Note: This is a revision of a post I wrote years ago. My kids have since successfully completed their homeschool education. Happy homeschooling!
As a homeschooling mom of two boys who have never been interested in sports, I’ve had to get creative with their physical education. Walks, yard games, and playground adventures have been our go-to for outdoor activity. But when we’re stuck indoors, keeping everyone active can be a bit more challenging.
Here are five fun and easy ways to keep your kids physically fit indoors:
- Hide and Seek Warm-Up
A game of hide and seek is a simple, fun way to start your indoor fitness session. After a few rounds, shift to races. Even in tight spaces, you can keep it interesting by having the kids move like crabs or crawl like animals. If they’re younger, get silly by imitating different animals. Wheelbarrow races are another great option—one child holds the feet of another, who “walks” on their hands. Then, switch roles. - Strength Training Made Fun
Introduce your kids to basic exercises like push-ups, planks, and squats. Household items like soup cans can double as weights for bicep curls and tricep extensions. If you’re unsure about proper techniques, plenty of online resources can guide you. - HIIT Workouts for Kids
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) mimics the way kids naturally play—short bursts of intense activity followed by rest. Start with 30 seconds of marching in place, then do 20 seconds of an exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. Try to complete three rounds. Exercises like jump rope (if space allows), jumping jacks, burpees, and running in place are perfect for this. - Stair Climbing Fun
If you have stairs, you’ve got a built-in workout tool. Repeated trips up and down can be a great exercise. For variety, challenge your kids to take two steps at a time or make it fun with chants, songs, or storytelling as they climb. Keep the activity lively to stave off boredom. - Dance Party
Sometimes, all it takes to get kids moving is music. A spontaneous dance party can be just what they need. Whether you teach them line dances or let them freestyle to their favorite tunes, dancing is a fantastic way to get their heart rates up and their energy out.
Being housebound doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice physical activity. Our bodies are made to move, and incorporating exercise into your day can make a world of difference. Start with a warm-up, end with a cool-down, and most importantly, keep it fun. When exercise feels like play, everyone wins!

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