Youth games that can be played in a gymnasium provide options for exercise when it is too cold or rainy outside. Physical education classes and after-school or summer camps often make use of gyms for the children to play and learn in. Games are played for exercise and sometimes to learn team-building or social skills.
Cross the River
Cross the River is a game adapted from PedagoNet, an online resource for physical education teachers. Cross the River is appropriate for younger children, from preschoolers to early elementary students. To set up the game in a gym, place two parallel pieces of masking tape across the floor, about 3 feet apart. You can also use jumping ropes for the lines, which will signify the banks of the "river." Have the children line up single file on one side the river. One at a time, each child takes a turn trying to jump from one side of the river to the other. If the player does not make it across the river, they got all wet from the river. You can keep widening the river to see which student stays dry the longest.
Infinity Ball
Mr. Gym is a website that provides gym game lesson plans, including infinity ball. Infinity ball is a game appropriate for middle elementary students. To play infinity ball, you will need a volleyball net set up in the gym and a beach ball or volleyball. Split the children into two groups and have them go to opposite sides of the net. Have the children spread out so they do not bump into each other. Toss the beach ball or volleyball into play and have each team try to volley the ball back and forth over the net without allowing it to drop. Mr. Gym suggests setting up two infinity ball courts and having the two separate games competing against each other to see who can keep the ball in play the longest.
Kick Ball
Kick ball is a classic gym game that can be played by children in early elementary school and above. Northern Michigan University Recreation Sports has specific rules and guidelines for kick ball play that can be modified for a basic youth game. To set up, place four bases in the gym to resemble a baseball diamond. Split the children into two teams. One team takes the field and spreads out to cover all the bases, along with the pitcher and some outfielders, depending on the amount of children. The other team lines up to kick. The pitcher will roll a rubber gym ball toward the first kicker who kicks the ball. Similar to baseball, the kicker runs to first base while the fielders try to either catch the ball in the air or throw it to first base before the runner for an out. Have the teams change sides after three outs as in baseball, or allow each player to kick once before switching, depending on the children and amount of time you have.
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