10 Fun Preschool Activities That Will Tire Kids Out (In the Best Way!)

Miss Annette
Jun 19
3 min read

Looking for ways to channel your preschooler’s endless energy into something productive (and maybe get them to nap afterward)? You’re not alone! At Miss Annette’s Preschool, we believe in whole-child learning—and that means giving little bodies the chance to move, jump, dance, and play. These high-energy activities are not only fun, but they support physical development, coordination, and social-emotional growth.

Here are 10 tried-and-true preschool activities that will tire kids out—in the best way!

1. Animal Action Movement Game

Turn your living room or classroom into a wild animal parade! Call out animals and let kids act them out:

Hop like a frog
Stomp like an elephant
Slither like a snake
Fly like a birdThis simple game boosts gross motor skills and keeps bodies moving.

2. Obstacle Course Adventure

Use couch cushions, hula hoops, and tape on the floor to create a mini obstacle course indoors or out. Crawl under tables, jump over lines, balance on a “tightrope” (masking tape), and end with a big finish. It’s a workout in disguise!

3. Dance Party Freeze Game

Turn up some fun music (we love Baby Rave Techno!) and let your little ones dance like crazy. Pause the music randomly and yell “FREEZE!” Kids must hold their pose. Repeat until everyone is giggling and worn out.

4. Scavenger Hunts

Create a themed scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Give clues like:

Find something red
Find something soft
Find a letter ARunning around to solve clues is exciting and burns lots of energy.

5. Parachute Play

Use a sheet or lightweight blanket if you don’t have a real parachute. Shake it high and low, hide under it, and play "pop the ball" by bouncing a soft ball on top. It’s a sensory-rich activity that gets everyone involved.

6. Follow the Leader

Let kids take turns being the leader and coming up with silly actions:

March
Twirl
Crawl
Crab walk builds confidence and coordination—plus, it’s fun to be in charge!

7. Sensory Walk

Create a barefoot path with bins of different textures: soft blankets, squishy pillows, bubble wrap, grass, and sand. This gross motor + sensory combo is great for developing balance and body awareness.

8. Hokey Pokey or Movement Songs

Songs like "The Hokey Pokey," “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” or Miss Annette’s own movement songs are perfect for structured movement with a purpose. Repetition builds learning and encourages healthy movement habits.

9. Outdoor Water Play

In warmer weather, let kids run through sprinklers, pour from buckets, or try sponge toss games. Water resistance adds an extra challenge that helps tire muscles faster.

10. Jumping Games

From hopscotch to jumping over pool noodles to counting how many jumps they can do in 30 seconds—jumping is an amazing way to burn energy and improve bone strength and coordination.

Why It Works: Movement = Brain Power

Did you know physical activity helps with focus, emotional regulation, and even academic learning? These activities don’t just get the wiggles out—they prepare kids to learn and grow.

At Miss Annette’s Preschool, we believe kids learn best when they’re engaged in movement, music, and meaningful play. Want more fun ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for weekly movement videos, story songs, and learning games designed to get your child moving and thriving.

Let’s learn and play—the Miss Annette’s way!