Keeping children entertained and active can be challenging, but these creative games turn playtime into an exciting, active play adventure! Whether you’re indoors on a rainy day or enjoying the sunshine in the backyard, these games will spark imagination and get kids moving.
Indoor Play Adventures
HORSE: Basketball Fun for All Ages
HORSE is an exciting basketball game that makes indoor play a blast with the Hanging Basketball Net from B. sports! It’s perfect for kids who love friendly competition and creative shots.
Game Rules:
- One player starts by shooting a basketball from anywhere in the room.
- Subsequent players must replicate the exact shot
- Miss a shot? You get a letter of “HORSE”
- The first player to spell out “HORSE” is out
- Bonus: Create silly, imaginative shots to challenge friends!
Pro Tip: Lower the net for younger players to increase success and fun.
The Floor is Lava: Imagination in Motion
Transform your living room into a thrilling adventure with this classic game. All you need are couch cushions, pillows, and a sense of imagination – it’s active play for the mind and body! You can even take it to the next level by including the sensory Balance & Build Set.
How to Play:
- Pretend the floor is hot lava
- Use cushions and furniture as “safe islands”
- Players must hop and jump between safe spots
- For older kids, add a “lava monster” (a grown-up to chase them)
- Perfect for developing balance and coordination
Outdoor Play Excitement
Striker Shootout: Soccer Star Challenge
Bring World Cup excitement to your backyard with this soccer penalty shootout game.
Game Setup:
- B. sports Soccer Set (or similar).
- 2+ players
- Backyard, driveway, or outdoor play area
- Take turns as kicker and goalkeeper
Scoring:
- 5 penalty kicks per team
- Most goals wins
- Tied? Move to sudden death rounds!
- Modify for younger kids by removing the goalkeeper
Sharks & Minnows: Group Active Play
An ideal game for playdates, birthday parties, and anytime you have a big group that needs active play!
Gameplay:
- 1-4 “sharks” in the middle of the play area
- Remaining players are “minnows”
- Minnows run across the play area
- Caught minnows become sharks
- Last 1-4 minnows become new sharks
Safety Option: Use flag football-style tagging
Bonus Play Ideas
- Hide tiny treasures around the house or in the backyard to have a scavenger hunt.
- Pump up the tunes and play a game of freeze dance. When someone hits “pause,” everyone holds still until the music restarts!
- Get creative and set up a family-friendly outdoor obstacle course, then have a race!
- Lean into messy play – put shaving cream on a cookie sheet and sculpt it with spatulas!