physical education activities for large groups

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46 Unique Phys Ed Games Your Students Will Love

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There’s nothing kids need more to break up a day spent sitting still and listening than a fun PE class to let off some steam. In the old days, going to gym class probably included playing kickball or dodgeball after running a few laps. Since then, there have been countless reinventions of and variations on old classics as well as completely new games. Although there is no shortage of options, we love that the supplies required remain relatively minimal. You can transport to another galaxy using just a pool noodle or two or create a life-size game of Connect 4 using just Hula-Hoops. You’ll want to make sure to have some staples on hand like balls, beanbags, and parachutes. There are even PE games for kindergartners based on beloved children’s TV shows and party games. Regardless of your students’ athletic abilities, there is something for everyone on our list of elementary PE games!

1. Tic-Tac-Toe Relay

Elementary PE games that not only get students moving but also get them thinking are our favorites. Grab some Hula-Hoops and a few scarves or beanbags and get ready to watch the fun!

Learn more: Tic-Tac-Toe Relay at S&S Blog

2. Blob Tag

Pick two students to start as the Blob, then as they tag other kids, they will become part of the Blob. Be sure to demonstrate safe tagging, stressing the importance of soft touches.

Learn more: Blob Tag at Playworks

3. Cross the River

This fun game has multiple levels that students have to work through, including “get to the island,” “cross the river,” and “you lost a rock.”

Learn more: Cross the River at The PE Specialist

4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones

Line up cones, then have students pair up and stand on either side of a cone. Finally, call out head, shoulders, knees, or cones. If cones is called, students have to race to be the first to pick up their cone before their opponent.

Learn more: Head, Shoulders, Knees & Cones at S&S Blog

5. Spider Ball

Elementary PE games are often variations of dodgeball like this one. One or two players start with the ball and attempt to hit all of the runners as they run across the gym or field. If a player is hit, they can then join in and become a spider themselves.

Learn more: Spider Ball Game at Kid Activities

6. Crab Soccer

We love elementary PE games that require students to act like animals (and we think they will too). Similar to regular soccer, but students will need to play on all fours while maintaining a crab-like position.

Learn more: Crab Soccer at Playworks

7. Halloween Tag

This is the perfect PE game to play in October. It’s similar to tag, but there are witches, wizards, and blobs with no bones!

Learn more: Halloween Tag at The Physical Educator

8. Crazy Caterpillars

We love that this game is not only fun but also works on students’ hand-eye coordination. Students will have fun pushing their balls around the gym with pool noodles while building their caterpillars.

9. Monster Ball

You’ll need a large exercise ball or something similar to act as the monster ball in the middle. Make a square around the monster ball, divide the class into teams on either side of the square, then task the teams with throwing small balls at the monster ball to move it into the other team’s area.

Learn more: Monster Ball at The PE Specialist

10. Striker Ball

Striker ball is an enjoyable game that will keep your students entertained while working on reaction time and strategic planning. We love that there is limited setup required before playing.

Learn more: Striker Ball at S&S Blog

11. Parachute Tug-of-War

What list of elementary PE games would be complete without some parachute fun? So simple yet so fun, all you will need is a large parachute and enough students to create two teams. Have students stand on opposite sides of the parachute, then let them compete to see which side comes out on top.

Learn more: Parachute Tug-of-War at Mom Junction

12. Fleas Off the Parachute

Another fun parachute game where one team needs to try to keep the balls (fleas) on the parachute and the other tries to get them off.

Learn more: Fleas Off the Parachute at Mom Junction

13. Crazy Ball

The setup for this fun game is similar to kickball, with three bases and a home base. Crazy ball really is so crazy as it combines elements of football, Frisbee, and kickball!

Learn more: Crazy Ball at Health Beet

14. Bridge Tag

This game starts as simple tag but evolves into something more fun once the tagging begins. Once tagged, kids must form a bridge with their body and they can’t be freed until someone crawls through.

Learn more: Bridge Tag at Great Camp Games

15. Star Wars Tag

Elementary PE games that allow you to be your favorite movie character are just way too much fun! You will need two different-colored pool noodles to stand in for lightsabers. The tagger will have one color pool noodle that they use to tag students while the healer will have the other color that they will use to free their friends.

Learn more: Star Wars Tag at Great Camp Games

16. Rob the Nest

Create an obstacle course that leads to a nest of eggs (balls) and then divide the students into teams. They will have to race relay-style through the obstacles to retrieve eggs and bring them back to their team.

17. Four Corners

We love this classic game since it engages students physically while also working on color recognition for younger students. Have your students stand on a corner, then close their eyes and call out a color. Students standing on that color earn a point.

Learn more: Four Corners at The Many Little Joys

18. Movement Dice

This is a perfect warm-up that requires only a die and a sheet with corresponding exercises.

Learn more: Roll the Dice Movement Break at Teaching Littles

19. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag

A fun spin on tag, children will tag one another and then play a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who has to sit and who gets to continue playing.

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag at Grade Onederful

20. Cornhole Cardio

This one is so fun but can be a little bit confusing, so be sure to leave plenty of time for instruction. Kids will be divided into teams before proceeding through a fun house that includes cornhole, running laps, and stacking cups.

Learn more: Cardio Cornhole at S&S Blog

21. Connect 4 Relay

This relay takes the game Connect 4 to a whole new level. Players must connect four dots either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

22. Zookeepers

Students will love imitating their favorite animals while playing this fun variation of Four Corners where the taggers are the zookeepers.

23. Racket Whack-It

Students stand with rackets in hand while balls are thrown at them—they must either dodge the balls or swat them away.

Learn more: Racket Whack-It via PEgames.org

24. Crazy Moves

Set mats out around the gym, then yell out a number. Students must race to the mat before it is already filled with the correct number of bodies.

Learn more: Crazy Moves at PEgames.org

25. Wheelbarrow Race

Sometimes the best elementary PE games are the simplest. An oldie but a goodie, wheelbarrow races require no equipment and are guaranteed to be a hit with your students.

Learn more: Wheelbarrow Race at wikiHow

26. Live-Action Pac-Man

Fans of retro video games like Pac-Man will get a kick out of this live-action version where students get to act out the characters.

27. Spaceship Tag

Give each of your students a Hula-Hoop (spaceship), then have them run around trying not to bump into anyone else’s spaceship or get tagged by the teacher (alien). Once your students get really good at it, you can add different levels of complexity.

28. Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance

We love this spin on Rock, Paper, Scissors because it works on balance and coordination. Students walk around the gym until they find an opponent, then the winner collects a beanbag, which they must balance on their head!

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance at PE Universe

29. Throwing, Catching, and Rolling

This is a fun activity but it will require a lot of preparation, including asking the school maintenance staff to collect industrial-sized paper towel rolls. We love this activity because it reminds us of the old-school arcade game Skee-Ball!

Learn more: Winter Activity at S&S Blog

30. Jenga Fitness

Although Jenga is fun enough on its own, combining it with fun physical challenges is sure to be a winner with young students.

Learn more: Jenga Fitness at S&S Blog

31. Volcanoes and Ice Cream Cones

Divide the class into two teams, then assign one team as volcanoes and the other as ice cream cones. Next, spread cones around the gym, half upside down and half right side up. Finally, have the teams race to flip as many cones as possible to either volcanoes or ice cream cones.

Learn more: Warm-Up Games at Prime Coaching Sport

This fun variation on dodgeball will have your students getting exercise while having a ton of fun! Begin with three balls on a basketball court. If you are hit by a ball, you are out. If you take a step while holding a ball, you are out. There are other rules surrounding getting out and also how to get back in, which can be found in this video.

33. Musical Hula-Hoops

PE games for kindergartners that are similar to party games are some of our favorites! Think musical chairs but with Hula-Hoops! Lay enough Hula-Hoops around the edge of the gym minus five students since they will be in the muscle pot. Once the music starts, students walk around the gym. When the music stops, whoever doesn’t find a Hula-Hoop becomes the new muscle pot!

34. 10-Second Tag

This game is perfect to play at the beginning of the year since it helps with learning names and allows the teacher to get to know the first student in line.

35. The Border

This game is so fun and requires no equipment whatsoever. Divide the gym into two sides. One side can move freely while the other side must avoid letting their feet touch the floor by rolling around, crawling, etc.

36. Freedom Catch

This is a simple throwing, catching, and tag game that will certainly be a hit with your PE class. Captors attempt to tag players so they can send them to jail. You can be freed if someone on your team runs to a freedom cone while throwing a ball to the jailed person. If the ball is caught by the jailed person, they can rejoin the game.

37. Oscar’s Trashcan

As far as PE games for kindergartners goes, this one is a guaranteed winner since it is based on the show Sesame Street . You’ll need two large areas that can be sectioned off to use as trash cans and also a lot of medium-size balls. There are two teams who must compete to fill their opponent’s trash can while emptying their own. Once over, the trash will be counted and the team with the least amount of trash in their trash can wins!

38. 4-Way Frisbee

Divide your class into four separate teams, who will compete for points by catching a Frisbee inside one of the designated goal areas. Defenders are also able to go into the goal areas. There are a number of other rules that can be applied so you can modify the game in a way that’s best for your class.

39. Badminton King’s/Queen’s Court

This one is simple but fun since it is played rapid-fire with kids waiting their turn to take on the King or Queen of the court. Two players start and as soon as a point is earned, the loser swaps places with another player. The goal is to be the player that stays on the court the longest, consistently knocking out new opponents.

40. Jumping and Landing Stations

Kids love stations and they definitely love jumping, so why not combine those things into one super-fun gym class? They’ll have a blast challenging themselves with all the different obstacles presented in this video.

41. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

Regardless of whether you’ve ever seen an episode of American Ninja Warrior , you are probably familiar with the concept and so are your students. Plus, you’ll probably have just as much fun as your students setting up the obstacles and testing them out!

42. Balloon Tennis

Since kids love playing keepy-uppy with a balloon, they will love taking it a step further with balloon tag!

43. Indoor Putting Green

If your school can afford to invest in these unique putting green sets, you can introduce the game of golf to kids as young as kindergarten. Who knows, you might just have a future Masters winner in your class!

44. Scooter Activities

Let’s be honest, we all have fond memories of using scooters in gym class. Regardless of whether you do a scooter sleigh or scooter hockey, we think there is something for everyone in this fun video.

45. Pick It Up

This is the perfect PE game to play if you are stuck in a small space with a good-size group. Teams win by making all of their beanbag shots and then collecting all of their dots and stacking them into a nice neat pile.

46. Dodgeball Variations

Since not all kids love having balls thrown at them, why not try a dodgeball alternative that uses gym equipment as targets rather than fellow students? For example, have each student stand in front of a Hula-Hoop with a bowling ball inside of it. Students need to protect their hoop while attempting to knock over their opponents’ pins.

What are your favorite elementary PE games to play with your class? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group  on Facebook.

Plus, check out  our favorite recess games for the classroom ..

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38 Old-School Recess Games Your Students Should Be Playing Now

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Full Length PE Games

These full-length games are all designed to be played during a 45-60 minute period, and work best when coupled with some of our fantastic warm-up games. These games are all designed to keep the most kids active for the most amount of time possible, and really focus on ensuring that everyone has a role to fill (so that there is very little potential for any kids to be simply standing around). All of these games have been played (oftentimes over and over again!), by large groups of kids, and all of these games help to ensure constant fun, participation and activity. Feel free to change or modify any elements of the games so that they better suit your specific group, and please be sure to comment and vote on your favorites!

Hot-Dog Switch

Equipment: 2-4 evil red balls. Description: Have students lie down in groups of 2 or 3, one beside the other, on their tummies, propped up by their elbows. Give at least one student an evil red ball (they are it), and have at least one other student remain standing...

Steal the Bacon

Equipment: 2 large hula hoops. Pinnies to distinguish teams. Bacon (i.e. Rubber Chicken, Mat,pool noodle......etc.). Description: Split the students into 2 even teams. Set the bacon in the middle of the gym. Line the two teams up shoulder to shoulder, facing each...

Ring Soccer

Equipment: 1 ring for each group of 2 people (ringette rings work great!). Description: To start, have all of the students find a partner. Give each group of 2 a single ring. The object of the game is to get more points than your partner by kicking the ring, using...

Equipment: At least 4 Hula Hoops. Description: Have each student find a partner and stand with their partner. Have the students decide between them who is partner 1 and who is partner 2. Bring all of the partner 1s to the middle of the gym, and have them hold hands...

