������һ����ӰԺ�ݲ�

Elementary PE Games – After a long day of sitting in the classroom, most kids look forward to a break with some fun exercise. Getting to run and play with their friends is not only a good way to let off some steam but also to develop fine motor skills. Physical education is an important class for any elementary student, where they are encouraged to develop healthy and active habits for life. When you first think of gym games for elementary students, you probably think of the classics, like dodgeball or sports like soccer and baseball. While those games are classics for a reason, there are many new variations on elementary PE games. These variations introduce new aspects to the old games while still retaining all the fun.

Incorporating a variety of games into the curriculum can help keep kids engaged and excited about staying active. Plus, most of these games can be modified depending on the age group and skill level of the students. Therefore, most of the games can be adapted by grade level.

If you’re looking for engaging and fun elementary PE games, then keep reading. Below we have assembled a list of 55 games that are great for any elementary class.

Elementary PE Games with no equipment

No equipment? No problem. These gym games for elementary students are designed with simplicity in mind. These games can be played anytime, anywhere!

1) Tag

A classic for a reason! One or more students begin as the designated taggers, and they must “tag” their classmates. Once a student is tagged, they become the next designated tagger and so on. Be sure to demonstrate how to appropriately tag another student, demonstrating soft contact.

2) Blob Tag

A variation on the classic, Blob Tag emphasizes collaborative play. Two students start “the Blob” by linking elbows. As they tag their classmates, those students become part of the blob! However, to keep play safe, new Blobs are created after the fourth tag—keeping groups at three students or less.

3) Shadow Tag

If you’re looking for a game of tag with no physical contact, then shadow tag could be a good option. In this variation, students tag their classmate’s shadow, calling out “Shadow!” once they’ve done so. This version is particularly good for younger students who may not be able to run as quickly.

4) Backwards Tag

Just like a regular game of tag, expect students must walk or run backwards!

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

5) Bridge Tag

Every time a student is tagged, they must bend over into a bridge. Students must stay in a bridge until another player crawls under them, which frees them to keep playing.

6) Sharks and Minnows

Another fun twist on tag, Sharks and Minnows is a themed version of the game. The tagger is the “shark” and must tag the other players, the “minnows.” However, once a minnow is tagged, they can become “seaweed” to stay in the game. Players who are seaweed sit on the floor where they have been tagged. They stick out their arms out and rotate in a twisting motion. If a seaweed player tags a minnow, then that player also becomes seaweed!

Gym Games for Elementary Students (Continued)

7) Wheelbarrow Race

A fun game to play with upper elementary students, wheelbarrow races are another fun classic. Students race in groups of two. One student races with their hands on the ground and legs held up in a “wheelbarrow” pose by the second student. To make the race more challenging, have students designate a turnaround point, where they must navigate around an obstacle and return to the starting line.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

8) Movement Dice

This game is perfect for a warmup and requires only a die to play! Have students roll the die to choose their number. Then, students reference a sheet with corresponding exercises to see how they warm up for the day. For example, if they roll a 3, then they must run in place for 20 seconds. Plus, the game can be easily modified by grade level.

9) Four Corners

A fun game of chance, Four Corners begins by designating one student to be the counter. They stand in the middle of the gym and count from 10 to 0 with their eyes closed. The other students must quickly run to one of four designated corners. Once the counter reaches 0, they turn and point to one of the corners with their eyes still closed. Anyone standing in that corner must sit. Then, the game begins again.

If no one is standing at the chosen corner, all players who are currently sitting may get back into the game. The game ends when only one player is left standing; then, they become the new counter.

10) Rock, Paper, Scissors, Beanbag

This game requires minimal equipment, but mostly relies on the student’s participation. Students will develop their coordination and balance in this fun game. Students walk around the gym until they find an opponent to play Rock, Paper, Scissors with. The winner of the RPS game “wins” a beanbag, and the student must balance the beanbag on their head while walking to find a new opponent. The more they win, the more beanbags they must balance!

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

11) The Border

All students line up on one side of the gym. A cone is placed in the middle of the floor to designate Side One from Side Two. The goal is for students to move from one end of the floor to the other. However, on Side One, students cannot touch the floor with their feet. So, they must move to the other end of the floor by rolling, crawling, seal walking, etc. On Side Two, students can move however they want, by skipping, running, walking, etc. Students can switch sides as the game continues.

