How much activity? What is active play? Why is active play so important?

Examples of activities for indoor and outdoor settings include: 

(Please note that the games and activities listed below may need to be modified to suit the age of your child or children)

Indoor

•  Throwing a soft ball into a bucket and varying the 

distance.

•  Musical chairs.

•  Crazy golf – set up an golf course using household 

items.

•  Dancing to action songs.

•  Follow the leader games.

•  Making an obstacle course.

•  Kicking and throwing using a soft ball.

•  Play heads and shoulders, knees and toes. 

•  Acting out a story.

•  Ten pin bowling in the hallway using recyclable 

products.

•  Hide and seek.

•  Jumping over a piece of rope or any other suitable 

recyclable object.

Outdoor

•  Throwing a ball into a bucket and varying the distance.

•  Potato sack races.

•  Parachute games.

•  Running around with paper streamers.

•  Catching games. 

•  Follow the leader games.

•  Making an obstacle course. 

•  Kicking and throwing using a soft ball.

•  Running and stopping.

•  Hitting a soft ball.

•  Blowing bubbles and trying to catch them before  

they pop.

•  Going to the local park and taking a range of 

equipment with you.

•  Children should be participating in tasks and activities that match their skills and abilities.

•  Make sure there is plenty of room for activities.

•  A parent or carer should always supervise activities, especially if they are near water.

•  Children should wear appropriate footwear such as well-fitted sandals or joggers. Thongs are not suitable for active 

play as they don’t provide proper support for the feet.

•  Parents and children should be sun smart when outdoors. For example, wear long-sleeved polo shirts, knee length 

shorts, and wide-brimmed hats. Also, make sure you regularly apply 30+ sunscreen. 

•  Make sure you use safe and age appropriate equipment. All equipment should be checked regularly for wear and tear. 

•  Children should be encouraged to drink plenty of water when they are being active or playing outdoors.

How do I encourage active play?

For more activity ideas please visit www.kidsatplay.act.gov.au

This website was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

To access the other factsheets in this series please visit www.kidsatplay.act.gov.au 

© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra July 2013. 

Produced for Kids at Play - Active Play and Eating Well Project by the 

ACT Government in partnership with Heart Foundation ACT.