
Why is Family Fitness Important?
Studies show that children who are active reap the following benefits compared to those who are less active:
- More Energy
- Confidence
- Strong Immune System
- Healthy Weight
- Stronger Muscles, Joint, and Bones
- Better Mood
- Better Sleep
Indoor Family Fitness Activities
With school closures and requests to stay inside as much as possible, staying fit as a family can be a challenge. Kids need to move if you want to have any luck getting them to concentrate on school work.
With just a little creativity, you can get the whole family involved in fun, calorie burning activities. It’s a great way to promote family time too. Best of all, these activities get the kids away from their screens too.

Jumping on the Bed
If your kids are small enough to jump on the bed without breaking anything, this is the perfect excuse to let them do it for exercise.
Pillow Dodge
We called it “The Pillow Game” when our kids were little. We have two players per side and a coffee table between us. It’s basically like dodgeball with pillows but for points rather than getting people “out.” Another variation our kids like is where they run around in circles and we try to knock them down with big pillows.
The Alphabet Game
Spell out your name and complete the activity next to each letter. Want a challenge? Use your middle name and do each activity twice. You can also use names of your favorite characters, friends and family members.
Click here to download a free full size version.

Escalator
We made up a name for this silly stairway game. It’s essentially a game of follow the leader on the stairs. There are so many approaches to try. Hop up the stairs, skip a step, etc.
Dance Party
Nothing works up a sweat like a good old fashioned dance party. We’ll put on some of our favorite music and dance up a storm. Freeze dance is a fun alternative too.
Lava field
Put couch cushions or bed pillows on the floor. Kids need to jump around the room without falling on the floor which is “hot lava.” Place a few stuffed animals around that they need to “save.”
Speed House Cleaning
This is a really fun way to get the house cleaning done quick. We see who can clean their rooms first without just stuffing things in the closet.
VolleyBalloon
It’s volleyball with a balloon. Make it interesting by only using your feet.
Indoor soccer
Ideally, a softer ball than a real soccer ball is best indoors. Hallway soccer is a fun way to let the ball bounce off the walls, try to score by getting the ball into a doorway.
Jump rope
Little kids can probably fit their jump ropes inside, but the rest of us may need to “air” jump rope. Either way, you can burn a ton of calories in just 10 minutes.
Hula hoop
Another great exercise that you can easily bring indoors. Have a contest to see who can keep hooping the longest. My daughter can do it FOREVER!
Shadow box
Have the kids face the wall with a light source behind them and they can box with their shadow. Have them fall to the ground to simulate a knock out.
Yoga
Their are many benefits to kids doing yoga. It will not only burn calories, but help them focus and remain calm.
Wow !! This is very inventive and great fun. Had you thought of adding a gentle
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best wishes, Barry G
Great. Keep posting such a helpful articles for us.
I like the freeze dance idea. SO fun and everyone laughs don’t they?
Wow, I really like these ideas. I need to get my daughter to do some of these soon.
Fun ideas! My little girl is 1.5 and loves music, so dance party is a big hit around here.
What super cute ideas! See things like this make me want to do it all over again! Wish I had your list years ago! 🙂
I’m always up for an impromptu dance party- no rules, everything goes! We try to get up and be active every hour, these are great ways to help get moving!
My daughter asked me to teach her how to sweep the floor. Can you believe that? I am ready to hand off this responsibility
They all look like fun ideas to keep the kids active and laughing. If exercise is fun they won’t even know they are exercising