Shooting Stars

Equipment: As many rings (ringette rings work great), or balls, bean bags...etc. as you feel are necessary (at least 20). Description: Create a rectangular playing area using either the lines in the gym or cones if you are outside. The playing area should be almost as...

Racket Whack-It

Equipment: 1 racket per student (ping-pong paddles, squash or racket ball rackets or tennis rackets). As many dodgeballs as you want! Description: Give each student a racket or paddle. Remind them not to hit other students with their rackets, or swing their rackets in...

Cops and Robbers

Equipment: 7-9 hula hoops. A whole bunch of bean bags. Cones to mark center safe zone (if playing outside). Description: Scatter the hula hoops around the gym. Put as many bean bags into each hoop as you can. Split the class into 2 even teams, placing one team in the...

Crazy Moves

Equipment: Enough mats so that you can fit groups of 2-4 students on them comfortably. Description: Scatter the gymnastic mats throughout the gym. Tell the students that you are going to call out a number and that they must try and get that number of people onto a...

Equipment: Pinnies to separate teams. 1 dodgeball. Cones (if outside). 2 garbage cans (the lighter the better), with the bottoms cut out. Description: Split kids into 2 teams of 6-10 players. Have 1 student from each team stand up on a chair inside the basketball key...

Equipment: 3 benches. 2-5 evil red balls. As many other dodgeballs as you deem necessary. Description: Scatter the benches around the playing area. 2 - 5 students are it and are given evil red balls. Everyone else can start anywhere else in the playing area (except...

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Using Large Group Games to Maximize Student Activity in PE

TESTIMONIALS

"I have just completed my online PD course Using Large Group Games to Maximize Student Activity in PE . I Would like to express my gratitude to my instructor Mr. Dave Senecal for creating this wonderful online PD. which gave me tools to be more creative in my PE lessons. - Ron M.

"Thank you so much for offering this course. It was filled with great resources and reflection pieces. It helped me realize that we are implementing many of the suggestions. I loved the resource on a variety of ways to group students and will be using this resource to find the best way to meet students' needs. Also, thanks for sharing your book!!!" - Heather R.

"I graduated from college with my PE degree in 1973 but only began teaching PE in 2013 as a part time teacher. I am getting clock hours to renew my certificate and was tired of taking classes offered by my district which were not relevant to teaching PE. This was a great course to confirm what I am doing and to get some new information to incorporate into an old timers teaching. Whether I have been teaching or coaching I've always believed in a "ball" for every student and no lines waiting your turn. This course affirmed my belief and the 80/80 rule made it a measurable goal. Thanks " - Kenneth M.

"This was a great course for me. It helped me gain insight as to how to manage my large classes effectively, using class managers, equipment helpers, etc.. It also made me really think about how I spend my class periods: getting students started quickly with an instance warm up activity and keeping the students engaged in activity for the majority of my class period. The Large Group Games Book will give me some great ideas as to games/skills/activities I can use with my students. " - Megan N.

"My biggest take away is definitely the 80/80 rule. I like ideas for instant activity and I have been reinforced that my structured environment is a necessary part of PE. " - Julie C.

This course will take approximately 5 hours to complete. If you have any questions about the course, please email us at " [email protected] ".

Target Audience:

This course has been designed for and K-12 physical education teacher that have been given large class sizes looking for innovative ways to maximize activity participation in physical education class.

Course Purpose/Objectives:

This course was developed to empower the physical education specialist with the tools needed to effectively implement and facilitate activities that will engage all students physically and emotionally. In these economic times more and more students are not playing mainstream sports, therefore, the physical education teacher’s role is more important than ever. We must find ways to keep activity high and enjoyment of activity higher. Class sizes continue to increase, and resources continue to decrease, therefore, the physical education specialist must find new ways to introduce safe ways to play and learn in a large group setting. This course hopes to help with this dilemma.

Course objectives are to:

• provide tools to implement and facilitate large group games
• provide tools for planning large group games
• increase student physical activity
• increase student emotional wellness

Course Description:

Many teachers have to face the harsh reality of teaching large classes. Due to budget cuts and pressure to perform academically physical education classes tend to get bigger rather than smaller. Research has shown that the more students you have in a physical education class, the less likely that class is to reach maximum participation. Sometimes physical educators feel that more discipline takes place then activity with larger class sizes. Therefore, this course is designed to help physical education teachers design lessons to provide for maximum activity in large class sizes through rituals and routines, classroom setup and instructional strategies.

This course will focus on large group games. Large groups games are designed to fill an entire class period and follow the 80/80 rule. The 80/80 rule should be a bare minimum of activity that all students should achieve each class period. 80 percent of your students should be active 80 percent of the time. So being eliminated entirely from a game should never be an option. Large group games work best if the planning prior to class has been completed. Also, large group games should provide every child with a role so that they can feel successful no matter what the end outcome of the game.Large group games could require more equipment so that students have more opportunities to be involved but that is not always the case. Also, these games might require a large space like a gym, field, or large room and safe for play. Students will also be given a multitude of repetition in a variety of manipulative skills. Large group games are also vital in promoting unity, teamwork, camaraderie, or teaching valuable lessons. Most importantly large group games should be FUN!

With all of this in mind, the art of creating and implementing large group games successfully comes down to exceptional planning. This planning should focus on time savers within the class to increase activity time for the students. Also keep in mind that large groups can be managed appropriately with other teaching strategies like collaborative grouping and small sided games. The goal remains the same – 80% of your students need to be active 80% of the time.

Course Goals:

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• understand various factors that affect the classroom and how to address them
• identify strategies that maximize activity in large classes
• identify practical skills needed to manage a classroom
• identify ways to prevent, manage, and solve classroom problems
• understand and explain how to effectively collaborate with others in the school and surrounding schools
• design a lesson plan that state specific classroom procedures, routines, rules, set up and expectations
• design lessons that incorporates the maximum activity strategies

This course addresses the following standards:

Source: SHAPE America National Standards for K-12 Physical Education (2016).

Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

Your Instructor

Dave has been a Physical Education teacher in Paulding County, GA since 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Kennesaw State and his Master’s degree in Physical Education Curriculum and Instruction from Western Kentucky. He opened Nebo Elementary school where he built a well-respected program and earned Teacher of the Year in 2012. He earned Teacher of Year in 2015 for his innovative program at P.B. Ritch Middle School. Dave also was awarded the prestigious 2015 GAHPERD and Southern District SHAPE America Middle School Teacher of the Year. He has also served as the volunteer elementary and middle physical education professional development coordinator for his district. In 2008, Dave was selected to be on a team of sixteen physical education specialists to write the current Georgia Physical Education Standards. Dave developed the “PEPALOOZA Workshops” and has presented at many local, state and national conventions. He has secured over $40,000 in grants that have led to the purchase of classroom sets of equipment that have allowed many middle school students to experience activities such as rugby, disc golf, longboarding, circus arts, fly fishing, back packing, yoga and mountain biking. Dave also enjoys adding technology to his teaching at every chance he can using many apps that encourage his kids to stay active in the 21st century.

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PHYSEDGAMES

…click a category above for great p.e. games, the pe games you will find on this site are used by professional physical education teachers as part of successful programs in school gyms – here you’ll find amazing ideas for p.e. – tried, tested, and proven by physed teachers and coaches , direct link to youtube channel: physedgames youtube, browse the categories at the top to enjoy quick and easy video descriptions to learn a new game for your class or visit our youtube to find the most popular games and get the latest game ideas sent directly to your video feed by subscribing. , game of the month.

Looking for some classic physical education ideas? Looking for something new and unique? There are all types of games & activities ranging from sport-specific (soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, lead-ups, etc) to LOG’s, tag, warm-up, fitness, team-building, dodgeball, literacy, numeracy, etc. Children need at least 90 minutes of exercise a day for healthy development – these games will motivate to get students moving and enjoying learning skills in the gym! So hopefully you will find lots here to help supplement your own program.

** Grade level specific categories are searchable: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 – browse through games that are appropriate for your grade level. HIGHSCHOOLS please note that most of the Grade 8 category games can be used and/or adapted for use at the highschool level – take a look and see what works! **

If you have a favorite PE activity or game idea that you use in your own program and you’d like to share, please send a detailed email to us at [email protected] and we will do our best to create a video to add to the list.

PhysedGames is frequently updated with new ideas to try out. We also offer a couple book options (hardcopy and electronic) to add to your physical education library. These book options convert many of the best game videos into more portable text-based and electronic forms. PLEASE NOTE that all games are firstly and always available for FREE in the video viewing format. For those interested, take a look at the popular PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 (affiliate link) hardcopy book from Amazon or get top-rated Digital File Downloads (PDFs) on Teachers Pay Teachers. A big THANK-YOU goes out to those who support PHYSEDGAMES!

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20 of the Best Indoor PE Games

Not every day is sunshine and rainbows. When it's too cold outside, or the rain is pouring down, having a list of fun indoor games can help the kids stay entertained, even when you need to fill an entire hour of physical education class.  

This article includes 20 of the best indoor PE games for all ages. From  9 Square  to throwing a dance party, this list of the best indoor games will keep every student looking forward to indoor gym class. 

1. 9 Square 

9 Square is a fun combination of volleyball and four square (two beloved games). To play, you will need a 9 Square court .  

9 Square is the perfect indoor gym game because it encourages healthy competition, yet without the bite of a one-on-one battle. Nine people can play in a single 9 Square court simultaneously, ensuring that plenty of people participate. As the game goes on, players are always coming in and out of the game.   

The game is simple. Players stand in a three by three grid, and the middle square is the King or Queen square. The rest of the positions spiral out until the bottom corner is square nine, the starter square. If a player misses the ball, they have to move down to the last square, and all other players move up.  

The game's goal is to get to the King or Queen square and then stay in that position. All players have the same chance to move up, meaning that everyone is on an even playing field. If someone hits the ball out, they're out. If they drop the ball, they're out. 

9 Square is the perfect game for a tournament, as those who maintain their place as King or Queen move up and others move down. Because  9 Square is always changing, it will keep kids (even high schoolers) entertained for a full PE class. It's one of the best rainy day games. 

2. Zombie Tag

Zombie Tag is one of the most entertaining games for kids in PE. It's fun, exciting, suspenseful, and terrifying—every child will love it.  

To play Zombie Tag, you will need no extra equipment or items. All you need is a start line and a finish line. In most situations, you can have the start line be one wall of the gym, and the finish line be the other wall. This also means that the kids will be running back and forth across the gym, getting the most exercise possible.  

Start by selecting one person to be the zombie. The zombie will start in the middle of the gym and can't walk any closer until the gym teacher starts the game. Line up all the other kids on the starting wall. When the whistle blows, the kids will race towards the opposite wall, avoiding the zombie. If the zombie tags one of the players, that person stops running and is a zombie in the next round.  

When everyone has made it to the other wall (not including the new zombies), the game starts over. The new zombies line up on the middle line and try to tag the survivors. The game goes back and forth until there are only one or two players left. At that point, the survivors have lived through the zombie apocalypse and are the winners of the game. 

Zombie Tag is the perfect game for an active gym class. Kids will love the excitement of the game and the thrill of surviving the "zombie apocalypse."

3. Yoga and Pilates

For kids of any age, yoga and pilates are great indoor activities. Yoga and pilates use body weight to tone and stretch muscles. To hold a yoga or pilates class, you will need a yoga mat for each student.  

Once each student has a yoga mat, begin a simple yoga class. Yoga focuses on slow, meaningful movements and aims to lengthen and strengthen the body. Some benefits of yoga include: 

• Improved strength and flexibility  
• Eases chronic pains 
• Helps to manage stress 
• Encourages relaxation 
• Benefits heart health 
• Improves moods 

By introducing your students to yoga, you're teaching them to a new way to look at exercise and showing them an easy way to manage stress. Yoga is an easy way to introduce overweight kids to exercise. It's undaunting and relaxing—providing the perfect introduction to exercise without forcing the kids to run laps around a track. Best of all, yoga focuses on self-love and teaches you to love yourself no matter what you look like.  

Yoga, pilates, and meditation benefit students by providing them with an outlet for stress and an easy way to exercise. After hosting a yoga class, you'll find that many students continue their practice outside of school and will adopt yoga as a way to feel good and release pent up stress and frustration. 