12) Shoe Relay

This fun relay game only requires the shoes on the student’s feet. Divide students into two teams. Have each student remove one shoe and place it in the middle of the floor. Then, have students line up in their teams. One by one, students must run toward the middle, retrieve their shoe, put it on, and then return to their team. The quickest team to retrieve and put on their shoes wins.

13) Simon Says

Students will develop their listening skills in this game of Simon Says. Each instruction should be a different exercise to get students moving. For example: Simon Says jump on one foot! Simon Says do jumping jacks! But, be careful, only change direction if Simon Says.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

14) Green Light, Red Light

Similar to Simon Says is Green Light, Red Light. Have all students line up on one side of the gym. When the instructor yells out “Green light!” The students can run forward. However, when the instructor yells “Red Light!” Students must freeze in whatever position they are in. If the student loses their balance, then they can start over. The goal is to make it from one end of the gym to the other. The instructor can also call out “Yellow Light” and have students move very slowly.

15) Noisy Running

A similar take on Green Light, Red Light, the instructor will play music. The louder the music gets, the faster the kids need to run. The softer the music is, the slower they need to move.

16) Funny Running

Have all students line up on one side of the gym floor. Call out an instruction for them to move from one side of the floor to the other in any kind of funny movement you can think of. For example, dance across the floor. Race across the floor as your favorite animal. This game gets kids moving and lets them have extra fun while doing so.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

17) Yoga

This activity is probably best for older children, and it can be used as either a warmup or cool down. Yoga teaches kids balance, patience, and can be used as a strengthening exercise.

18) Dance Routine

For a fun break in their day, students can either create their own dance routines or follow one of the instructor’s creation. Learning how to dance helps a student’s balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a fun way to get moving!

19) Mirror, Mirror

Have students pair up into groups of two. Have students stand facing each other. One player makes a move, and then the other student must copy it. The moves can be more complicated the older the children are.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

20) Animal Races

Students will line up on one end of the gym. The instructor will call out the name of an animal, and students must race to the other end of the gym as that animal. This can be particularly fun if the animals are all very different from each other—like a cheetah and a turtle.

Elementary PE Games with Equipment

Gym games for elementary students – Ball Games

These elementary PE games will require the use of a ball. Whether that is a foam ball, soccer ball, volleyball, students will have a blast with these games.

21) Kickball

A classic PE game, kickball helps teach kids about teamwork and coordination. You’ll need three bases for setup and another kickball for the students to play with.

22) Crab Soccer

In this fun game, the rules of soccer are all the same, except for one thing: students must play while crab walking. In the crab-walking position, students work together to score goals and kick the ball from one end of the field to another.

23) Balance Ball

This is like a game of catch, with a twist. Pair students up into groups of two or four. Have them toss a ball back and forth, all while standing on one leg. For increased difficulty, students can continue to move farther away from their partners.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

24) Spider Ball

We promise, this game is not as scary as it sounds! Spider ball is a take on traditional dodgeball. Students are issued a ball and attempt to “tag” other players with the ball—ideally below the face. Demonstrating acceptable throwing is encouraged before starting the game.

The twist on dodgeball? Once a player has been “out,” they can still continue as a spider. Spiders can throw the ball but must keep a hand or foot on the wall at all times. You can also instruct the spiders to sit and continue play.

25) Monster Ball

Place a large exercise ball in the middle of the gym floor. Divide the class into two teams and issue each team beanbags or small foam balls. The aim of this game is to have students throw their ball at the “monster” exercise ball, attempting to move it onto the other’s team’s side.

Gym Games for Elementary Students (Continued)

26) Hot Potato

Have all students sit in a circle or break them up into smaller groups. Issue each group a ball, or “potato” to throw from one student to another. The goal is to not be stuck with the potato when time is up—either music stops playing, a whistle blows, etc.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

27) Broom Hockey

A safer version of hockey, have students use brooms instead of hockey sticks and foam balls instead of pucks. Students can break into teams and work together in their attempt to score a goal.

28) Noodle Hockey

Another safer version of hockey, except students use for sticks!

