Fun family activities that promote physical fitness for all can make such a difference in health and relationships amongst family members.

There are times when this can be difficult, especially when kids are young and you live in an area with  a lot of rain, snow, ice, etc.

We currently live in upstate NY where snow fall amounts are taller than my children, which means we spend a lot of time indoors.

To ensure that all remain healthy and fit we've come up with 24 Fun Family Physical Fitness Ideas!

Everyone in the family, no matter their age or abilities have enjoyed these fun family activities.

24 Fun Family Physical Fitness Ideas

1. Play Hide N Seek

Use the whole house or just one floor, it depends on the ages of the kiddos.  

I gave up on the no running in the house rule a long time ago.  

Perhaps it's because my first two children were boys, one very sensory seeking.

2.  Have a Dance Party

It doesn't matter what kind of music,  create a free Pandora Station and dance the time away.  

Believe me, you'll sweat!

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3.  Animal Movement Races

If you don't have a large area, plan a route for the race through a few rooms in your home.  

The crab walk is always a great one to start with, add slithering like a snake, frog jumping, a bunny hop, etc.  

Let the kids call out which animal to be next.

4.  Create an Obstacle Course

Use couch cushions, tables, blankets, etc., whatever you can find.  

One of the activities could even be doing the army crawl underneath the bed to the other side.

5.  Circus Games

There are so many to choose from.  You could juggle, do a ring toss, target practice, etc.

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6.  Balloon Games

Try to keep the balloon up in the air with your head, your feet, your shoulder, while doing the crab walk, etc.  

Play volleyball using a balloon, or any number of games. 

The balloon is soft and gentle enough it won't break a window.

7.  Follow the Leader

Give every kiddo a turn.  

Go through the whole house.  

Have the parent start first so they understand all the physical movements they have as options.

8.  Hula Hoop Activities

What a blast! We did this Monday.  

How many things can you think of doing with a hula hoop? 

We practiced jumping, holding it with our toes, climbing through it, the typical games, etc.  

My husband can't wait to do this again. Lol.

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9.  Rope Activities

Grab a jump rope or two.  

How many ways can you use it. 

What skills can you practice?  

You'll definitely be working hard.

10.  Ball Activities

Once again, how many different ways can you use a ball, besides throwing it, which is not allowed in our house.  (Bulldozer's aim is too perfect.  Dinomite's aim is the opposite.)

11.  Gymnastics

If the floor is too hard, grab a mattress off one of the kid's beds.  

Practice forward rolls, backward rolls, stretches, head stands, and even cart wheels if you have enough room in your house.

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12.  Yoga

Our library has fabulous yoga books for kids and adults.  

Check one out, learn the poses and take your kiddos through all of them.  

My kiddos really enjoy this.

13.  Relay Races

Clear a space, practice the wheel barrow race, the three legged race, etc.  

Wheel barrow walking provides such great muscle strengthening and sensory input.  

Again if you don't have enough space in one room, mark out the track you want them to follow using several rooms.

14.  Bowling

You don't have to have a bowling set.  

Make one.  

It can be as simple as soda bottles or cans.  

Grab a ball and go!  

Have a family game or two. 

 Keep score.  

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15.  Pillow Fight

Boxing is a little rough, but having a pillow fight, with a few rules, is the ultimate fun for any kiddo (and adult)!

16.  Go for a Walk

This is the only activity on the list that requires you to go outdoors.  

I figure unless there is thunder and lightning, high winds, or a blizzard, it should be possible.  

We have the kiddos go a on a themed scavenger hunt at the same time so they're focused on that, rather than the walk.

17.  Sports Charades

Write down as many types of sports as you can. Create teams.  

Have the kiddos act each one out.  

Make it more difficult by using a famous player, team, etc. for older kids.

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18.  Table Top Games

Try Ping Pong, Shuffle Caps, Three Penny Hockey, etc.  

Your dining room table will work perfect. 

If you don't have a net, just draw a line with a white board marker or use tape that can be easily removed.

19.  Sock Wars

Make a line in the middle of the room.  

Place several rolled up socks on the line. 

Separate into two teams, one on each side of the line. 

Then, throw socks to your heart's content until the timer goes off. 

See who has less socks on their side.  

Play a few rounds.  

Tons of fun!

20.  Twister

If you don't have the board game, use colored clothes, paper plates, or just plain colored paper for that matter.  

If you don't have a spinner, make little folded up pieces of paper that can be drawn to be given for directions.  

Make it as simple or as difficult as the ages permit.

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21.  Balancing Activities

Practice walking across the room with a book on your head.  

Put an egg (plastic) on a spoon.  

Try the penguin walk. Then of course there's the balance beam and more. 

Just use tape on carpet, or a white board marker on the kitchen floor.

22.  ABC Exercise Cards

There are many option to choose from.  I personally love the ones from Chasing Cheerios.  

Grab a couple of dice and roll them to determine how many seconds you'll hold the pose or how many times you'll repeat the exercise.

23.  Parachute Activities

Grab a flat sheet from the closet and go to town.  

Add items, take away items.  

Practice going under, etc.  

It's amazing what one can do with a sheet.

24.  Sports Jeopardy

This isn't an activity that will get your heart rate up, but it's part of physical fitness.  

I figure once in a while, it should be a lot of fun, as we learn about different sports, especially during the Olympic season.

If you have any other family physical fitness ideas, please share in comments.  I always love adding variety!

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