4. Gaga Ball

Gaga Ball  works great as both an indoor and outdoor game. It's a game that is similar to dodgeball where you get out if the ball hits you below the knee or if you hit the ball out of the pit . If you're the last person standing then you've won the game.

5. Captain, Yes Captain 

Captain, Yes Captain is an active form of Simon Says. One person starts as the Captain and gives commands to the other players. Rather than telling the player word for word what to do, the Captain yells coded commands. At the beginning of the game, the Captain tells the other players what the codes mean. If someone can't figure out what the code means, they're out of the game and must "walk the plank."

Some ideas for Captain commands include: 

• "Bow:" run to the front of the gym
• "Stern:" run to the back of the gym 
• "Row:" drop to the ground and begin rowing your arms
• "Salute:" stand straight and salute the Captain 
• "Starboard:" run to the side of the gym 
• "Captain's Quarters:" run to the Captain 
• "Shark!:" run to designated bases 

When the Captain yells, "Shark!" everyone has to run to a specific base to stay safe from the shark. The last person to arrive gets eaten by the shark and is out of the game. The Captain continues to call out orders until they eliminate nearly everyone from the game. The last person alive becomes the new Captain. 

6. Musical Chairs 

Musical Chairs is an easy game to play with students of all ages. The game is fun to watch and fun to play, making it a great game even if you're the first person eliminated. To play, all you need is a group of chairs. You will need a chair for every participant. Before you start, take away one of the chairs so that there's one person without a chair.  

When the music starts, encourage everyone to dance as they walk in the circle around the chairs. The moment the music stops, everyone has to find a chair. The person who doesn't get a chair is out of the game.  

Before starting the second round, make sure to take away another chair. The game continues until there's one person left sitting.  

7. Speedball 

Speedball is a great indoor activity to help kids learn each other's names. It's perfect for the first day of gym class. To play, you will need several red bouncy balls.  

Gather all the students in a circle and pass the ball to another player. As the ball leaves your hands, call out the name of the person you're passing the ball to. The person has to be paying attention to catch the ball. When they catch the ball, they pass it to another player.  

If someone drops the ball, they're out of the game. The game narrows until there are only a few players left. As the game continues, add more balls. This means that the players must keep their eyes on several balls flying at the same time. If two balls collide, the two students who threw the balls are out of the game. 

The game is fast-paced since no one can hold a ball for longer than a few seconds. If the teacher yells out, "Red Handed!" the person holding one of the red balls is out. In this way, the game is similar to Hot Potato.  

Speedball is an easy game for all ages. It encourages the students to learn names and form new bonds with other students in the class. 

8. Paper Airplanes 

No matter how old your students are, they will always love playing with paper airplanes. It's the perfect indoor activity for both kids in elementary school and kids in high school. Flying paper airplanes reminds older kids of simpler times—when homework was easy to complete, and their social lives were easy. In a way, flying paper airplanes can help older kids relax and relieve stress. Young kids will always enjoy the simplicity of creating a paper airplane and trying to make it fly.  

For your indoor gym class, give your students a break from the constant barrage of activities and let them throw paper airplanes. Host a paper airplane contest and see what the kids bring to the table. If it's going to rain for two days in a row, plan a tournament. 

On the first day, bring paper for the kids and show them a few designs that work. Have a mock competition. When the kids go home, task them with designing the ultimate paper airplane . When they return the next day, hold a tournament and have the kids compete with their airplanes. 

Start by grouping the kids into groups of ten. The top five from each group move onto the next round. The tournament continues until there are only two paper airplanes left competing. If you want to go the extra mile, bring a small golden paper airplane trophy for the tournament winner.  

This activity encourages kids to put their all into the activity and have fun in their gym class. 

9. Hula Hoop Tic Tac Toe 

Hula Hoop Tic Tac Toe is an easy indoor game that encourages kids to master motor skills. To play, you will need nine hula hoops and several bean bags or stuffed animals to throw. Set up the hula hoops in a three by three grid, mimicking the grid of a tic tac toe game.  

Separate the students into teams of four (you can also have several games going simultaneously so that everyone can participate). The starting team throws one bean bag into the hula hoops. If the toy lands in a hula hoop, the team claims that position. If the bean bag lands outside of the hoops or lands in a previously taken hoop, the turn skips.  

Other than throwing the bean bags or stuffed animals into the hula hoops, the game is played just like tic tac toe. To make the games last longer, set up this game as a tournament so that one team walks away as the Hula Hoop Tic Tac Toe champion. 

10. Free Play Stations

Gym class doesn't always have to be structured. Sometimes, the best gym activity for your group of students is free play. Free play means that you set up several stations, and the kids can choose which game they want to play. 

Free play doesn't mean that the kids can choose to sit out of gym class. Instead, it means that they have an opportunity to choose between several activities that you introduced earlier in the school year.  

Easy free play activities include: 

• Volleyball 
• Basketball 

The purpose of free play is to let the kids decide which activities interest them most. Hopefully, the students will stay engaged in the activities. Before hosting the free play, make sure to ask your class which activities are their favorite and then try to incorporate those activities in the free play. 

11. Fitness Bingo  

Fitness Bingo is a great way to get the kids moving without forcing them to run lap after lap. Instead, make exercising a game. Fitness Bingo doubles as both an indoor game and an outdoor activity, making it a versatile option for any time of the year.  

To play Fitness Bingo, print out a bingo card for every kid. The bingo card should have different activities listed in the boxes. Throughout the gym, set up fitness stations. For example, in one corner of the gym, set up a balance beam. On the opposite corner, put up a sign that says, "Push-ups." 

The kids will have options on the bingo card and choose which option they want to participate in first. There's no rush or prize to win by finishing your card before the rest, which encourages a non-competitive atmosphere in the room. The students can also choose to work as a team to complete their cards or exercise alone. 

Fitness Bingo is a circuit of activities that allows students to exercise at their own pace. Some kids might complete their bingo cards within the first ten minutes, while others might take the entire class. The bingo card's purpose is to let the kids take the exercises at a speed that makes them feel comfortable. 

12. Roll the Dice

For this game, you will need two large homemade paper dice. On every side of the dice, write a physical activity. One by one, the students will come up to the front of the room and roll the dice. The whole class has to do the two chosen activities.  

This game is easy to participate in, and it includes the entire class. Rather than just doing exercises, it adds intrigue because the students never know what the dice are going to roll. Here are 12 ideas for your dice.  

• 20 arm circles
• 10 burpees 
• 10 push-ups 
• 20 calf raises 
• 30-second plank 
• 20 crunches 
• 10 jumping jacks 
• 30-second run in place 
• 10 star jumps 
• 5 triceps push-ups

This game is fun because the kids get a great workout while exercising as a group. The group might collectively groan when someone rolls a combo of "10 burpees" and "10 push-ups." Or the group might cheer when someone rolls "20 arm circles" and "10 jumping jacks." No matter what the kids roll, this is sure to tire out all the participants. 

13. Badminton  

Badminton is a great game for kids of all ages. It's simple to set up with easy-to-follow rules. For an indoor activity during a rainstorm or too-cold weather, set up the indoor badminton courts inside the gym. Create a tournament ranking where the best teams move one way, and the losing teams move the other direction.  

Badminton is a great indoor game for young kids and teenagers. No matter the age of your class, everyone will love this indoor activity. 

14. Twister 

Twister both stretches and strengthens your entire body. In a way, Twister is like a yoga class, but with added competition. To play Twister with your entire gym class, you will need a large Twister mat . Separate the group into teams so that each mat has the right amount of players. Then, start the game.  

Although the class will be divided into teams, they are not competing solely within their groups. Every student must try to be the last one standing (or crouching).  

This game will keep the class entertained while they're stuck inside. It's an easy game to set up and has few rules, making it ideal for classes of all ages. 

15. Dodgeball  

One of the best indoor games that maximize physical exercise is Dodgeball. Dodgeball encourages teamwork and helps kids work on their aim and coordination. To play, split the class into two teams. Line up a row of rubber balls along the centerline, the midpoint between the two teams. On a count of three, the two teams will race towards the centerline and try to grab the rubber balls. As soon as they get to the balls, the team will begin throwing them at the opposite team.  

If someone hits a member of the opposite team, that person is out. However, they can get back into the game. There are two different versions you can play. The first version has team members line up just outside the game. If someone from their team catches a ball from the opposite team before it hits the ground, the thrower is out, and someone from the catcher's team comes back into play. 

The second way to play is much more dynamic and ensures that you're still in the game even when you're out. Instead of lining up in order, players stand on the opposite players' side. When someone throws the ball out, the players run to get it and throw it at the opposite team. This means that teams must constantly be looking over their shoulders to watch out for the "backstabbers." 

If a backstabber gets a player out on the opposite team, they join their team again. This version is best for older kids since it requires everyone to be constantly on their guard.  

No matter what version of Dodgeball you choose to play, the students will love it. It's a great game for building teams and is the perfect indoor recess or indoor gym class activity. 

16. Spikeball 

One of the best indoor recess games is Spikeball. It's a great indoor game because you don't need a lot of space to play. The one drawback to Spikeball as a PE game is that only four people can play at a time. You will need multiple Spikeball games to allow more than four people a turn at the game. Because only a limited number can play, this game is best for free play or indoor recess.  

Spikeball comes with a small trampoline and a single ball. Players hit the ball on the trampoline, with alternating teams hitting the ball. If a team can't hit the ball back, the opposite team wins a point. The game is highly popular and is a great option for free play during gym class. 

17. Volleybound  

Volleybound is a variation of volleyball. The slight variation in the game makes the game more entertaining for the players. To play, each player will need a rubber ball. The players hold their ball pressed between their two hands. When the volleyball is hit over the net, they hit the ball using the ball in their hands.  

You can also purchase a Volleybound set (since playing with a red bouncy ball could send the balls flying halfway across the gym). Volleybound balls come with handholds to make it easier to keep a grip as the students hit the volleyball back and forth. 

18. Keep the Ball Up 

This simple game focuses on leg work. By the end of the gym hour, the students will be exhausted, even though they'll be lying down for the entire game.  

To play, you will need a large beach ball. You may also want to lay mats down on the floor so that the kids aren't lying directly on the floor. Have the kids lay down side by side on the mats and then tell them to put their feet in the air.  

Throw the ball into the group of kids and tell them to keep the ball from touching the ground. They will have to kick and punch the ball into the air to keep it up. They will have fun laughing and screaming as they do their best to keep the ball from touching the ground. 

19. Obstacle Course 

To keep the young kids entertained during indoor gym class, create an obstacle course. Although this takes a lot of preparation, it's the perfect way to make sure that the students are having fun while exercising.  

An obstacle course requires the kids to finish tasks as they get from one side of the gym to the other. Tasks could include walking over a balance beam, jumping across a bean bag river, throwing a stuffed animal into a laundry basket, climbing over a training wall, and more.  

The genius of an obstacle course is that it lets the kids' imaginations shine. Throughout the obstacle course, the kids will create a narrative. For example, when crossing the balance beam, the kids will imagine crossing a river on a rickety old log. If they fall, they will tumble into a fast current that will carry them away—even when they're just crossing a wooden balance beam.  

Obstacle courses let the kids run wild with their imaginations. The various tasks of balancing, jumping, climbing, and crawling are great exercises for kids! 

20. Snowball Fight 

Indoor snowball fight? How is that possible? Buy several packs of clean socks and roll the socks into tight balls to create fun indoor snowballs. For this game, you can combine aspects of your obstacle course with a fun snowball fight.  

Set out a variety of supplies on the gym floor, including cardboard boxes, gymnastics training blocks, sheets, and other buildable materials. Separate the class into two teams and instruct the teams to build several fortresses on their half of the gym. 

Once the fortresses are ready, pass out the sock snowballs. Each team will try to knock out as many players as possible, reusing the snowballs as they fly from one side to the other. Essentially, this is a fun version of Dodgeball that helps the kids imagine that they're outside having a snowball fight. It's the perfect game for young kids and can be played at any time of the year since it's an indoor gym game. 

21. Dance Party 

One of the best PE activities to lift spirits on a rainy day is a dance party. Throwing a dance party is easy since all you need is music. The kids will get plenty of exercise as they dance and have fun in the gymnasium.  

If your class is more reserved or shy, teach them a choreographed song. At the end of the day, some of the kids might discover a love of dancing or even find that they have a new skill. This activity teaches new skills and encourages the kids to try new things. 

Ian Boggess

About the author.

