Getting Sporty Indoors
It is not always possible for kids to play outdoors if the weather is bad or there is just a lack of space. It can often seem that all indoor games are very sedentary but this does not have to be the case as there are a number of ways that you can bring outdoor games indoors. This helps you to ensure that your children are being active more often. The World Health Organization recommends that young people get at least sixty minutes of moderate activity every day. Playing games are a good way to achieve this because they are exercising without even realizing it. You may find some inspiration for how you can help your children to enjoy playing outdoor games inside below.
Buy Specialist Indoor Game Equipment
There is a wide range of specialist equipment that you can buy to enable you to play outdoor games inside. This may be worth the investment if you live in a climate that gets a lot of bad weather or you do not have a lot of outdoor space. The types of things that you can buy include soft versions of ball games such as football and soccer. If you are looking for inspiration then Game Room HQ has a lot of ideas. There may even be things that you have not thought of as an outside game that you are able to bring indoors. Buying new things does not necessarily need to be expensive as there are many cheap and cheerful things that you can choose that your children will have a lot of fun with.
Bring Suitable Equipment Indoors
If you have any outdoor equipment that is suitable then you can bring this indoors. This could include things like skipping ropes and hula hoops. There is still a lot that children can do with this type of equipment even when they are indoors. One thing that you will have to make sure of is that your children have enough room to take part in these activities without feeling as they are restricted in the things that they can do. This allows your children to play the games they would normally but give you peace of mind that your children will be safe and that things will not get broken.
Practice Specific Skills
If your child takes part in sports at school or for fun then there may be skills that they can practice indoors. You can ask their coach for ideas about what they need to work on. Again, you will need to make sure that they have enough space to do this. This may be something that is more suited to older children that can follow instructions closely. For example, children may be able to dribble a soccer ball through the house, but they will need to know that they should not kick the ball. Another good choice for this is to practice putting golf balls into plastic cups, but it may be an idea to use soft golf balls for this activity just in case any of the shots go astray.
Make Up Your Own Games
Making up your own games that you can play indoors can be a lot of fun. It is something that the whole family can get involved in as well. The other advantage of this is that you can make use of the materials that you already have in the house to create games. With a little bit of imagination, there are a lot of games that can be created with things that you would find lying about the house. You can create a volleyball pitch by tying a rope between two chairs and using a balloon to hit across to each other. If you are trying to encourage your children to become more active then they may be more likely to play games that they have thought of themselves.
Play Active Games On A Games Console
Playing on a games console does not mean you just have to sit there without moving around. If you have a Wii or a Kinetic for the Xbox then there is a wide range of different games that are available. This includes games that they can play by themselves or with others. While playing sports on a console will never replace playing them for real, it can be a good alternative if your children are unable to get outside for any reason. Dancing games are also popular, and these can be really good fun when you are playing as a group.
It can also be very useful if you set aside a specific place in the home where children are able to play their indoor games. This means that the children will always have somewhere to play and that you do not have to worry about moving fragile objects all the time. You may even be able to make some room to keep all the equipment so it is easily accessible when the children want to play which will also increase the likelihood that they choose to get some exercise in this way. This may not be possible for everyone depending on the amount of space available, but you can still ensure that your children know which areas of the house they should and should not play in.
There have been countless studies that show how many children can benefit from regular exercise. They will be happier and healthier, and it can make a real difference to their overall wellbeing. It is also good for social skills in young children when they play with others. It is also a good opportunity for you to spend some time together as a family if you are playing games that you can all get involved in. Playing outdoor games is a great way for children to keep fit because it will be something that they enjoy doing. When you bring outdoor games indoors then they can be enjoyed all year round. There is no reason why you can’t enjoy getting sporty just because you are unable to get outside.
