, relatives, and peers.
Dance Party
Turn up the jams and let the dancing begin. Burning calories while having fun is a great idea for active play. Play different types of music for a variety of dancing styles. From country to the tango, children will be moving to the beat in no time. Make the party a little more structured by incorporating specific dance songs. Dances such as the hokey pokey, the bunny hop, or the chicken dance are sure to captivate early learners while getting them up and moving.
Tumbling
Tumbling provides a way for children to explore physical fitness and strengthen motor skills. From working on balance and flexibility to practicing listening and following directions, tumbling is a positive active play activity. On tumbling mats, preschoolers can work on forward rolls, backward rolls, cartwheels, and bridges. Apparatuses such as mini trampolines and balance beams can also be included to provide a variety of additional active play activities.
To learn more about the Power of Play and for more active play ideas, visit Really Good Stuff.