Ian has been with Castle Sports for the last 4 years. He loves designing games for fitness and activity that get the whole group involved.

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50 Fun PE Games Your Students Will Love

by Sara Ipatenco

Kids naturally love PE because it’s a time to be active and play fun games. An essential part of the school day, PE teaches kids the life skill of getting regular exercise. While playing the same old games over and over again can get a bit boring, incorporating a wide variety of games into your lesson plans helps keep PE fun and engaging. With a few PE staples, such as foam balls, hula hoops, and bean bags, your students will be having fun in no time! Here are 50 PE games to get you started.

1. Blob tag

Choose one child to be “it.” As that child tags other children, they link arms or hold hands to create a “blob.” The game continues until the blob has tagged everyone in the game.

2. Chain tag

This is kind of like blob tag, but instead of forming a blob, students must link arms to form a chain.

3. Bean bag balance

Give each student a bean bag. Ask the students to balance their bean bags on various parts of their body, such as their foot or knee. See how long the students can balance before they move off their bean bag falls. Give increasingly hard challenges as you go, such as on the shoulder or the thumb.

4. Clap and catch

Arrange your class into a large circle. Give one player the ball and have them get ready to toss it. Players must clap before they catch the ball. If a student doesn’t clap or drop the ball, they are out.

5. Animal races

Line your PE class up at one end of the gym or playing field for this game. Call out an animal, such as a cheetah or a frog, and students have to race to the other end, running like that animal.

This is another racing game that starts with lining your students up on one end of the playing field. Every time you yell, “jump,” students jump as far as they can. Repeat until the winning player reaches the end of the field or until the whole class finishes.

7. Bridge tag

This game starts as regular tag, but each time a student is tagged he must kneel and form a bridge. Players can rejoin the game when another player crawls under their bridge, which frees them.

8. Crab soccer

This game follows the rules of traditional soccer, but players crab walk instead of regular running.

9. Step back

Put your class into teams of two. Have them stand about three feet apart and roll a hula hoop to each other. Once the other person catches the hula hoop, they must take a large step backward and continue playing. As they get further apart, the game gets more challenging.

10. Freeze tag

This is another tag game that starts out like traditional tag. However, once a student is tagged, they are “frozen” until another player tags them. They can then rejoin the game. The last player to be frozen gets to be “it” on the next round.

11. Parachute change

Arrange your students around a large parachute. Call out things like colors the students are wearing or birthday months. Any player who fits the category you call out has to run under the parachute and switch places with someone else.

12. Parachute volleyball

Have your students arrange themselves around a parachute. One half of the parachute is team A while the other half is team B. Put a beach ball in the middle of the parachute. The objective is to launch the ball off the parachute and over the heads of the opposing team, which scores one point.

13. Banana tag

Spread your students around the play area and choose two kids to be “it.” They are the monkeys. When they tag another student, he turns into a banana and must put both arms straight up above his head. Other players can free the “bananas” by peeling them, which means they pull down one arm and then the other arm.

14. Teacher island

This PE game includes the teacher! Stand on a stool and have a bunch of cones or balls handy. Start throwing them toward the students, who are spread out around you. If a student fails to make a catch, he is out. Play continues until only one student is left.

15. Throw archery

Set up five jump ropes at various distances from where your students will stand. Give them bean bags and have them try to get them past the different jump ropes. The further away the jump rope, the more points the student gets. For example, getting the bean bag past the first jump rope is worth ten points while getting it past the last jump rope is worth fifty points.

16. Crazy moves

Set out several mats around the play area. Start calling out numbers and that number of kids need to find a mat and stand on it together as fast as they can. Any student who doesn’t find a mat is out.

17. Rob the nest

Set up the game by putting a hula hoop (nest) in each corner of the play area and ten or more basketballs in the middle of the play area. Divide the class into 4 teams, one at each hula hoop. Students take turns getting a basketball and dribbling it to their hoop. Any time you blow the whistle, students can steal basketballs from other nests. The winner of each round is the one with the most basketballs when you blow the whistle a second time.

18. Tic-Tac-Throw

Set up nine hula hoops in a 3×3 grid, like a tic-tac-toe board. Make enough grids so you can divide your class into teams of two. Give the teams two different colors of bean bags. The students will throw the bean bags into the hula hoops trying to get three in a row.

19. Bounce into buckets

Set up enough buckets in the middle of the play area that there is one for each group of two kids. At each bucket, have one student on each side. The kids take turns trying to bounce balls into the buckets. Make it more challenging by having the students back up further from the bucket as they go.

20. Backward soccer

Play this game just like you would regular soccer but turn the soccer goals around backward.

21. Speed ball

This PE game combines basketball and soccer. Divide your students into two teams and give them a rubber ball to play with. Play starts with students passing the ball to other players on their team. There is no bounce passing in this game. If the ball hits the floor, the game switches to soccer.

22. Pool noodle archery

Have one student hold up a hula hoop while another child tries to launch pool noodles through the hoop. Once a student gets a noodle through, the players switch places.

23. Kangaroos and Crocs

Divide your class into two teams – one team will be kangaroos and the other team will be crocs. Have the teams line up back-to-back in the middle of the play area. Call out one of the animals. That team will try to make it to the end of the play area without getting tagged by the other team. Anyone tagged sits down and is out. Play continues with additional rounds.

24. Noodle hockey

Play a traditional PE game of court hockey but use pool noodles and a small plastic ball instead of hockey sticks and a puck.

25. Continuity ball

Have your students spread out in the play area. Give them one beach ball and challenge them to keep it from hitting the ground. Gradually add more beach balls until you have several going at the same time.

26. Birds on a branch

Set up two balance beams and split the class into two teams. Have the teams line up on the balance beams and call out directions, such as “stand on one foot” or “put your arms above your head.” If a student falls off the beam, he is out. The winning team is the one who keeps the most “birds” on their branch.

27. Shark zone

Set up mats, hula hoops, and other PE equipment around the gym. Use items that students can stand on or inside of. These are shark-free zones. Identify one or two students as sharks. When you say go, players will run around the gym standing on mats or inside hula hoops to stay away from the sharks. If a student fails to get to a safe area before being tagged, they are out.

28. Cats and mice

Give each student a scarf – one color for cats and one color for mice. Have them tuck the scarves into their back pockets or waistband as tails. Cats will chase mice and mice will chase cats. If the opposite team catches a tail, they keep it. The winning team is the one who steals all the tails first.

29. Tunnels and trains

Choose two students to start out as trains. The rest of the students put their hands and feet on the floor creating a tunnel with their bodies. The trains must crawl through the tunnels. When a train goes through the tunnel, that student joins the tunnel at the front and the next student at the back of the tunnel turns into a train. Play continues until all students have become trains.

30. Noisy running

Explain to students that you will be playing music and the louder the music gets the faster they need to run around the play area. As you turn down the volume, they will slow their running.

31. Freeze dance

Play some upbeat dance music and encourage students to free dance. When you stop the music, they must freeze. Any student who doesn’t freeze is out.

32. Eight dance

Choose one student to start the game. Turn on some upbeat music and have the student demonstrate any move they want, such as jumping or spinning in circles. The rest of the students must copy the move eight times. Let all the children have a turn to be the instructor.

33. British bulldogs

Choose one student to be the bulldog. He stands in the middle of the play area. The rest of the players try to get past the bulldog without getting tagged.

34. Body part tag

This game is played like traditional tag except that whatever body part gets tagged cannot be used anymore. If a student gets tagged on the arm, they cannot use their arm anymore. If he gets tagged on the leg, he has to hop on the other leg.

35. Crab Kickball

This game is played just like traditional kickball except that students must walk and play in the crab walk position.

36. Broom hockey

This is a PE game played like regular hockey except students use brooms instead of hockey sticks.

37. Hop in a hoop

Lay out several hula hoops in the play area. Have students run around the hoops while you play music. When you stop the music, students must hop into a hula hoop – one student per hoop. Students who don’t have a hoop are out.

38. Hot potato

Arrange your students in a circle and give them a small ball. They will pass the ball around the circle until you blow the whistle. The student holding the ball when the whistle blows is out.

39. Scooter tag

This PE game is played just like traditional tag except students must play by sitting on and moving around on scooters.

40. Bucketball

This game is played just like regular basketball except students use a bucket instead of the usual basketball hoop.

Break your class into small teams of 5 or 6 players. Give one student from each group a jump rope. That student will spin the jump rope on the ground while the other members of the group jump over it. If the “snake” touches a student, they are out.

42. Shipwreck or Captain Says

This is a game that puts a twist on the traditional “Simon Says.” Line your students up and start calling out commands that have to do with ships and pirates, such as “swab the deck” or “walk the plank.” Instead of saying “Simon says,” you’ll say, “Captain says.”

43. Hula hoop tag

This is another version of traditional tag. Students follow the same rules as regular tag, but they must spin a hula hoop while they run around.

44. Museum guard

This game is like freeze tag. Students will tiptoe silently around the play area pretending to sneak around a museum. When you call out “museum guard” they must freeze. Students who don’t freeze are out.

45. Mirror, Mirror

Divide your class into teams of two. Have them stand facing each other. One person does a move, and the other students must copy the move. Continue playing, encouraging students to make the movements harder and more complicated.

46. Backward tag

Play this game just like regular tag except students can only walk or run backward during play.

47. Alligators in the swamp

Choose several students to be alligators and have them lay on their stomachs in the middle of the play area. Spread them out so there are several feet between each alligator. The rest of the class starts on one end of the play area and has to try to get past the alligators. If an alligator tags them, they are out.

48. Sleeping baby

Students run around the play area until they hear the teacher yell, “sleeping baby.” At this point, all the kids drop to the floor and pretend to be sleeping. The last student to “fall asleep” is out.

49. Garbage tag

Wad up a bunch of pieces of paper to be the garbage. Choose one student to be “it.” That person starts to throw the garbage at the other players. Any player hit with a piece of garbage is out.

50. Lighthouse and ships

Place several obstacles around the gym, such as cones or mats. Students will close their eyes and pretend to be ships trying to get to the lighthouse. If they run into one of the obstacles, their ship is sunk and they are out.

PE class is about to get so much more fun for your students! Any of these games are sure to make PE their favorite class of the day.

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Noodle Archery

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Workshop Home

This page features presenters who share large group games in physical education classes.

• Upcoming- July 2018: National Physical Education and School Sport Institute- 1. Pulling it all together- Creating a quality PE program that SHINES!
• 2. Large Group Activities that ENGAGE! March 2018: SHAPE America- Nashville: "Fired up Fitness"- It's time to start your engines
• October 2017: GAHPERD Convention- Athens, GA: 1. Large Group Activities a PIRATE Would Love! Practical, Inspirational, Radical, Active, Timely, Edgy 2. Never Let Them See You Sweat! Creating a Positive Learning Environment in Physical Education
• August 2017: PHYSED Summit- Online with the PHYSEDagogy group Large Group Activities a PIRATE would love!
• November 2016: ESPEchat PHYSED Summit- Never Let Them See You Sweat! Creating a Positive Learning Environment in Physical Education
• Quick Movers- Instant activities and easy to implement warm-ups
• Fired up Fitness- A series of cutting edge, visual-based fitness activities (Fidget Spinner Fitness, Scrabble-Scramble, Fitness Blasts, Tic-Tac-Toe Fitness, etc.)
• Fitness Circuits- Health & skill-related components of fitness task cards
• Manipulative Skill Development (small group)- Catching & Fielding, Throwing & Tossing, Kicking & Foot Dribbling, Striking & Volleying, and Hand Dribbling & Ball Control
• Sport-Specific Skill Development (small group)- Base Games, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Volleyball, Football Skills, Team Handball, Track & Field and Racket/Paddle Sports
• Large Group Games- Non-traditional, fun games for large PE classes
• Skills Assessment- Teacher, peer and self-assessment- formative and summative visual checklists for 24 essential PE skills
• Field Day, Seasonal Activities and Special Events- Visual-based activities for yearly events and holidays
• Reciprocal teaching using visuals- Ed. Gymnastics, Jump rope and YOGA
• Lesson, Unit and Yearly Planning Tools- Templates that ROCK!
• Are you a PE Pirate? Passionate, Intentional, Resilient, Adventurous, Tenacious & Engaged
• Teaching PE: Breaking through the obstacles, overcoming the challenges
• Featured speaker at the Share the Wealth Conference in Jekyll Island, GA; every year since 2006
• Featured speaker at the DuPage Co. Physical Education, Health, & Driver Ed. Institute in Naperville, IL, Mar. of 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017
• PE2theMax Workshop for the LAHPERD Pre-Convention in Baton Rouge, LA, November of 2015
• Presenter at the Southern District SHAPE Convention in Williamsburg, VA, and the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis, MN, 2016
• PE2theMax, Inc. (six hour) Workshop for the Metro Nashville Public School District, TN, August of 2017
• and 170+ more all over the nation
• No Standing Around in My Gym: Lesson Plans, games, and teaching tips for physical education
• PE2theMax: Maximize Skills, Participation, Teamwork, and Fun
• PE2theMax II: Stepping up the Game in Physical Education
• PE : Double the Physical + Double the Education = Double the Fun
• HyPEd Up! Taking Physical Education Games to the Next Level
• Welcome to Let's Dance! Come Bust some Moves with J.D. Hughes
• Maximizing Positive Behavior Outcomes through Game
• Choice-Driven Physical Education

• Plickers in PE - Local District PD 2015
• Large Class Hacks - The PhysEd Summit 3.0 - 2016
• PhysEd Hacks - The National PE Institute Ashville - 2016
• Technology Tools in Phys Ed
• Phys Ed Hacks: Management Tips and Tricks
• Teambuilding and Adventure Games
• Gamification in PE
• Using Social Media to Up Your Game
• How to Plan your Phys Ed Curriculum
• Easy and Fun Instant Activities and Warmups
• My Favorite Phys Ed Games
• And More...!