29) Balloon Tennis

While a balloon may not technically be a ball, its function within this game is the same. Students will be divided into two teams and stand on one side of the net or the other. However, any kind of dividing line can be used. From there, students need to hit the balloon over the net without letting it touch the ground.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

30) Continuity Ball

Begin with one beach ball or large foam ball. Have students all come together to hit the ball up and keep it from touching the ground. To make the game more challenging, keep adding balls until there are several going at once.

31) Bucketball

Instead of using a basketball hoop, students will aim to throw a ball into a bucket. This game can be more challenging depending on where the student stands and where the bucket is placed. Students can also split into teams and compete to see who makes a bucket first.

32) Clap and Catch

To test their motor skills, arrange students in a large circle. Have them toss a ball to each other, but before they catch the ball, they must clap first. If a student doesn’t clap, or the ball drops, then that student is out.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

Gym games for elementary students –Strategy Games

These elementary PE games help sharpen your student’s critical thinking skills.

33) Musical Hula Hoops

Line up Hula Hoops across the gym floor, ensuring there are fewer hula hoops than students. Play music while the students walk around the gym. Once the music stops, students must claim a hula hoop by sitting in it. Whoever doesn’t find a hula hoop in time joins the “middle group.” While the music plays, the “middle group” participates in different exercises. For example, while the music plays, the middle group must jump on one leg until the music stops.

34) Hoop Run

Another hula hooping game, this one is categorized by color. The instructor will set out many hula hoops of different colors across the gym floor. The instructor will then call out a color, and students must run to the hula hoop of that color and stand inside it. This game works best if there are enough hoops for the students, but squeezing into the circle is part of the fun!

35) Hula Hoop Contest

Students will compete on an individual basis to see who can hula hoop for the longest period of time. The instructor can make the game more challenging by requiring students do specific tasks as they hula, like sticking up their arms, hula hooping while kneeling, or by moving the hula hoop up and down their torso.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

36) Step Back

Have students break into groups of two. Begin with each player standing about three feet from each other and roll a hula hoop to their partner. Once they catch the hula hoop, they must take a step back. The farther apart the students are, the trickier it gets!

37) Volcanoes and Ice Cream Cones

For this game, students will be divided into two groups: Volcanoes and Ice Cream Cones. For this game, the instructor must spread out cones across the gym floor—half are right side up (volcanoes) and the other half are upside down (ice cream cones). Have the two teams race to flip the cones to be either upright or upside down, depending on their team. The team with the most cones in their designated position wins.

Gym Games for Elementary Students (Continued)

38) Tic Tac Toe Relay

This game is played in teams of 3 versus 3. In the middle of the floor, there will be 9 hula hoops arranged as a tic tac toe board (3 rows of 3 hoops). Each student will have one place marker. One team will be beanbags, and the other team will be scarves.

On go, the first person of each team will race to place their marker on the board. The next student can go only when they are high-fived by the previous player. The aim is to make a tic tac toe on the board. The game can be played over several rounds and requires both teamwork and strategy to win!

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

39) Tic Tac Throw

A different take on the same game, Tic Tac Throw requires students to stand behind a line and throw their beanbags into the hula hoops to make Tic Tac Toe. Since students cannot run up to the hula hoops, this is a bit more challenging to place.

40) Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones

Assemble a row of cones. Pair up students into groups or two and have them stand on either side of the cone. Once students are ready, call out head, shoulders, knees, or cones. If head, shoulders, or knees are called, students must place their hands on that part of their body. If “cones” is called, then students must race to be the first to pick up their cone before their partner.

To keep the game going, students can earn one point whenever they pick up a cone. The game ends when one student reaches a certain number of points.

41) Bean Bag Dodgeball

This is a safer version of dodgeball, perfect for students who are a bit younger. Instead of using a foam ball, each student has a beanbag. Students are divided into two teams on opposite sides of the gym floor. Then, they aim for each other’s feet by sliding the beanbags across the floor. A player is out if a beanbag from the opposing side touches their feet.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

42) Obstacle Relays

Obstacles relays are a fun challenge for students that can be created in a ton of different combinations based on their skill level. For example, students must run between cones, jump between obstacles, shoot a ball into a hoop, or repeat a movement a certain number of times.

43) Balance the Egg

Learning to balance is a fine motor skill to hone. Have students balance a plastic egg or ball on a spoon and walk across the gym floor. If the egg falls, then they must start over. This game can be especially fun as a relay across multiple teams.

