How to Keep Kids Active During Cold and Flu Season

24 June 2025

Ah, cold and flu season—the time of year when kids transform into little germ factories, and parents arm themselves with an arsenal of tissues, hand sanitizer, and desperate prayers. While it's tempting to wrap your kids in bubble wrap and keep them indoors until spring, we all know that’s not realistic (or legal).

But here’s the problem: Less activity means restless kids, and restless kids mean complete household chaos. So, how do we keep them moving without exposing them to every germ in town? Let’s dive into some fun and creative ways to keep your little tornadoes active and entertained—even when the weather (and the germs) are out to get them.

1. The Living Room Obstacle Course: Chaos With a Purpose

Why go to an expensive indoor playplace when you can turn your house into an adventure zone? Grab some pillows, chairs, and couch cushions and create an epic obstacle course. Have them crawl under tables, jump over stuffed animals, or even do a few laps around the coffee table like they’re training for the Kid Olympics.

Bonus? You secretly get them to burn off that never-ending energy while you sit back and enjoy your coffee (or hide in the kitchen for just five minutes of peace).

2. Dance Parties: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Boogie?

Let’s be honest—kids love to dance, and watching them is pure entertainment. Crank up their favorite songs and have a full-blown dance-off in the living room. Not only does this keep them moving, but it also boosts their mood (and yours).

And if you’re feeling particularly brave? Join in! A little impromptu dance session might even count as your daily cardio—win-win!

3. Indoor Balloon Volleyball: Hours of Fun, No Broken Lamps (Hopefully)

If you have a balloon lying around (because, let’s face it, kids and balloons go hand in hand), you’ve got yourself a game of indoor volleyball. Simply bat the balloon back and forth, making up ridiculous rules as you go.

“If you hit the couch, you lose a point! If you get it past Dad, you win an extra cookie!”

It’s pure chaos, but it keeps them engaged and having fun while sneaky-boosting their coordination and reflexes. Just maybe clear the fragile stuff off the shelves first.

4. Indoor "Snowball" Fights: Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive... and Dodge!

Who says you need actual snow to have a snowball fight? Grab some soft socks, wad them into “snowballs,” and let the indoor battle begin! You can even create forts out of blankets and pillows for added strategy.

This not only gets kids moving but also gives them a chance to blow off some steam. And let’s face it—you’ve probably been hit by a rogue sock before, so you know it's completely harmless (unless they somehow manage a direct eyeball hit).

5. Cosmic Kids Yoga: Exercise They Won’t Even Realize Is Exercise

If your child isn’t the type to run laps in the house, yoga might be your answer. Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube makes it fun by turning yoga into engaging stories where kids pretend to be superheroes, animals, or even Star Wars characters.

It sneaks in flexibility, balance, and strength—all while they think they’re just playing. Plus, it gives you a few glorious minutes of calmness... well, hopefully.

6. The "Clean-Up Olympics": Trickery at Its Best

Okay, parents, this one is pure genius: Turn cleaning up into a game. Challenge your kids to see who can pick up the most toys in under two minutes. Time them as they “race” to put laundry in the basket.

Give them a gold medal (or a sticker, cookie, or bragging rights) for completing the “event.” Boom! They stay active and your living room no longer looks like a tornado hit it.

7. Hallway Bowling: Strike!

Grab some empty plastic bottles, set them up in the hallway, and roll a soft ball toward them. Instant homemade bowling alley!

You can make it more exciting by letting them decorate the “pins” with goofy faces or stickers beforehand. Plus, there’s no risk of that embarrassing bowling alley moment where the ball somehow bounces into the next lane.

8. Scavenger Hunts: Keep Them Busy (and Out of Trouble)

If your kids are the type that thrive on a little competition, set up an indoor scavenger hunt. Create a list of random objects they have to find (a blue sock, a spoon, a toy dinosaur, etc.), and send them on a mission.

For extra entertainment, time them and challenge them to beat their own record. Suddenly, they’re running around the house without even realizing they’re getting a workout in!

9. Crazy Animal Races: Who’s the Fastest Kangaroo?

Tell your kids they’re in a Super Secret Animal Olympics and challenge them to race across the room—but with a twist. They have to hop like a bunny, waddle like a penguin, gallop like a horse, or crawl like a crab.

Not only does this bring lots of giggles, but it works different muscle groups and improves balance. Plus, you’ll get some hilarious video footage for future blackmail... I mean, memories.

10. Just Let Them Jump (Seriously)

If you’ve got a mini trampoline, great! If not, no worries—just designate a safe space and let them jump on the bed for a bit (supervised, of course). Sometimes, kids just need to bounce around to burn energy, and as long as they’re not launching themselves into the furniture, go for it.

It’s like hitting the "reset" button on their crazy energy levels.

11. Video Games That Get Them Moving

Not all screen time is created equal! If you’ve got a gaming system with motion-controlled games (like Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, or even Wii Sports), let them go nuts.

They’ll be having so much fun competing that they won’t even notice they’re actually getting exercise. And if you join in? Bonus points for family bonding—and embarrassing dance moves.

12. DIY Fitness Challenge: Who Can Last the Longest?

Kids love a good challenge, so hit them with something like:

- Who can hold a plank the longest?
- Who can do the most jumping jacks in one minute?
- Who can balance on one foot the longest?

Make it fun by acting as the "official referee" and throwing in silly challenges in between (like "do five jumping jacks while touching your nose!"). They’ll stay active and entertained, and you may even catch them trying to beat their own record later.

Final Thoughts: Keep Them Moving, Keep Your Sanity

Cold and flu season may try its best to turn your home into a war zone of sniffles and sneezes, but that doesn’t mean your kids have to sit still like statues. Keeping them active not only keeps their energy levels balanced (read: prevents total chaos), but it also helps boost their immune system—so it’s a win for everyone!

So, next time they start bouncing off the walls, try one of these fun ideas. Your furniture (and your sanity) will thank you.