• Large and Small Group Games
• Skill Development Games
• Tactical Games
• Innovative Dance K-2
• Innovative Dance 3-8
• Striking/Fielding Activities
• Great Tag Games for Cardio and Fitness K-8
• Technology in Physical Education (Grades K-12)
• Teacher Keys Effectiveness System and Student Learning Objectives
• Circus Arts
• Outdoor Education/Games

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28 Best PE Games With Absolutely No Equipment

P.E. lessons can be a bit daunting at times. All that equipment to organize and worry about. Yuck!

Then there are the safety aspects to consider. Eek!

The good news is, there are plenty of simple P.E. games that you can use with no equipment!

The Ultimate List of PE Games With No Equipment

Whether you need ideas for Kindergarten PE games, or PE games for preschool this list will spark the creativity you need for gym class or at home!

I’ve been teaching in early education for the best part of 20 years now, and in that time I’ve come up with a full armory of the very best PE games WITH NO EQUIPMENT! Woop!

Table of Contents

That’s right! Just a group of children are enough to create many games and have plenty of fun.

All you need are a good space and plenty of energy, so let’s go!

1. Stop And Go Bubbles

Practice drawing a great big pretend bubble with your finger in the air.

Reach up as high as you can and reach down as low as you can. Really reach all the way around you.

If you can reach and touch anyone else with our moving your feet you are too close to move away and make sure you are in your own space.

Stretch out in your bubble to make sure you can’t touch anyone else’s just in case you should burst their bubble.

Ask the children to move like a bubble and float around the space. How freeing and mindful this bit is!

When you tell them to stop, make sure their bubble is in a good space so that no one can burst it.

2.Extra Sensory Perception (ESP)

This is a brilliant pairs game, that is good as a warm-up or as a fun game on it’s own!.

What you do is invent three movements and demonstrate them to the group.

Once you’ve played it a couple of times, the kids can come up with their own ideas.

Three examples of moves could be:

• Doing star jumps
• Doing Jazz hands
• Jumping a 360 spin on the spot

Then everyone gets a partner.

The true challenge now is to activate your ESP, which (as pretty much all kids seem to know), is your Extra-Sensory Perception. Simply put, this is the ability to read your partner’s mind (which is very exciting).

Everyone displays one of the three moves at the same time. You want to do the move that you think your partner will do.

Do the same move? Woo woo! You activated your ESP.

Different move? Just try again.

Keep going for a few goes, before changing partners to see if your ESP works better or worse on other people.

As well as being a great PE activity, I often use this as a circle time game in class. This is one of the favorite games from my book 101 Circle Time Games…That Actually Work!

This book contains all the very best mindfulness circle games, active circle games, math games, literacy circle games, and so much more! You can check out the book here.

3. Foxes And Hares

Once the children have got a good understanding of space, and they can stop and start on your command, there are lots of fun PE games you can introduce.

Foxes and hares is a classic chase game .

Aim of the game: To catch all the hares of course!

About a fifth of the children should be foxes. So if you are playing with 10 children, 2 children can be foxes. 

The hares move around the space by hopping. To hop, they should move both feet together and then put two hands together on the floor, just like a rabbit or a hare moves in bunny hops.

The foxes also move on four legs (hands and feet) but they should be quicker as they are less restricted.

To catch a hare, simply touch them (gently, please! No fox attacks).

When all the Hares are caught by the foxes, the game is over and you start a new game with a new group of foxes.

4. Trains and Tunnels

This is a similar version to the game above. There are always loads of train enthusiasts among pretty much any age of children, so this game is always a winner.

Choose a few children to be the trains. 

Explain that the rest of the children are tunnels. They should make a tunnel by putting both their hands and feet on the floor and arching their back as high as they can to make a high tunnel with their body. 

The trains should run around the space until you shout Whoo Whoo.

At the sound of the train whistle, they should crawl through as many of the tunnels as they can. 

When a train has been through a tunnel, the tunnel is released and becomes a train. 

Keep playing until all the tunnels are trains. 

This is a fun game for pairs.

One child is the leader, the other is their shadow.

Explain how your shadow does exactly what you do. It follows you everywhere, and your movements are identical.

As the leaders move around the space, the shadow follows and copies exactly what they do.

Encourage the children to use different levels of movement.

• Roll on the floor
• Move on your hands and knees
• Move on one or two feet

Encourage them to use different speeds of movement

• Move slowly and gracefully
• Move quickly and craftily

Encourage them to use different balances

• Balance on one foot
• Balance on all fours
• Balance on two feet and one hand

Remember to swap over so that both children have a chance to be the leader. 

6. Good Toes Naughty Toes

This is another simple listening game requiring no equipment and it can be played as an indoor and outdoor game.

There are two instructions that the children are going to listen out for. Those are:

Good toes – They should stand completely still with their feet together

Naughty toes – They should dance around wildly using the space and not bumping into anyone else. (Music can be used if you want to)

This game is all about freedom and expression!

7. Noisy Running!

This is possibly my all-time favorite mindful PE game.

This is best done outside in a large space.

The idea is that the children are going to move and make noises at the same time. The volume of the sound they make will be directly linked to how fast they move.

Start by all humming very faintly, and walking really slowly.

Then try a fast walk, and raise the volume of the sound coming out of everyone’s mouth.

Then try light jogging, with a medium noise – aaaaahh – coming from everyone’s mouth, about the volume of talking.

Keep getting faster and increasing the volume! When you are running at full pelt, you will also be yelling as loud as possible – AHHHHH!

I like to do this activity in a structured way to introduce it and mix up the speeds/volumes for a while.

But then, for a couple of minutes, let the children ‘freestyle’. They choose their speeds and volumes and race around.

This activity is all about mindfulness , and experiencing a sense of freedom and liberation from inhibitions!

8. Floating!

Another mindful PE activity here.

Get the children to stand in a space and close their eyes. Then you are going to help them to visualize that they are transforming into something that floats or flies!

It could be:

Let’s imagine we start with the balloon.

Tell the children to visualize they are slowly changing into a balloon. Their skin is becoming colored rubber. And now someone is blowing them up, and they are getting lighter and lighter, and larger and larger.

Then, tell them they are fully inflated.

The children open their eyes, and now they are going to imagine they are floating like balloons around the space!

Off they go – billowing and wafting in the breeze.

After a couple of minutes, you can try transforming into feathers or eagles.

9.  Be The Teacher

This is a good way for children to start to think about the quality of their movements in PE class.

Work in pairs again. One child should be the teacher. 

Explain that as the teacher, they have to help their pupil make the best quality moves and shapes that they possibly can.

It depends on what kind of moves you are working on, but I like to do this with gym moves.

Try moves like:

• Forward roll
• 360 jump rotation

Ask one child to demonstrate the move, and the other child should help them to make it perfect.

Encourage the children to be kind and helpful. For example, they might say things like:

Tuck your head in a bit more.

Can you straighten your legs even more?

Can you reach up taller?

Ask them to use lots of praise if they spot some good quality movements and make sure they tell their partner what they are doing well.

Don’t forget to swap so that everyone has a go at being the teacher.

10. Make A Shape

Put the children in groups of 4 or 5 and give them the challenge of working as a team to make a shape.

Explain that they can work on the floor, lying down or standing up, as long as the shape is clear.

Begin with the basic shapes of:

circle, triangle, square rectangle

Build up to more difficult shapes like:

stars, hexagons, ovals, rhombus, or octagon

11. Body Letters And Numbers

You can extend this from shapes to letters of the alphabet or numbers.

Simply ask the children to make a letter by working together to get into the shape. This is a good activity for team building as they will have to work together and everybody is needed. 

12. Dance Like No-One’s Watching

Dancing is good for you for so many reasons. It’s a workout for the whole body, it encourages you to keep a beat and keep in time with music, and most of all, it’s fun.

It’s good for the soul, so put some happy upbeat music on and encourage some free dancing.

Clap your hands, wiggle your hips, wave your arms. Have fun!!

13.  Heart Monitors

It’s important for children to know that exercising makes changes to our bodies so that they aren’t frightened by the changes and they understand what is happening to them. 

This is a nice activity to explain those changes so that the children understand that it is perfectly normal.

Count down one minute of any kind of high-intensity exercise, for example:

• Fast running on the spot with high knees 
• Tuck jumps with both feet together
• Pretending to skip on the spot as fast as you can
• Burpees (lay down then jump up)

Really encourage the children to put lots of effort in here.

When the minute is up, encourage the children to put their hands on their hearts and feel it beating.

If they’ve put enough effort in, it should be pounding. Ask them to feel their forehead – it should be at least warm, if not hot and sweaty. 

Notice how fast their breathing is when they stop. They should be out of puff.

With older children, you could ask them to take their own pulse before and after exercising and see how much their pulse rate has increased. 

14. Eight Dance!

This is a great dancing game for kids of all ages.

Put some pumping music on to get everyone going!

Then pick some kind of action or dance move, and everyone does it eight times to the music while also counting at the same time – ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!’

So, you might do eight star-jumps while counting. Or eight big marches on the spot.

Then shout out a new action, and start that, keeping the counting going throughout.

Some other good dances/actions could be:

• Arms up arms down
• Punch the air with one arm, then the other
• Arms wide, arms across your body
• Walking in place

For the older ones, the emphasis is on the movement. But for younger kids, this is also a great rote counting activity.

15. Animal Copy Cat

One child will be the leader in this game. This is the ‘cat’ that the others will try to copy.

The leader is going to pretend to move like an animal. Everyone else will copy!

For example, they might move like a monkey. They will stoop low, and swing their arms like a monkey. Everyone copies!

After a while, the leader will change the animal. They might pretend to be an elephant!

The trick is for everyone to watch for the transition and try to copy.

The leader can mix things up as quickly or slowly as they like.

16. Animal Freeze!

This is a variation of the animal copycat game above with a bit of music added.

Once again, have a leader that is going to pretend to be different animals that the others copy.

Put on some music, and the kids move around like the animal that the leader is demonstrating.

The adult will pause the music at any given moment. The children must then freeze in their best animal pose! It’s a bit like musical statues at this point. Anyone that moves could be out! (Or you can just play the non-competitive version where everyone gets to carry on each time).

17. Transformers

Wow – transformers are one of the most exciting things on the planet for many kids.

And this game really taps into this enthusiasm.

The kids are all now shape-shifting transformers. They can transform in the blink of an eye into many different types of vehicles, and move around the space like them.

Some good vehicles to try include:

• Train – with ‘chugging’ arms and lots of tooting!
• Helicopter – arms as rotas spinning over your head
• Racing cars – running around as fast as possible!
• Plane – Lots of swooping and soaring
• Monster trucks – Be as big and wide as you can

18. Mr Men/Little Miss Game

The idea of this is that the kids pretend to be some of the characters out of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books.