Gym Games for Elementary Students (Continued)

44) Balance the Beanbag

Another coordination game, this game requires students to balance the beanbag on different parts of their body, like their knee or foot. The game can be more challenging by asking students to balance the beanbag on their thumb or elbow.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

45) Cats and Mice

A take on flag football, assign each student a colored scarf. One color is for “mice” and one color is for “cats.” Cats will chase mice and mice will chase cats. Once the student catches a mouse or cat, they will grab their scarf, or “tail.” The winning team is the one who steals all the other tails first.

46) Watch out for the Snake!

Assemble students in groups of two and give each group a jump rope. Students will hold the jump rope on the ground between them, wiggling it around to look like a snake. Have the rest of the students attempt to jump over the snake without touching the jump rope.

Gym games for elementary students – Parachute Games

The following are elementary PE games which will require the use of a parachute, a classic staple in any elementary PE class. The parachute should be to accommodate the entire class.

47)Fleas off the Parachute

Divide students into two teams and have them each hold the edges of the parachute firmly. Place foam balls into the center of the parachute. The goal of one team is to keep as many of the foam balls, or “fleas,” inside the parachute as possible. The goal of the other team is to throw out all the fleas. Students will then flap the parachute. To give students an extra challenge, a timer would be helpful to up the stakes.

Gym Games for Elementary Students (Continued)

48) Beach-Ball Off the Ground

This parachute game requires more collaborative teamwork. For this game, one ball is placed in the center of the parachute; it can be a foam ball, beach ball, volleyball, or any other kind of lightweight ball. The students will flutter and weave the parachute all around, but they can’t let the ball fall out!

49) Parachute Tug-of-War

Divide students into two teams. Each team stands on an opposite side of the parachute and then competes in a tug-of-war competition to see which side wins!

50) Cross the Bridge

The instructor will call out a student’s name. When they do so, the other students will lift the parachute as high up as it can go while the player who was called runs underneath the parachute to the opposite side. The goal is to “cross the bridge” before the parachute falls and the player gets covered by the parachute.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

51) Circus Tent

While this game requires a large parachute and group of students, it is a fun game to play in any elementary PE class. All students must hold the edges of the parachute firmly. Students will then lift up the chute and pull it over their head, so they can be kneeling or sitting inside. The effect is that the parachute falls, like a circus tent, around them. Students can have fun making new patterns and shapes with their parachute.

52) Weather Reporter

One student is the designated “weather reporter.” They are in charge of calling out that day’s weather conditions, and the other students must flutter, swing, and move the parachute according to the weather report. This game builds children’s critical thinking skills and also requires them to work together to make the parachute move according to the weather report.

53) Retrieve the Treasure!

Instructors can pile items—scarves, foam balls, beanbags—under the parachute. Have students take turns venturing under the parachute to retrieve the items. This game works best when an instructor calls out the name of an individual student, to make sure not too many kids try to run at the same time. Plus, having a time limit is also helpful.

Elementary PE/Gym Games (Continued)

54) Parachute Change

Have students sit in a circle around the parachute. Call out specific categories, like birthday months or favorite foods. If that category applies to a student, they must run and switch places with someone else.

55) Color Quiz

A fun learning game for younger students, Color Quiz is an identifying game. The instructor places the parachute on a flat surface. Then, the instructor calls out a color on the parachute. The students must identify the color and then skip, hop, or jump to the color that is called. Students can then sit on the correct color once they get to the parachute.

Elementary PE Games – In Review

Whether playing a game in the classroom or in the gymnasium, students learn best when they are engaged and encouraged to be active participants. Gym games for elementary students are designed to not only capture the student’s imagination but also to encourage them to develop their fine motor skills, like their balance, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.

Plus, when gym games are played in groups, students can also learn the importance of teamwork. Throughout their educational careers, students will continue to work in groups and participate in team building exercises. Playing a variety of group-focused PE games early on can build a solid foundation for students to better understand how to work together.

So, not only are elementary PE games fun, but also, they help set students up for lifelong success!

Elementary PE Games – Additional Resources 

• 70 Best Brain Breaks for Kids
• 131 Amazing Riddles for Kids with Answers—2024
• 67 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers 
• 100 Best Quotes About Education & Teachers