In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, finding time for family exercise can be tricky – especially when schedules clash or the weather refuses to cooperate. But the good news is you don’t have to leave your property to get your heart rate up and your body moving. With a little creativity and a few backyard or indoor additions, you can turn your home into a lively, active hub for the whole family. Keep reading for seven fun, practical ways to get everyone off the couch and moving – all without leaving home!
1. Get bouncing on a trampoline!
Few things get kids (and adults) moving like a trampoline. It’s one of the easiest ways to sneak in cardio while having an absolute blast. Bouncing improves balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health – and it’s gentle on joints too. Many people find their children spending hours at a time on a trampoline, so it’s one of the best ways to get them exercising without even realising it. But the motion of bouncing isn’t the only reason why a trampoline is such a great investment – using one can also improve mental health and boost mood, too. It’s excellent for all the family, whether your young children seem to have endless energy, older kids who need a distraction from school stress, or even teenagers who want to relive their childhoods.
2. Don’t take yourselves too seriously and host a family dance competition
There’s no fancy equipment needed for this one – just clear some space in the living room, queue up your favourite upbeat playlist, and let everyone take turns showing off their moves. Dance-offs are a fun, lighthearted way to boost endorphins and sneak in some cardio without it feeling like exercise. If your family’s feeling competitive, create categories like “best retro dance” or “funniest freestyle” and hand out silly prizes at the end. Bonus points if you film the highlights for a family memory reel. Remember – don’t take yourselves too seriously and have a blast!
3. Create an obstacle course
Using everyday household items and a bit of imagination, you can design an obstacle course that will have everyone crawling, jumping, balancing, and racing. Indoors, use cushions to hop over, string to limbo under, and chairs to crawl through. Outdoors, set up cones (or plant pots) for weaving, hula hoops for jumping, and pool noodles as balance beams. Time each family member as they complete the course, or see how long you can go before touching the ground during a “floor is lava” challenge. It’s a surefire way to get everyone laughing and moving together, and we can guarantee that it won’t feel like a chore.
4. Turn chores into fitness challenges
Speaking of chores, why not turn household tasks (that would otherwise be dull and worthy of several complaints from the kids) into a competitive game? Chores are a great opportunity for sneaky exercise. Who can collect the most laundry in two minutes, sweep the patio fastest, or carry the most toys back to the toybox in under 30 seconds? Add music and keep score to make it even more entertaining, bonus points if you make a score chart! Not only does it help keep the house in order, but it also gets the whole family moving in ways they might not even notice.
5. Organize a garden games tournament
Classic outdoor games never go out of style, and they’re perfect for getting everyone moving without needing to head to the park. Set up a regular tournament rotation with games like tag, hide-and-seek, soccer penalty shootouts, or tug-of-war. Adjust rules and responsibilities to include everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Little ones can be goalies or scorekeepers, while older kids and adults can compete for backyard bragging rights. The best thing about this is that there are so many possibilities!
6. Take turns guiding a family stretch session
Not every movement session needs to be high-intensity. A group yoga or stretching session is a wonderful way to get the body moving while calming the mind. Follow along with a beginner-friendly video or guide, and encourage each family member to try a new pose. Or go completely off the beaten track and get each member to make up a new stretch and teach the rest of you. This is a particularly helpful exercise before bedtime to wind down, ease screen-related tension, and improve flexibility for all ages. If you find yourselves too busy to incorporate exercise into your schedules at any other time of the day, this is a wonderful alternative to make sure you’re getting some kind of movement.
7. Start a garden together
Gardening isn’t just for green thumbs – it’s also a surprisingly active pastime. Digging, planting, weeding, and watering involve plenty of physical effort, and kids love getting their hands dirty. Assign each family member a garden bed, or work together on a veggie patch or flower display. Not only will you stay active, but you’ll also foster teamwork, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature. Get away from the screens and watch your garden come to life right before your very eyes!
Find your ideal trampoline and get moving today!
Getting the whole family moving doesn’t have to involve organised sports, gym memberships, or leaving your property. With a little creativity and a willingness to be playful, your home can become the perfect space for building healthy habits and making memories. One of the fan favourite ways of getting the family moving is with a new trampoline. If you’re in the market for kids trampolines, we highly recommend checking out Vuly Play. They specialise in state-of-the-art trampolines with excellent safety features and high weight limits, making most of their selection perfect for all the family.