Some good ones to try include:

Mr. Grumpy – stamp around the room with your angriest face

Mr. Tall – Stretch up and walk as tall as you can

Mr. Bump – Go round bumping into walls and imaginary objects (though not other people)

Little Miss Tiny – Curl up like a tiny weeny ball

Lots of modeling of movements work well for this game – both from the adult and skillful children.

19. Child-Friendly Yoga

I find yoga is most effective with children when they can readily understand that the pose they are doing is mimicking something.

Some great poses that mimic things that children know are:

Household Yoga

In this, the kids mimic everyday actions in the house. It could be sweeping the floor, or washing the pots.

Lie on your front, with your hands flat on the floor next to your face.

Push upwards until your arms are straight, your chest is off the floor, and your back is arched.

This stretches the back and abdomen.

Giraffe Pose

Stand with one foot in front of the other.

Reach up high with both hands (this being the giraffe’s neck.) Then slowly bend down, and touch your leading foot with both hands.

Then slowly return to the original position.

Turtle Pose

Lie on your back. Pull your knees into your chest so that you form a ball shape. Slowly rock backward and forwards.

Your curved back forms the turtle’s ‘shell’.

20. Bean Game

This is one of those all-time classics that I thought I should include on this list.

The children pretend to be types of beans, each of which has its own separate movement.

Model two or three bean movements to start off with, have a practice, and then all play the game. Add more bean movements when the children get more confident.

The adult simply calls out a bean name, and the children move in that way.

The beans and associate movements are:

Sprouting bean  – Walk around on your tip-toes, with your arms stretched as high above you as possible

Baked bean  – Sit down on the floor

Broad bean  – Try to be as wide as possible! Walk around like this

Beans on toast  – Lie down on the floor

Chilli bean  – Shiver! This is a ‘pun’ on the word ‘chilli/chilly’ (obviously!)

Jelly bean  – Wibble and wobble!

Runner bean  – Run around like crazy

French bean  – Say, ‘Bonjour!

When you’ve played a few times, a child could potentially become the leader of this game.

21. Action Stories

This is a really good way of combining storytelling, listening, and action!

The adult makes up a story, and the children act it out.

After you’ve done it a few times, a confident child might well be able to lead this.

You want to have lots of active characters in the story, such as stamping giants, witches on broomsticks, unicorns galloping, and all that kind of thing.

As well as that, it’s good to have lots of action, such as terrible storms blowing, landslides, sinking sand, and all the rest of it.

The kids act all of these things out.

A sample start of a story might go:

‘One day the giant went stamping off through the forest. A terrible wind began to blow. The trees were swaying from side to side. Suddenly a unicorn came galloping into the forest to save the giant…’

I’m sure you get the picture!

22. Traffic Lights

Here’s another absolute classic of the repertoire!

In this, the children will pretend to be cars, and the adult gives different verbal instructions that the cars respond to.

The easiest way to play the game is to have three simple instructions that correspond to the colors of a traffic light:

Green  – Go! Jog around the space

Red  – Stop still

Yellow  – Walk on the spot, ready to go

Start easy, but you can always add more elements to the game when they are ready. Some other verbal cues include:

Honk the horn  – A noisy one, this! Go round tooting!

Roundabout  – Jog around in a narrow circle

Parking Lot (or car-park)  – Lie down on the floor

Freeway  – Run as fast as you can

23. Fox and Chickens

This is a variation of a basic tag game .

The idea is to mix up the game by incorporating a theme that the children are interested in.

So, you could have a fox catching chicken by tagging them. Or one of the following:

• A shark catching fishes
• A bird catching worms
• Or a witch catching children

Anything you think the children will respond to is fine.

24. HIIT Session

Here is a simple idea, that is great for fitness for all ages.

You have a structured sequence of activities that you perform together. Spend about thirty seconds on each movement, with a fifteen-second break.

Some simple moves include:

• Reach up, reach down
• Jumping like a frog
• Jumping in place
• Reach to one side, reach to other

For older or more skillful children, you can try some of these:

You can do one round of the activities or even two or three reps!

25. Simon Says Active Version

Of course, you all know the basic idea of Simon Says .

But it works really well in PE sessions if you make the moves super-active!

So, rather than ‘Simon says touch your nose’ kind of instructions, you want to think more along the lines of ‘Simon says crawl like snakes across the floor!’

Some other good examples might be:

‘Simon says wade through the muddy swamp.’

‘Simon says climb the rope ladder.’

‘Simon says run like a cheetah on all fours!’

26. Captain’s Coming

This is another game that is donkey’s old, but children love it generation after generation.

All the kids pretend to be on a boat. The adult gives orders to the ‘crew’.

These include:

Scrub the deck  – Get on hands and knees and start scrubbing the floor!

Swim to shore  – Use a powerful front crawl to move around the space

Into the hammock  – Lie down on the floor

Lift the cannonballs  – Lift up those super heavy cannonballs, and load them into the cannon!

Row the boat  – Row!

Captain’s coming  – Salute!

27.Melting Moments

This is a visualization and mindfulness game that is great as a warm-down.

The children are going to be imagining that they are something that melts. For example, they could be:

-A chocolate bar

-An ice-cube

Let’s imagine we go for ‘snowman’. Tell the children to stand in a space and then close their eyes.

Tell them to imagine that they are transforming into a snowman. They can feel their freezing cold body, their carrot nose, and coal for their eyes.

But now the hot sun has come out. You can feel the warmth on your face!

Feel how the snow is melting your body. Water is starting to drip down the snowman.

Imagine you are shrinking! You are getting lower to the ground! And finally, you are a steaming puddle lying on the floor.

(Ask the children to lie down and imagine this!)

28. Figures Of Eight

This is a good game to use as a warm-down.

The basic idea is that the kids stand in a space, and they are going to form a large figure 8 in the air with different parts of their bodies.

Start with their finger, but then move on to using their:

Warming Up And Cooling Down

To warm-up before PE Class or a fun activity at home, I like to play some music with a good steady beat and perform some repetitive actions for the children to copy. I make sure I warm up my arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips, and neck. 

To cool down after PE games, try some nice long stretches for all the different body parts. I always like to finish a cool-down with some big deep breaths. Scoop up some air, stretch up and hold it above your head and then blow it away as you release your arms back down to your sides. 

Not Just Good For Physical Learning

One of the biggest benefits of daily physical activity is that children’s behavior improves as well as their overall confidence and independence. Check out this study on tracking of physical activity into into adulhood for more information on the benefits of PE Games .

Now that’s something worth trying for.

Good luck if you try out any of these fun PE games!

Warm Up Games

The PE Warm Up Games section provides you with Physical Education resources which will help you to plan PE Warm Up Games. Each PE Game outlines what equipment is required, how to set the game up, how to play the game and how to differentiate the game. The resources can be downloaded and can support your PE planning. Lots of the resources are free. Explore the PE Games below:

Dangerous Dogs

Dangerous Dogs is a PE Warm Up Game focused on leg and arm movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Traffic Lights Football

Traffic Lights Football / Soccer is PE warm up game focused on ball control. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Peg Invasion - 2 Games

Peg Invasion is PE warm up game focused on attacking and defending. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Dance Tag is a PE Warm Up Game focused on creativity and dance movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse is a PE Game focused on movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Dragon Tails

Dragon Tails is a PE Game focused on movement and strategy. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Kings & Queens

Kings and Queen: Rock, Paper, Scissors is a PE Game focused on exercises and strategy. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Slide in the mud

Slide in the mud is a PE Warm Up Game focused on tagging and teamwork. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights is a PE Warm Up Game focused on rule following and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Body Parts is a PE Warm Up Game focused on reactions and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Bridges and Rivers

Bridges and Rivers is a PE Warm Up Game focused on strength and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Crossing the river

Crossing the river is a PE Warm Up Game focused on movement and space. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

• Pete Charrette

PE Stations: 15 Fun Ideas for Active Engagement in Elementary Physical Education Classes

Physical education plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of young learners. In the energetic, diverse environment of elementary schools, it's essential to foster a love for movement and exercise through engaging and dynamic activities. PE stations, a cornerstone in teaching physical education, offer a unique blend of fun, skill-building, and adaptable challenges that cater to a wide array of interests and abilities. By incorporating fundamental movement skills into diverse station activities, educators can capture the imagination and enthusiasm of younger students, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy, active living.

The beauty of PE stations lies in their flexibility and ease of implementation. Utilizing the common equipment found in a typical elementary school gym, these stations can be set up quickly and tailored to various skill levels. This station-based approach is especially beneficial in handling large class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and ensuring that every student remains engaged and active. From team building activities to personal challenges, PE stations provide a dynamic environment where children can develop motor and sport skills, set personal records, and most importantly, have fun while learning. By rotating through different stations, students not only experience a variety of physical activities but also learn the importance of adaptability and cooperation—skills that are invaluable both on and off the playground.

Incorporating new PE station ideas can rejuvenate your classes, providing a wealth of activities that ensure every session is lively and effective. These stations, adaptable for various needs, are an excellent way to enrich your curriculum. Explore 15 engaging PE stations that are simple to implement and offer significant benefits for your students' physical and social growth.

Overview of the Stations

Essentially, PE stations involve dividing the gym or play area into multiple smaller areas, each designated for a specific activity or skill practice. This format allows students to rotate through a variety of exercises or challenges, keeping the class engaged and lively. Incorporating pe stations into your curriculum not only enhances the variety and appeal of physical education classes but also allows for the development of fundamental movement skills and kids' sports skills in a fun and organized manner.

When setting up PE stations, consider the following tips for a smooth and effective experience:

Plan Your Space Wisely:  Ensure each station has enough room for the activity and is safely spaced out from others to prevent overcrowding and accidents.

Organize Equipment Beforehand:  Gather all the necessary equipment for each station and have it ready to minimize setup time during the class.

Clear Instructions:  Use printable station cards or online videos with clear, concise instructions and visuals. This helps students understand what to do at each station, fostering independence and reducing confusion.

Manage Time Effectively:  Allocate a specific amount of time for each station and use a timer to signal when it’s time to move to the next station. This keeps the class flowing smoothly and ensures that all students get equal time at each activity.

Supervise and Rotate:  Keep an eye on all stations, offer guidance, and ensure students are rotating efficiently to the next station.

Inclusivity and Adaptability:  Be prepared to modify activities and PE station ideas to suit different skill levels and abilities, ensuring that every student can participate and enjoy the activities.

Feedback and Encouragement:  Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback as students engage in the activities, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Remember, the key to a successful station-based PE class is flexibility and creativity. Feel free to adapt these PE station activities and incorporate your own great ideas readily into your teaching style and your students' needs.

15 Physical Education Station Ideas for Elementary Classes

Energize your elementary PE classes with 15 Simple and Fun PE Stations. Each one is crafted to engage, challenge, and energize students, making every PE class a highlight of their day. The stations align with Shape America's Standard 1 which states "The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns."

Station 1: Keep it Up - Volleying

Description:  The 'Keep it Up - Volley' station is an exciting activity that combines fun with agility and coordination. This station encourages students to practice their volley skills by keeping a beachball or balloon in the air using various parts of their body. It's a fantastic way to develop hand-eye coordination, timing, and body control.

Suggested Equipment:

Beachballs or balloons

Instructions:

Students grab a beachball or a balloon.

Using only their fingertips, knuckles, elbows, head, feet, or knees, they must keep the ball or balloon up in the air.

Challenge students to count the number of consecutive volleys they can achieve without letting the ball or balloon touch the ground.

Safety Tips:

Ensure there’s ample space between students to prevent accidental collisions.

Encourage students to stay aware of their surroundings to avoid running into others or tripping over equipment.

Modifications for Different Skill Levels:

For beginners, start with beachballs, which are larger and move slower than balloons.

More advanced students can try using smaller balloons or adding a gentle spin to increase difficulty.

To add a personal challenge element, have students try to beat their own record with each turn.

Station 2: Ball Handling Challenges - Basketball

Description:  This station is centered on developing basketball ball handling skills through a variety of creative and challenging exercises. By moving the ball in different ways around their body, students can improve their coordination, dexterity, and familiarity with basketball handling techniques.

Basketballs or playground balls

Students begin by tapping the ball back and forth above their head to develop hand control and movement fluidity.

Practice the rainbow toss, where they toss the ball in an arc from one hand to the other in front of their body.

Pass the ball around their waist, then down to their legs, and finally around their head without losing grip.

Perform a figure 8 dribble between their legs to enhance coordination and agility.

