Here’s a list of 15 energizing indoor activities suitable for kids aged 7 to 13, complete with materials needed and brief descriptions:
1. Balloon Volleyball
- Materials: Balloons, a tape measure (or string) to mark the net height.
- Description: Set up a "net" by creating a line with tape or string. Use a balloon as the ball and have kids hit it back and forth, trying to score points.
2. Indoor Obstacle Course
- Materials: Chairs, cushions, blankets, boxes, etc.
- Description: Create a course using couches to crawl under, cushions to jump over, and boxes to navigate around. Time each participant to see who completes it the fastest.
3. Simon Says
- Materials: None required.
- Description: A classic game where one person is "Simon" and gives commands. If "Simon" doesn't say "Simon says," players who follow the command are out.
4. Dance Party
- Materials: Speakers or a music system, a playlist of upbeat songs.
- Description: Create a mini dance party. Play popular songs and let the kids dance freestyle or teach them some fun routines.
5. Scavenger Hunt
- Materials: A list of household items or a themed list.
- Description: Prepare a list of items for kids to find around the house. Set a timer and see who can find the most items before time runs out.
6. Yoga & Stretching Session
- Materials: Yoga mats or a soft surface.
- Description: Lead the children in a yoga session with simple poses and stretches. Create a playful narrative to keep them engaged.
7. Balloon Keep Up
- Materials: Balloons.
- Description: Kids must keep a balloon in the air as long as possible without letting it touch the ground. You can add challenges, like using only one hand.
8. DIY Mini Golf
- Materials: Cups (for holes), toy golf balls or marbles, cardboard for ramps.
- Description: Create a mini golf setup using cups as holes and obstacles with cardboard. Take turns trying to get the ball into the holes with the fewest strokes.
9. Hula Hoop Challenge
- Materials: Hula hoops.
- Description: Challenge kids to see who can hula hoop the longest or have them perform tricks while hula hooping.
10. Indoor Freeze Dance
- Materials: Music player.
- Description: Play music and have the kids dance. When the music stops, they must freeze. Anyone who doesn’t freeze is out, and the last one remaining wins.
11. T-Shirt Relay Race
- Materials: Old t-shirts.
- Description: Set up a relay race where kids must put on a big, oversized t-shirt and run to a designated spot and back, then remove it and tag the next teammate.
12. Animal Yoga
- Materials: Space to move around.
- Description: Call out different animals and their corresponding yoga poses (e.g., downward dog for a dog). Kids can take turns coming up with animals and their poses.
13. Crafty Balloon Rockets
- Materials: Balloons, string, tape, straws.
- Description: Thread a long piece of string through a straw, tape one end to a wall, and thread a balloon onto the straw. Blow up the balloon (didn't tie), let it go, and watch it zoom along the string.
14. Creative Movement Game
- Materials: A music system.
- Description: Play upbeat music and have kids move however they like (like animals or objects) until the music stops. When it stops, they must freeze in their current movement.
15. The Floor is Lava
- Materials: Pillows, mats, or cushions.
- Description: Arrange pillows, cushions, or other soft items around a room. Kids must navigate from one side to the other without touching the "lava" (the floor).
These activities provide plenty of opportunities for kids to be active, engage their creativity, and have a lot of fun indoors!