Kids Activity: Indoor Games Using Tape

Finding creative ways to occupy your kids’ time is always a challenge, particularly when the weather keeps them indoors. To keep from hearing the dreaded, “I’m bored,” I’m ready to offer a positive option, that’s sure to spark their imaginations.

Playing a game with the kids is like revisiting an old past time, you never remember how much you love it until you’re in that moment. Seeing the kids smile while they laugh about who’s paper airplane flew the farthest or when one of them fell off the “balance beam;” that is a joy!

The simplest item can make for the most extraordinary play when you pair it with a little bit of ingenuity! This time we used a roll of tape and instructions to create a game that fits these three criteria: 1-makes them move, 2-is not destructive, and 3-the entire family can play. You might just be surprised with what they come up with and how quickly they come up with it! In one afternoon, we created SEVEN different games.

 7 Indoor Games Using Tape

Hallway Maze: Zig-zag strips of tape across a hallway, or corner of a room. The challenge is to get out without crawling on the ground and without getting stuck to the tape.

Follow The Line: Designate a line leader-we went with the smallest in the bunch, who will take a roll of tape and create a path under tables, downstairs and sometimes in circles throughout the house. Once they're done, the rest of the players have to try to follow the line!

Doorway Limbo: Stretch tape across a doorway to recreate this classic game. How low can you go?

Line Tag: Players race around the house in a classic game of tag, but the twist is that they have to stay on the line! Focusing on walking the line will slow things down to a safer level inside the house, and it helps everyone work on their balance. Plus, you can use the tape paths leftover from Follow The Line. *Yes, Esther was called out for cheating in the photo above!

Balance Beam: Tape a long, straight line across the floor, and find creative ways to test yourself while you walk across the imaginary balance beam. Socks and a smooth surface make this game easier. The kids tried hopping on one foot, spinning in half circles and squatting.

Modified Chinese Jump Rope: Chinese Jump Rope is one of my favorite games to play outside, so we had to give it a try indoors. We laid down two parallel lines of tape and got busy creating jumping patterns. Left to right with your feet together or apart, twist to the left then right, or only jump in and out, the combinations are up to you.

Paper Airplanes: This is a much calmer activity, but it still keeps kids moving. Lay out strips of tape to serve as distance markers, make your airplanes, and then let them fly!

How do you keep your family active when the weather limits you to indoors?
Tell me about comments.