[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.
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[Childcare] Fun Mat Play Ideas for Physical Activity (1–10)
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!
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.
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.
[Childcare] Fun Mat Play Ideas for Physical Activity (11–20)
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.
Mat rolling
“Mat Rolling” is a mat activity that uses the whole body.
It involves rolling sideways across a mat.
The actions of twisting the body and using your hands to change direction engage more of the body than they appear to.
Children typically start to be able to do this gradually around age two, so adults should provide solid support.
Once they get the hang of it, the spinning sensation in their field of vision is amusing and can become addictive.
It can also be enjoyed by rolling together with a parent or teacher.
That way, even children who are not confident with mat activities can participate comfortably.
forward roll
A forward roll is the foundation of mat exercises! Once you can do a forward roll well, you can try a variety of forward-roll techniques.
If a child is not yet proficient, teachers or guardians should stay close and provide as much support as possible.
Be careful to avoid injuries and never push beyond one’s limits.
The initial posture is crucial for a good forward roll: place your hands close to your feet, keep your hips raised, and look at your belly button.
For children who struggle with exercise, practicing the “cradle” position—rocking the body gently back and forth—is also recommended to develop a sense of rotating the body.
Spinning Mat Demon
For a high-intensity mat activity, we recommend “Guruguru Mat Tag.” In this game, you line up mats lengthwise and move around them imitating animals, like a game of tag.
The tagger stands outside the circle and gives a signal.
At the signal, the people inside the circle hide part of their body under the mat.
The rule is that until they finish hiding, they might get caught by the tagger.
Enjoy the fun of pretending to be animals and the thrill of possibly being caught.