For those who can, try spinning the ball on one finger, which is a fun trick that improves focus and balance.

Encourage students to get creative and come up with their own unique ball handling skill.

Make sure there is enough space between students when performing these exercises to prevent accidental collisions.

Encourage students to start with slow, controlled movements and to progress to faster speeds as they gain confidence.

Beginners can focus on basic ball handling skills such as the waist and head passes without incorporating the legs.

Intermediate students should work on connecting movements together smoothly, like transitioning from the waist pass to the figure 8.

Advanced students can challenge themselves with speed and try to perform tricks like the ball spin or invent new handling skills.

Station 3: Cup Stacking Challenge - Coordination

Description:  The Cup Stacking Challenge is a fast-paced station that sharpens students' motor coordination and speed. In this activity, students are tasked with constructing and deconstructing pyramids made of cups, fostering not only dexterity but also concentration and problem-solving skills.

Plastic cups (9 per student or group)

Students quickly build three stacks of pyramids, each with three cups.

Once the pyramids are built, they must then de-stack the cups back into groups of three as quickly as possible.

Students take turns timing each other for both the upstack and downstack process to add a competitive element.

Clear the area around the cup stacking station to prevent slipping on stray cups.

Encourage students to focus on control and precision to avoid knocking cups onto themselves or others.

Beginners may start with stacking and de-stacking a single pyramid before moving onto multiple stacks.

To increase the challenge, advanced students can be asked to stack different configurations or increase the number of cups in a pyramid.

Consider implementing a 'personal best' approach where each student tries to beat their previous times, promoting personal challenge and growth.

Station 4: Paper Plate Skate - Endurance

Description:  The Paper Plate Skate station is an innovative and enjoyable way for students to explore movement. Using laminated paper plates as makeshift skates, this activity simulates the sliding motion of ice or roller skating, offering a unique opportunity to practice balance and coordination while engaging in imaginative play.

Laminated paper plates (2 per student)

Each student stands on a pair of laminated paper plates.

They then "skate" around a designated area, attempting to glide smoothly on the plates.

Encourage students to try moving in various directions: forward, backward, and sideways to challenge their agility and coordination.

Ensure the skating area is free from obstacles and has a smooth, even surface to prevent falls.

Instruct students to maintain a safe distance from each other to avoid collisions.

For beginners, allow them to hold onto a partner or a stable object as they get used to the sliding motion.

Intermediate students might try incorporating turns or small dance moves while skating.

Advanced students can attempt to navigate a simple obstacle course to test their skill and precision.

Station 5: Hoop it Up - Coordination

Description:  'Hoop it Up' is a classic station that combines fun with fitness. This hula hoop challenge not only promotes active play but also enhances core strength, coordination, and rhythm. Students will enjoy testing their skills and challenging their peers to see who can maintain the twirl the longest.

Hula hoops (one per participant)

Each student begins by selecting a hula hoop.

They start twirling the hoop around their waist, neck, arm, or one leg, maintaining the motion for as long as possible.

Encourage students to challenge each other in friendly competition to see who can keep the hoop up the longest.

Space students out to ensure they have a safe distance from each other to avoid contact with someone else’s hoop.

Remind students to focus on their own hoop to prevent distractions that could lead to a loss of control.

Beginners may focus on keeping the hoop up around their waist, which is typically easier to control.

For an added challenge, students can try to switch the hoop between their waist, neck, and limbs without letting it fall.

To incorporate a skill element, advanced students might try adding dance moves or tricks while keeping the hoop in motion.

Station 6: Beanbag Toss - Accuracy

Description:  The Beanbag Toss station emphasizes precision and hand-eye coordination, as students aim to land beanbags within the confines of a hula hoop target. This activity not only tests accuracy but also encourages students to assess their tossing or throwing strength and adjust their technique based on their distance from the target.

Place a hula hoop at a starting distance as the target.

Students toss a beanbag, aiming to get it into the hoop.

After each successful toss, they take a step back to increase the challenge.

Students can challenge a partner to a contest, seeing who can maintain consistency from varying distances or who can toss from the furthest distance.

Make sure the area around the hula hoop is clear to prevent slipping on stray beanbags.

Encourage students to be aware of their surroundings and wait for their turn to avoid beanbags flying in unexpected directions.

Beginners can start closer to the hoop and use larger beanbags for easier gripping and tossing.

To increase difficulty, students can be challenged to toss the beanbag into smaller hoops or from a greater distance.

For advanced students, introduce a point system based on the distance, where farther throws earn more points, encouraging them to set personal records.

Station 7: "Downed" Rope Challenges - Agility

Description:  This station is all about agility and balance, using short jump ropes laid out on the floor. Students will mimic tightrope walking and jumping across the rope, enhancing their coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. These varied movements not only engage different muscle groups but also introduce the fundamentals of agility training in a fun and accessible way.

Short jump ropes or any similar rope laid on the ground

Students start by walking along the rope as if it's a tightrope, placing one foot directly in front of the other.

Next, they jump back and forth over the rope, using both feet and then just one, like a hopscotch pattern.

See how far they can long jump following the line of the rope.

For an added challenge, students crisscross their legs while jumping over the rope to improve agility.

Ensure that the ropes are securely placed on the ground to prevent slipping.

Space out the students so they have ample room to jump and move without bumping into each other.

Beginners can focus on slow, deliberate movements to maintain balance while walking the 'tightrope.'

Intermediate students can increase their speed and introduce one-footed jumps.

Advanced students can attempt to perform the crisscross jumps at a faster pace or increase the length of their long jumps.

Station 8: Over the Hurdles - Track & Field

Description:  'Over the Hurdles' station gives students a taste of track and field athletics, focusing on the exhilarating hurdle race. It's designed to improve agility, speed, and jumping ability in a controlled environment. This station can be a fun challenge, encouraging students to push their limits and practice their pacing over a short distance.

Set of hurdles (adjustable for height) or cones with a pool noodle laying across them

Cones to mark the end turn and start

Students take turns running towards the hurdles and leaping over them with proper form.

After clearing the hurdles, they run around a cone set at the end of the course and sprint back to the start.

Students can run side by side with a partner for a friendly race or time each other to add a competitive element.

Adjust the height of the hurdles according to the age and ability level of the students to prevent injuries.

Ensure there’s adequate space between the hurdles and that the landing area is clear of any obstacles.

Instruct students on proper hurdling technique to ensure safety during leaps and landings.

Beginners can practice with lower hurdles or even lines or tapes on the ground to simulate hurdles.

Intermediate students should focus on improving their leap technique and landing.

Advanced students can attempt higher hurdles or focus on increasing their speed between the hurdles

Station 9: Scarf Juggling - Mental Focus

Description:  Scarf Juggling is a delightful station that introduces students to the basics of juggling in a simple and accessible way. This activity helps improve hand-eye coordination, timing, and concentration. Starting with one or two scarves—or even plastic grocery bags for a more environmentally friendly twist—students can progress at their own pace until they are able to juggle multiple items.

Scarves or lightweight plastic grocery bags

Students start by grabbing one or two scarves or plastic bags.

Begin by tossing and catching the items at varying heights, both high and low.

As students become more adept, they can increase the challenge by adding a third item into their juggling pattern.

Ensure students have enough space around them to prevent interference with others.

Remind students to focus on the items they are juggling, keeping their movements controlled and their eyes on the scarves at all times.

Beginners should start with one scarf, focusing on consistent tossing and catching.

Once comfortable, they can add a second scarf, practicing the hand-to-hand toss.

Advanced students can attempt to juggle three scarves, incorporating different patterns and heights for an additional challenge.

Station 10: Zig Zag Dribble - Soccer Dribbling

Description:  Zig Zag Dribble is a station designed to hone soccer dribbling skills. Through weaving in and out of a cone course, students can improve their ball control and footwork, which are essential skills on the soccer field. This exercise not only enhances agility and coordination but also builds confidence in handling the ball under pressure.

Soccer balls (one per student)

Cones set up in a zigzag formation

Each student starts with a soccer ball at the beginning of the cone course.

The objective is to dribble the ball through the cones, weaving in and out without touching or knocking them over.

After navigating the zigzag pattern, students dribble the ball straight back to the start as quickly and as controlled as possible.

Ensure the cones are spaced out enough to provide a challenge yet allow for safe maneuvering.

Encourage students to keep their heads up while dribbling to promote spatial awareness and prevent collisions.

Beginners can walk the ball through the cones, focusing on control and gentle touches.

Intermediate students should work on maintaining a jogging pace while keeping the ball close.

Advanced students can be challenged to dribble through the cones at a faster pace or with fewer touches to increase difficulty.

Station 11: Playground Ball - Tossing and Catching

Description:  This station is designed to enhance hand-eye coordination and reaction time with a series of tossing and catching challenges using a playground ball. By varying the tossing heights and incorporating different movements before catching, students can improve their agility and coordination in a playful and dynamic way.

Playground balls (one per student)

Students start by tossing the playground ball in the air and catching it.

Next, they let the ball bounce once before clapping their hands or turning around and then catching it.

Students try tossing the ball, letting it bounce under their leg, and then catching it.

Encourage students to experiment with catching the ball at different levels, such as reaching high above their heads or squatting to catch it low.

Ensure each student has a clear space around them to prevent collisions during the turning or under-the-leg maneuvers.

Remind students to keep their eyes on the ball at all times to safely coordinate their movements.

Beginners can focus on basic toss and catch skills, gradually introducing the bounce as they become more comfortable.

Intermediate students can add the clapping or turning around to make the task more challenging.

Advanced students can attempt to catch the ball on the bounce after performing a full 360-degree turn or catching it after multiple claps to increase difficulty.

Station 12: Jump Rope - Coordination and Fitness

Description:  Jump Rope station is a classic exercise that significantly enhances coordination, rhythm, and cardiovascular fitness. Using individual short ropes, students can challenge themselves to maintain a continuous rhythm and try various jump styles to keep the activity engaging and beneficial.

Individual short jump ropes (one per student)

Each student starts with a jump rope and begins to jump continuously, aiming to keep going for as long as possible.

Introduce skier jumps, where students jump side to side over the rope, mimicking a skiing motion.

Practice bell jumps by jumping front to back, adding variety to the movements.

Encourage students to turn the rope both forwards and backward, incorporating a jogging step to vary the tempo and difficulty.

Ensure students are spaced out to prevent the ropes from getting tangled with one another.

Check that each rope is the correct length for the student using it to prevent tripping.

Remind students to jump on the balls of their feet to cushion their landings.

Beginners may focus on single jumps with both feet together, working on finding their rhythm.

Intermediate students can try alternating feet, like a slow jogging step, as they jump.

Advanced students can challenge themselves with double unders (where the rope passes under the feet twice in one jump) or increase the speed of their jogging step.

Station 13: Soccer Juggling - Ball Control

Description:  Soccer Juggling station is an excellent way for students to practice and improve their ball control. Whether with a soccer ball, beach ball, or balloon, this activity helps develop coordination, timing, and finesse. It's a fundamental skill in soccer that enhances a player's ability to control the ball during a game.

Soccer balls, beach balls, or balloons (one per student)

Each student selects a ball of their choice.

The goal is to keep the ball in the air using only their feet, knees, chest, and head.

Encourage students to count how many times they can juggle the ball without it touching the ground.

Ensure that students have plenty of space around them to avoid collisions.

For those using a soccer ball, remind them to use the flat parts of their feet and to bend their knees for better control.

Beginners may start with larger, lighter balls like beach balls or balloons that move slower and are easier to control.

Intermediate students should focus on using a soccer ball and mixing different body parts for juggling.

Advanced students can set personal challenges, such as juggling only with their feet or alternating between different body parts without the ball touching the ground.

Station 14: Cross the River - Balance & Agility

Description:  'Cross the River' is a playful station that challenges students' balance and agility. By using poly spot markers laid out to represent stones across a river, this activity mimics a stepping stone challenge that requires careful foot placement and balance.

Poly spot markers (or any flat markers that can simulate river stones)

Arrange the poly spot markers on the floor in a zigzag or maze pattern, representing stones in a river.

Students start at one end and jump from marker to marker, pretending to cross a river by only stepping on the 'stones.'

The goal is to make it to the finish line and back without 'falling off' the rocks.

Encourage students to plan their route and adjust their balance as they leap from one spot to the next.

Ensure that the markers are spaced appropriately to match the students' jumping abilities.

