[Childcare] Fun mat play ideas for enjoyable exercise
Even when childcare takes place indoors, you still want kids to move their bodies and play… Many teachers probably share this concern.
Mat play is perfect for energetic children because it lets them use their whole bodies while keeping safety in mind.
We’ve gathered ideas suitable for a range of ages, so you’re sure to find activities that match the children’s developmental stages.
It’s also great to combine ideas to create your own original games.
Let’s help children move plenty and have fun, even on days when outdoor play isn’t possible.
- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- [Childcare] DIY Ideas for Circuit Play
- [Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
- Ideas for indoor play, physical activities, and games suited to the development of 2-year-olds
- For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas
- Ideas for indoor play and physical activities recommended for 1-year-olds
- [Childcare] Ideas for rope play and jump rope. Fun physical activities for children
- Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
- Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
- Fun activities with newspaper! Recreation games kids will love
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
- [Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games
[Childcare] Fun Mat Play Ideas for Physical Activity (1–10)
circuit play
It’s an exciting circuit play where kids make their way through a course lined with obstacles.
From bumpy paths made by stacking mats, to crawling through tunnels built with hula hoops and mats, to soft balance beams made of gentle materials—this course is full of fun setups that are sure to thrill children! On rainy days when they can’t play outside, kids are bursting with energy and eager to move.
Set up these activities indoors—even one at a time is plenty of fun—and fill their hearts with joyful play.
Mat Tunnel
Here’s a “mat tunnel” using hula hoops and a mat! Prepare three hula hoops that are a comfortable size for children to pass through.
Fold the mat in half lengthwise, and set it up so the hula hoops are positioned in the center and on both sides—then you’re ready to go! When children crawl through, the rounded hoops make the tunnel sway gently.
To add a bit of thrill, teachers can shake it from the outside too.
Because kids can see out while they crawl, even those who are scared of going through a cardboard tunnel may find this easier to try.
Jump Challenge
Jump Challenge is an easy indoor exercise we recommend for times when children can’t play outside.
To help kids move their bodies while having fun, it incorporates jumping to a rhythm.
Place items like a towel, a rolled-up stick made from newspaper or a towel, or a jump rope on the floor, and have them jump over the objects as they move along.
Don’t just jump with both feet—try hopping on one foot or laying down two lines to add variety.
Kids can even invent their own original ways to jump.
Try playing along to nursery rhymes or popular songs!
Crawling and rolling around on a mat from 0 years old
Mat play that lets kids use their whole bodies.
The great thing is that even infants can fully enjoy it! Playing on mats from a young age is said to help smoothly coordinate the brain, joints, and muscles.
It also fosters balance, flexibility, and agility.
Let them crawl, roll around, and try things freely on a soft mat! At first, the teacher can demonstrate, and once they get used to it, they can play in groups.
Hopefully, through the experience of becoming absorbed in play, they’ll grow to love mat activities.
mat slide
This is a play activity where you build mountains and slides with mats and have the children overcome the obstacles.
By trying various physical activities, they can discover the fun of moving their bodies, and it may also help improve their stamina and motor skills.
Even if they can’t climb over the mountain right away, avoid jumping in to help immediately—warmly watch over them until they can do it on their own! The sense of accomplishment when they make it over will also support their growth.
Once they get used to it, you might raise the height of the mats according to their age to increase the difficulty.