9 jumping activities that wear kids out

Kids have a lot of energy to burn. If the weather does not permit, try out some fun jumping games at home. Jumping is an important skill and a pre-cursor to learning sport.

Jumping like a frog

Remember all the froggy nursery rhymes. How about showing your kids how to jump like a frog. Get them all dressed up in green and jump to froggy nursery rhymes. Kids have to get down into a squat position and throw the arms while he/she hops. Kids totally love dress up, and jumping only adds to the fun.

Hula-hoop tag

This is such a great jumping activity for little ones, and all you need is a few hula-hoops. Place hula-hoops next to one another in a room. The idea is to jump from hoop to hoop. If they land inside, they are safe, but if they land outside the hoop they need to start all over again.

Jump on the trampoline

Find a trampoline in your neighborhood indoor playground or buy a portable one for your home. Why? Because jumping on trampolines is the best jumping exercise ever! As your kids bounce and jump on them, they are developing their gross motor skills: balance and coordination. Also it helps improve their posture, and boost their self-esteem.

Jumping course at home

Set up an obstacle course at home, with toys and objects around the house. Use pillows, toy blocks, rugs and other bric-a-bracs. Set up the course around the house and ask your kids to jump over each obstacle. Kids totally love this unique game, and you can change the obstacle course and path each time. The idea is to get kids moving.

Pop the bubble wrap

Remember the good old days of how all the bubble wrap paper from daddy’s new gadget toys were saved to play with? Yes, popping bubble-wrapping paper is super fun. How about giving the game a new twist. Paste the bubble wrapping paper on the floor with some masking tape. Get the kids to stomp their feet and pop the bubbles. It’s a totally fun activity and is sure to tire the kids out.

Jumping rope game

Did you know a simple jump rope allows you to play so many games. The most simple and fun one is letting two kids hold the rope, while the others leap over. To make it more challenging, the two kids holding the jump rope can sway the rope, while the kids jump over. If a child touches the rope, then the team loses a point. There are a lot of songs that can be sung to these games. Remember to download them!

Jump and grab a post-it

This activity really needs nothing more than a pack of post-its. Yes, super simple! So paste post it stickers on a wall or door, high enough so that kids cannot reach it while standing. Ask the kids to jump up high and grab the post-its. Add to the fun by using post its in different colours, or write the letters of your child’s name on each. A great way to practice jumping and add some learning too!

Jump over pillows

This is a perfect rainy day activity to help tire out your kids. Collect all the cushions and pillows you have. The more the better! Ask your little one to help line them up for you. Now ask you little one to move from one to the other. Its easy to set up, and little ones will love bouncing, balancing and jumping on each pillow. Try doing it yourself, you will realize why it’s a great workout!

Good ol' dancing

Bring out the boom box and get your kids to jump and dance to some catchy tunes. Music always makes any activity so lively. You can play songs like ‘shake your sillies out’. Watch kids move with delight as they do silly actions to this fun song!