Move Together: Fun Exercises You Can Do With Your Kids

Working out doesn’t have to mean carving out solo time away from your kids. In fact, some of the best movement moments happen with them! These kid-friendly exercises not only get everyone’s heart rate up but also deepen your connection, bring plenty of laughter, and build healthy habits that last.

1. Animal Walks

Kids love pretending to be animals—and these moves are surprisingly great for strength, mobility, and coordination. Try these:

• Bear crawls — Hands and feet on the ground, hips high—like a strong mama bear!

• Crab Walks — Sit, lift your hips, place your arms behind you, and walk backward. Great for arms and core.

• Frog Jumps — Squat low and leap high, just like a frog in the wild.

2. Dance Party!

Crank up your kids' favorite songs and just move! Dancing is a full-body cardio workout, and kids naturally go all-in with joy. Pro tip: Try a “Just Dance” video game and get ready to sweat! 

3. Yoga Together

Stretch, breathe, and slow down with your kiddos. These poses are easy to follow and calming for all ages. Try:

• Tree Pose — Balance on one foot and grow your branches!

• Downward Dog — Hands and feet down, hips high.

• Cat-Cow — Move gently through a spine stretch on hands and knees.

4. Ball Games

Keep it simple with:

• Kicking a soccer ball

• Playing catch

• Inventing your own mini sport (Think: obstacle soccer or hallway basketball)

  
  

5. Jump Challenges

Who can jump the farthest? The highest? The most times in 30 seconds? Try:

• Long jumps

• Jump rope

• Side-to-side hops over a line or toy

The Real Win? Quality Time.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or following a strict plan. When you move with your kids, you're not just working out—you’re creating memories, modeling health, and reminding them that fitness can be fun.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got 10 minutes or an open afternoon—these activities are a great way to sweat, laugh, and grow stronger together.

Let me know which of these kid-friendly workouts you try!

Amber Dabney Smith

Your Three-Part Fitness Coach | Spirit, Mind, Body