5 AND UNDER — CREATIVE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SPORTS GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTH, FITNESS, AND FUN Perfect for tiny athletes ages 5 and under: quick, simple, high-energy games that build coordination, strength, balance, and confidence. Each activity includes setup, how to play, coaching cues, safety tips, and progressions to keep it fresh and challenging.
ANIMAL WARM-UP RACES (OUTDOOR OR INDOOR)
Setup: a start line and a finish line ~10–20 feet apart. Cones or tape to mark lines.
How to play: Kids race from start to finish using animal movements — bear crawl, frog hops, crab walk, kangaroo jumps. Call out the animal or hold up picture cards.
Coaching cues: “Hands flat, hips high for bear crawl.” “Land softly on two feet for kangaroo jumps.” Encourage big arms and strong core.
Fitness benefits: Builds upper-body strength, core stability, hip mobility, and coordination.
Safety: Soft surface for crawling/hopping. Limit group size to avoid collisions.
Progression: Increase distance, add zig-zag course, or introduce a relay format with teammates.
COLOR TARGET THROW (OUTDOOR OR INDOOR)
Setup: Place colored hoops or cones at varying distances. Provide beanbags, soft balls, or rolled socks.
How to play: Call a color; child throws the beanbag into the matching target. Score a point for a hit. Vary distance by ability.
Coaching cues: “Step with the opposite foot, aim with your eyes, follow through.” Use short explanations: “Power from legs, not just arm.”
Fitness benefits: Develops hand-eye coordination, throwing mechanics, and balance.
Safety: Use soft, age-appropriate equipment. Keep throwing lanes separated.
Progression: Move targets farther, add moving targets (an assistant carries a hoop), or require a set of footwork steps before the throw.
BALANCE PATHWAY (INDOOR OR OUTDOOR)
Setup: Create a path with tape, foam balance beams, stepping stones (small cushions), and low hurdles.
How to play: Kids follow the balance path using
5 AND UNDER — CREATIVE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SPORTS GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTH, FITNESS, AND FUN Perfect for tiny athletes ages 5 and under: quick, simple, high-energy games that build coordination, strength, balance, and confidence. Each activity includes setup, how to play, coaching cues, safety tips, and progressions to keep it fresh and challenging.
ANIMAL WARM-UP RACES (OUTDOOR OR INDOOR)
Setup: a start line and a finish line ~10–20 feet apart. Cones or tape to mark lines.
How to play: Kids race from start to finish using animal movements — bear crawl, frog hops, crab walk, kangaroo jumps. Call out the animal or hold up picture cards.
Coaching cues: “Hands flat, hips high for bear crawl.” “Land softly on two feet for kangaroo jumps.” Encourage big arms and strong core.
Fitness benefits: Builds upper-body strength, core stability, hip mobility, and coordination.
Safety: Soft surface for crawling/hopping. Limit group size to avoid collisions.
Progression: Increase distance, add zig-zag course, or introduce a relay format with teammates.
COLOR TARGET THROW (OUTDOOR OR INDOOR)
Setup: Place colored hoops or cones at varying distances. Provide beanbags, soft balls, or rolled socks.
How to play: Call a color; child throws the beanbag into the matching target. Score a point for a hit. Vary distance by ability.
Coaching cues: “Step with the opposite foot, aim with your eyes, follow through.” Use short explanations: “Power from legs, not just arm.”
Fitness benefits: Develops hand-eye coordination, throwing mechanics, and balance.
Safety: Use soft, age-appropriate equipment. Keep throwing lanes separated.
Progression: Move targets farther, add moving targets (an assistant carries a hoop), or require a set of footwork steps before the throw.
BALANCE PATHWAY (INDOOR OR OUTDOOR)
Setup: Create a path with tape, foam balance beams, stepping stones (small cushions), and low hurdles.
How to play: Kids follow the balance path using
