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It’s no secret that children are bursting with energy! It seems their little bodies are filled to the brim with energy as they try to explore the world around them while also trying to find their place in the world. While no one can pinpoint exactly why children are gifted with so much energy in their tiny bodies, there are theories as to why. One is because kids (especially under 7) live in the moment, so they don’t have any worry or anxiety weighing them down, which can be tiresome for adults. Another reason could be because of their breathing pattern – since kids get more oxygen into their lungs (whereas adults don’t), they breathe with their entire body. This extra oxygen gives them more energy.
And anyone who has children already knows that an energetic child can be quite a handful when their energy isn’t being properly released, causing them to act up and you as a parent to get mad or frustrated. As a mom of two boys under 5, if they don’t play in the backyard for 30 minutes, my home is a mess, with toys everywhere and rambunctious boys jumping on and off the furniture! It’s insane to see how much energy they have. Since kids under the age of 7 are super energetic, you need to keep them busy in order to burn off that energy and keep your sanity!
So what should you do?
Put them outside and let their energetic little selves play, play and play! Before smartphones and tablets became a huge thing, kids entertained themselves by playing outside. Their parents would throw them outside to play with the neighborhood kids until the street lights came on, which was their signal that it was time to go in. Of course, we live in different times and allowing your kids (especially very little ones) wander outside can be dangerous these days, you can always let them roam in your backyard, especially if you have one! Playing outdoors allows children to bend, stretch and exercise their muscles, allowing their energy reserves to run empty by the time they’re done.
So if you want your energetic child to release the majority of that energy for their sake and yours, below are some helpful ways to get it done.
Interesting Things in this Post
13 High Energy Kid Games
1. Invest in a Playground Set
This was the best investment we’ve ever made! Our backyard is fairly big, so we knew we needed some playground equipment as soon as we bought the house. But we didn’t exactly have a lot of funds to get one of the nicer ones with the swings, tree house, and slide, so I went looking online for someone who was selling theirs. A quick search on Craigslist, Offer Up, and Facebook Marketplace provided lots of cheaper options that were in good condition. Now, the kids go outside at least for 30 minutes a day to swing, slide and play on their set.
2. Playing Balls
Balls and the backyard were meant for each other! No matter the size, they’re a great way to keep your kids entertained while playing outside. Kicking and throwing balls can release their energy, especially if they love sports like soccer, football, and baseball! For little ones, they could start off by playing badminton with balloons. For an older child, you could consider installing a basketball rim in the backyard for them. [Here’s a cool portable basketball stand for your reference!]
3. Obstacle Courses
Kids love to run, jump and climb, so why not set up a homemade obstacle course for your kids? You can easily use things you already have around the house to create unique courses that your kids will love (just make sure they are age appropriate). From crawling through cardboard boxes to jumping through hula hoops on the floor and balancing on a beam, your kids’ energy reserves will run on empty afterward!
4. Invest in a Trampoline
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High-energy kids will be able to get out their wiggles with a trampoline in the backyard, making it a great investment! And these days, there are several types of trampolines, from mini ones for younger kids to larger ones with safety nets and padding all the way around for extra protection.
Still not sure whether to get your child a trampoline? Here’s an article that Jacob wrote, where he listed out the pros and cons of trampolining.
5. Nature Hunt
Create a nature hunt for your kids by giving them things they need to find in your backyard before they can come inside. Simply look out at your backyard and print pictures or words (if they can read) on things they need to find like a certain flower, a leaf, some dirt, small toys, etc. You can put anything on the list and have your kids hunt for them to release their energy.
6. Stepping Logs
Get some stepping logs cut at a local hardware store. Find the ones that are not too high and then place them in your yard so that your kids can hop and step on them. They can also be incorporated into the obstacle course!
7. Water Table
Kids love to play with water when it’s hot, which is why a water table (affiliate link) is excellent for the backyard in the summer. Kids will enjoy getting wet and burn off energy at the same time! This is especially fun for preschoolers and toddlers who are in their stage of exploring and curiosity.
8. Water Squirters
If you can’t get a water table, some water squirters from the dollar store will also suffice! Have a water fight and let your kids shoot targets with water.
9. Water Balloons
Another excellent summer backyard activity that lets kids release their energy is a water balloon fight! Let them fill them up, toss them and then have them clean up the mess to tire them out!
10. Sensory Tables
Let your little ones explore, get messy and have fun all at once with sensory tables! Get two plastic totes (or one) and fill them up with sand, water, dirt, rice, cooked spaghetti and loads of other cool things they can touch, feel and explore and let their creativity run wild while their energy levels decrease.
11. Sandpit
Kids love to play in the sand, and a sand pit in your backyard will keep them busy for hours! Don’t want to buy one? Merely repurpose an old bookshelf and turn it into a sandpit!
There are tremendous benefits to a child’s development to play in the sand. If you are interested to know more, here’s the article “What are the Benefits of Sand Play to a Child’s Development?”
12. Pool Noodle Abacus
Create a fun abacus using some twine and cut up pool noodles of different colors! Little ones will especially love the bright colors, while the activity will help with their motor skills and keep them busy for a while.
13. Balance Jogging
Kids love to move around and balance jogging allows them to burn off energy and improve their coordination. Simply create small sandbags and have your children jog outside with them on their heads. You can have them race each other or see who can jog the longest with it on their heads.
Getting kids to play outside is beneficial to their health and mind. Not only does it allow them to get some much-needed sunshine, but it also helps them release a lot of their energy so that they don’t channel that pent-up energy into bad behavior. As with any outdoor activity, you should make sure each one is age appropriate (you can always modify if needed) and don’t forget to supervise all the fun to make sure no one gets hurt!
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A freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA with more than 7 years of experience, writing for magazines and blogs. She is also a social media maven and communications specialist. Parenting is one of her favored topics. She is a happy mom with two boys and due with her little girl in May.