Check that the floor around the markers is clear and free of any slip hazards.

Remind students to focus on controlling their jumps to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Beginners may take larger steps or small hops instead of jumps and use more closely spaced markers.

Intermediate students should attempt to jump with both feet together, making precise landings.

Advanced students can increase the distance between the markers or add a one-footed hopping element to raise the difficulty level.

Station 15: Javelin (Pool Noodle) Throw - Track & Field

Description:  The Javelin Throw station introduces students to the track and field event in a safe and fun way using pool noodles. This activity allows students to work on their throwing technique and upper body strength while engaging in a bit of friendly competition to see who can achieve the farthest throw.

Pool noodles (one per student)

A set line for throwing behind

Measuring tape (optional for recording distances)

Students line up behind the set line with a pool noodle in hand.

They take turns throwing the noodle as far as they can, ensuring they use proper form to mimic a javelin throw.

After each throw, compare distances to see if students can throw farther than their partners.

Encourage each student to try to beat their own personal best with each attempt.

Make sure there is a clear and secure area for throwing and that no one is in the path of the noodle.

Teach students the proper way to hold and release the noodle to prevent any accidents.

Ensure students are supervised, especially when attempting to measure and retrieve the noodles.

Beginners may focus on the basic technique of holding and releasing the noodle.

Intermediate students can work on improving their throw by incorporating a run-up or adjusting their grip.

Advanced students can aim for accuracy by trying to throw the noodle to a specific target area as well as distance.

Integrating the Stations into Your PE Curriculum

Incorporating stations into pe programs:.

Physical Education programs thrive on variety and adaptability, and incorporating stations can significantly enhance the learning experience. Here are some strategies for integrating these stations into your existing curriculum:

Circuit Training:  Implement stations as part of a circuit training program. Assign students to stations, allowing them to spend a set amount of time at each before rotating. This approach ensures that all students are actively engaged and can experience each activity.

Skill-Based Days:  Dedicate certain days to specific skill developments, such as balance, coordination, or agility, and select stations that focus on these skills. This targeted approach can help students improve in areas that are most relevant to their needs.

Warm-Ups/Cool-Downs:  Use some of the simpler stations as warm-up or cool-down activities to prepare students for more intense activity or to wind down after a vigorous class.

Integrated Learning:  Combine stations with other curriculum areas. For example, incorporate math by having students count repetitions or measure distances, enhancing both physical and cognitive skills.

Modifying Stations for Different Needs:

Flexibility is key to accommodating diverse class sizes, spaces, and student needs. Here are some tips for adjusting stations:

Adapting to Space:  If space is limited, modify activities to fit a smaller area, such as shortening relay distances or using half of a court. For larger spaces, spread out stations to avoid overcrowding and to use the space effectively.

Class Size:  For larger classes, duplicate stations to prevent long wait times. In smaller classes, you might combine two stations into one to keep students engaged without overwhelming them with too many activities.

Different Abilities:  Adapt stations to cater to varying skill levels. This might include lowering the height of hurdles, using larger balls for easier handling, or allowing more time for each activity.

Student Interests:  Take into account student interests and allow for choices. Give students a say in which stations they'd like to try or have them suggest modifications to activities, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.

Inclusion:  Ensure that all stations are inclusive. This might mean having alternative activities available for students with different physical abilities or providing additional support where needed.

By considering these suggestions, PE teachers can create an environment that is not only physically educational but also inclusive, enjoyable, and tailored to the needs of all students.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a range of fun and diverse stations into elementary PE classes can transform the traditional physical education experience. These stations not only bring a fresh burst of energy and excitement to PE classes but also cater to the varied interests and abilities of young learners. By offering a spectrum of activities—from skill-based challenges to creative physical play—we foster an environment where every child can thrive.

As educators, the invitation is to embrace creativity and adapt these stations to fit your unique teaching style and the specific needs of your students. There is no one-size-fits-all in education, especially in an environment as dynamic as the gymnasium. Feel free to tweak the activities, mix them up, or even invent completely new ones that will resonate with your classes. If you've tried implementing any of these stations, or if you've developed variations of your own, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Your insights and innovations are not only welcome but can serve as inspiration to the wider PE teaching community.

Download 15 FREE PE Station Signs!

Are you looking for station cards that combine fun and engagement with clear instructions and top-notch graphics for your physical education classes? Look no further, Cap'n Pete's Cap'n Pete's Power PE has you covered!

Fill in the form below to download 15  FREE  Fun and Engaging PE Station Signs. The set is a PDF digital download that includes the following PE stations (as seen in this article) that can be implemented using standard PE equipment: Keep it Up, 2. Ball Handling Challenges, 3. Cup Stacking, 4. Paper Plate Skate, 5. Hoop it Up, 6. Beanbag Toss, 7. Downed Rope Challenges, 8. Over the Hurdles, 9. Scarf Juggling, 10. Zig Zag Dribble,11. PG Ball; Tossing and Catching, 12. Jump Rope, 13. Soccer Juggling, 14. Cross the River, and 15. Javelin Throw

This freebie set will be sure to enhance your PE curriculum for years!

Check out this PE Stations: Triple Pack Bundle with 132 Movement, Skill and Sport Zones

Discover the ultimate collection for your PE program with Cap'n Pete's Power PE's comprehensive bundle! This set combines all three of our popular PE Station Zones series:

PE Fitness Stations:  44 zones for maximum movement, focusing on personal fitness elements like cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, locomotor movement, and muscular strength.

PE Sport Stations:  44 skill-sharpening zones covering a range of sports such as base games, basketball, gym hockey, racquet sports, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.

PE Stations Kids Love:  44 zones of frolicking fun, designed for enjoyable movements and tasks with common equipment.

You can find this set on Cap'n Pete's Power PE website here  or at my Teachers Pay Teachers store located here .

In total, you'll receive 132 stations, each with its own station card, perfect for fitness units, warm-ups, sport skills, or just plain fun throughout the school year. The accompanying cards offer clear instructions and engaging graphics, highlighting the fitness components, motor skills, or PE concepts involved. Mix and match these stations in your classes or sessions for a fresh, fun, and effective PE experience. Whether you're a PE teacher, classroom teacher, or group leader in a camp or church setting, these stations are flexible and adaptable for your unique environment.

• Stations and Circuits
• Manipulative Skills
• Fitness Activities

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• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic doesn't have to halt all of your outdoor fun. Here are several fun outdoor activities you can still enjoy.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected activities for many people. With COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment, events and travel are coming back in many places.

But as waves of COVID-19 cases, also called outbreaks, happen, it's important to stay flexible with your plans.

Despite the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there's still plenty of fun to be had. In fact, seeking out fun activities may be even more important now. Doing something you enjoy can distract you from problems. And it can help you cope with life's challenges.

Depending on the weather where you live, many activities may be available. Heading outdoors can be a good way to have fun safely, no matter what COVID-19 cases look like in your community.

Why choose outdoor activities?

It's much harder to catch the virus that causes COVID-19 when you are outside.

The COVID-19 virus is mainly spread from person to person among those in close contact. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from your lungs, mouth and nose. These droplets are released into the air when you talk, cough, speak, breath or sneeze.

In small places or spaces with air flow, also called ventilation, that is poor, the COVID-19 virus can stay in the air for minutes or hours.

When you're outside, fresh air is always moving, scattering these droplets. So, you're less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets that have the virus that causes COVID-19 to get the virus.

Places at high risk of COVID-19 spread are those that have a high number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 or a high number of new COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In areas of medium or high risk, the CDC suggests people wear well-fitted masks indoors in public, among other tactics.

The CDC and other health agencies also suggest that outdoor group activities are less risky than indoor ones in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 .

Outdoor activities that are near where you live and allow plenty of space between you and others pose a lower risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus than indoor activities do.

Being outside offers other benefits, too. It offers an emotional boost and can help you feel less tense, stressed, angry or depressed. And sunlight can give your body vitamin D, too.

Low-risk ways to move more

Coming into close contact with people who don't live with you makes your risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 go up. Keep in mind low-risk ways to be around people if your area is considered at medium or high risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. In general, any activity that allows you to keep your distance from others is a lower risk activity.

You can enjoy many activities close to home, whether you're visiting your favorite public, state or national park. Or you may even be spending time in your neighborhood. Some activities may not be possible during some seasons. But there are many ways to be active outdoors throughout the year. Get moving with outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Walking, running and hiking.
• Rollerblading and biking.
• Fishing and hunting.
• Rock or ice climbing.
• Kayaking, canoeing, diving, boating or sailing.
• Skiing, including cross-country and downhill skiing.
• Ice skating.
• Snowboarding.
• Snowshoeing.
• Fitness classes, held outside or virtually, that allow distance.

Choose routes that make it easy to keep your distance. If you live in an area with a medium or high risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus, the CDC suggests that you wear a well-fitted mask indoors in public. Don't wear a mask during activities in which it might get wet, such as swimming.

And don't let cold weather stop you from being active outdoors! Dress in layers. Protect your head, hands and feet. Then head outside for a winter hike or go cross-country skiing. And aim to keep a positive mindset about winter. This may help you to enjoy the season and winter activities more.

Low-risk social activities

Depending on your location and the weather, many other outdoor activities can be good low-risk choices:

• Picnics. Pack food from home. Or pick up takeout from your favorite restaurant or food truck. In some places, you might be able to have food delivered to you. Take it to enjoy at your favorite public park. Or eat out on your patio or deck.
• Outdoor farmers markets. Wear a mask when in crowded areas where it's hard to keep your distance from others.
• Outdoor movies. Either at a drive-in theater or a community event, watching movies outdoors is something many people can enjoy together with plenty of physical distance.

Low- to moderate-risk outdoor activities

Some of these activities may not be available in all seasons and locations. But take advantage of them when the weather permits. Some ideas include:

• Restaurant patio dining. Outdoor patio dining at uncrowded restaurants where patio tables are spaced apart is safer than indoor dining. Keep your distance from people in other areas of the restaurant. Avoid self-service food and drink options. And remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you enter and leave.

Camping. If you only have close contact only with people you live with, camping is low risk.

If you camp with people outside your household, camp in separate tents spaced away from each other. Avoid sharing camping supplies, including food and drinks. Pack hand soap, hand sanitizer, and supplies to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

• Swimming pools and beaches. Close contact with others, not water itself, can make these activities risky. Water itself doesn't spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people.

Gathering with small groups of friends. Allow for social distancing between people from different households, and meet outdoors in small groups. Skip the hugs and handshakes. Plan activities that don't need close contact, such as sidewalk chalk for kids and games such as kickball. And bring hand sanitizer.

Keep in mind that just getting together for a chat at a safe distance can offer a valuable opportunity to be with people you care about. And it can boost your mood at the same time.

• Boating with friends. Canoeing, kayaking or rowing with people outside your household is riskier than doing these activities with only those from your own household.
• Barbecues, campfires and outdoor potlucks. Grill out on the patio. Or if the weather is cool, bundle up in warm clothes and sit around a fire pit. In general, keep your gathering small and keep distance from others. Plan activities that don't need close contact. Wash your hands when you come and go from the gathering.
• Sports and sporting events. Contact sports, such as wrestling and basketball, carry more COVID-19 risk than other options. Tennis, baseball, softball and soccer pose less risk because players can keep physical distance. It's important for spectators, players and coaches to keep their distance too. Wearing a mask that fits and is comfortable when at crowded events can prevent you from getting or spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . And use hand sanitizer. Ensure you have enough space between you and other spectators, whether you're standing, sitting in chairs or sharing bleachers.

High-risk outdoor activities

Risk increases with how long you spend with others. It also increases if someone who has COVID-19 was near you and coughing or doing an activity such as singing.

Being in large gatherings or crowds of people where it's difficult to stay a safe distance apart poses the highest risk. The larger the group and the longer people are together in these situations, the higher the risk. Weddings, festivals and parades are examples.

Think safety and enjoyment

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it's important to take care of yourself and those around you. Practice precautions. It's important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. And cancel plans if someone may be sick.

When you are out, wash your hands often. Avoid touching your face. If you live in an area with a high risk of COVID-19 , wear a well-fitted mask. If you are at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 , wear a mask when you are in an area that has a medium or high level of risk of COVID-19 .

At the same time, well-being also includes doing things that make life worth living. With the right information, you can make thoughtful choices about ways to bring a sense of normalcy and joy to your life during the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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