How to Make Exercise Enjoyable for Children - Kids fitness games
- Gina C.
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
As a mum, grandparents or educators over 40, you're always looking for ways to keep the young ones entertained; Here we offer some ways, hope you can try it.
Let me know how you go with your young children, I would love to hear about it and create more games.
Getting kids to exercise doesn’t have to be a struggle! In today’s digital world, where screens often take centre stage, it’s crucial to find ways to make movement fun and engaging for children. Exercise should feel like an adventure, not a chore. When kids enjoy being active, they develop lifelong healthy habits that benefit their overall well-being.
Why Is Exercise Important for Kids?
Regular physical activity helps children:✔ Improve cardiovascular health✔ Build strong bones and muscles✔ Maintain a healthy weight✔ Enhance mood and mental health✔ Develop coordination and motor skills
So, how can we make fitness something kids actually look forward to?
1. Turn Exercise into a Game 🎮🎲
Kids love games, so why not incorporate movement into play? Here are a few fun ideas:
Fitness Card Games: Games like MoveQuest (our upcoming fitness adventure game!) encourage kids to complete exciting physical challenges.
Obstacle Courses: Set up a mini obstacle course at home or in the backyard using pillows, cones, or chairs.
Scavenger Hunts: Hide clues around the house that require movement to find (e.g., “Do 5 jumping jacks before checking under the couch”).
💡 Pro Tip: Let kids create their own game rules—it keeps them engaged and excited!
2. Get Creative with Outdoor Adventures 🌿🏕️
Fresh air and movement go hand in hand! Encourage outdoor activities that feel more like fun than exercise:
Hiking & Nature Walks: Turn walks into an adventure by looking for interesting plants, rocks, or insects.
Biking & Scootering: Let kids ride around the neighbourhood or park with friends.
Beach & Park Play: Running on sand, playing frisbee, or flying a kite all provide great exercise.
🌟 Make It More Fun: Bring a camera and let kids document their adventure like explorers!
3. Incorporate Music and Dance 🎶🕺
Nothing gets kids moving like music! Try:
Dance Parties: Play their favourite tunes and have a dance-off in the living room.
Follow-the-Leader: One child leads with dance moves, and others follow.
Freeze Dance: Stop the music randomly—whoever moves after the stop is out!
🎵 Bonus Tip: Introduce different music styles—salsa, hip-hop, or even classical—to make it more exciting!
4. Make It a Social Activity 🏃♂️👫
Kids are more likely to enjoy exercise when doing it with friends or family. Some group activities include:
Sports Teams & Clubs: Soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or martial arts provide structure and social interaction.
Family Fitness Time: Go for evening walks, do yoga together, or have weekend adventure outings.
Silly Challenges: Who can do the most jumping jacks in a minute? Can Dad do the worm dance?
👨👩👧👦 Tip: Lead by example—kids mimic what they see!
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage 📱🎮
Not all screen time is bad! There are great apps and games designed to get kids moving:
Nintendo Switch’s Ring Fit Adventure – Combines gaming and fitness.
Just Dance Kids – A fun dance game with kid-friendly music.
GoNoodle – Interactive movement videos perfect for home workouts.
⚡ Smart Tip: Set screen time limits that balance active play and downtime.
6. Reward & Celebrate Efforts 🏅🎉
Positive reinforcement keeps kids motivated! Instead of focusing on performance, celebrate effort and participation:
🏆 Sticker Charts – Give stickers for every completed activity.🎁 Mini Prizes – A fun outing or a new jump rope as a reward.👏 Verbal Encouragement – A simple “Great job!” goes a long way.
Remember, the goal is to build a positive relationship with movement!
Final Thoughts
Helping kids love exercise starts with making it fun, engaging, and social. By incorporating games, outdoor adventures, dance, and friendly competition, we can create an active lifestyle that feels like play, not work!
🚀 What’s Next? Try introducing one or two of these ideas this week and see which ones your kids love the most!
Want more creative ways to keep your family active? Stay tuned for our upcoming MoveQuest fitness adventure game!
More and more we need things to get the children moving, it is good for their health and growth. cant wait for the card game to come out.