8 PE Games With No Equipment

At Hey Kanga, we hear from PE teachers all the time about their equipment challenges. Maybe the gym's being used for an assembly, the ball cart's gone missing (again!), or you're working with a limited budget. Whatever the reason, we've got you covered! We've gathered the most popular no-equipment games from our community of teachers that keep kids moving and having fun.

The Magic of Equipment-Free Games

Let's be real - sometimes simple is better! Our teachers have discovered that games without equipment often lead to the most engaging and inclusive classes. You can run these activities anywhere, from a cramped classroom to a spacious field, making scheduling conflicts a thing of the past. With zero setup time, you'll spend more time playing and less time organizing. Best of all, every student can participate regardless of their athletic ability, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can shine. These games are especially perfect for those "surprise" indoor days when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Indoor Games That Actually Work

Four Corners

This game is an absolute hit with elementary students! Think of it as musical chairs without the chairs. One student serves as the caller, standing in the middle with their eyes closed while counting to ten. Meanwhile, their classmates quietly sneak to one of the four corners, each labelled with a number or color. When the caller opens their eyes and picks a number, that corner is out! Teachers in our community say this one's perfect for those high-energy classes that need a bit of structure. Plus, it's surprisingly effective at getting kids to practice their sneaking skills (and we all know how much they love that!).

Mirror, Mirror

Want to work on coordination without making anyone feel self-conscious? Mirror, Mirror is your answer. Students pair up, with one leading slow, deliberate movements while their partner copies them like a mirror. After a minute, they switch roles. Our teachers start simple with basic arm movements, then gradually encourage more creativity. You'll be amazed at how even your shyest students start to come out of their shells!

Body Alphabet

Warning: This one causes serious giggles! Challenge students to create letters with their bodies, starting with easy shapes like 'T' or 'X'. As they get more confident, level up to spelling whole words. For an extra challenge, have groups work together to form more complex letters. Our teachers love this one because it sneakily combines literacy with movement. Plus, there's nothing funnier than watching a group of kids try to make a 'W' together!

Traffic Lights

ProTip: Improves listening skills and reaction time.

When you need to maintain some control while letting kids burn energy, Traffic Lights is your go-to game. Students respond to different commands: "green light" means run, "yellow light" means walk, and "red light" means freeze. Spice things up by adding fun twists like "roundabout" (spin in circles) or "speed bump" (jump). It's the perfect balance of structure and excitement.

Outdoor Hits That Never Fail

Stuck in the Mud

This classic gets kids working together and moving like crazy. A few students start as taggers, trying to freeze their classmates. Once tagged, students must stand like scarecrows with their arms out. The twist? Other players can free their frozen friends by crawling under their arms. The game continues until everyone's frozen - though our teachers report this rarely happens because of all the teamwork!

What time is it, Mr. Wolf?

A Hey Kanga community favorite that combines strategy, counting, and sprinting! One student plays the wolf, standing at one end of the play area. The rest of the class calls out, "What's the time, Mr. Wolf?" and takes steps according to the wolf's answer. The suspense builds until the wolf suddenly shouts "Dinner time!" sending everyone sprinting back to safety. It's simple but incredibly engaging.

Giants, Wizards, Elves

Imagine rock-paper-scissors meets tag, with a dash of fantasy! Split your class into two teams who secretly choose to be either Giants (who defeat Elves), Elves (who defeat Wizards), or Wizards (who defeat Giants). Teams face off, and the winning group chases the others back to their safe zone. Anyone caught switches teams, creating an exciting, ever-changing dynamic.

Blob Tag

Watch as your class transforms into one giggling, moving blob! Starting with a single tagger, anyone who gets caught joins hands with the blob. The growing chain of students works together to tag others until everyone's part of one massive, laughing blob. Our teachers say it's impossible to play this game without filling the playground with joy.

Try out some great PE classes ideas from our partners at Twinkl.

Transform Your Classes with Hey Kanga

Did you know Hey Kanga has hundreds of videos that do not require equipment?

Simply use the filters for ‘No Equipment Needed’ to find these videos.

When you join Hey Kanga, you'll discover new variations to keep these games fresh, track which activities your students love most, and connect with other teachers to share successful lessons. Our detailed instructions, teacher tips, and age-appropriate modifications ensure you're always prepared for class.

Try Hey Kanga for Free Today!

Incorporating PE games with no equipment into your curriculum ensures that students can stay active, whether you’re teaching indoors or outdoors. These games are not only fun but also help develop important physical and social skills. With resources like Hey Kanga’s video class library, you can keep your lessons fresh, engaging, and inclusive. Start implementing these games today and watch your students thrive in physical education!

FAQs

What are some indoor PE games with no equipment?

Indoor PE games with no equipment include Simon Says, Freeze Dance, Human Knot, and Shadow Tag.

Can these games be adapted for outdoor settings?

Yes, many of these games can be adapted for outdoor play, such as Red Light, Green Light, and Captain’s Coming.

How does Hey Kanga help with PE lessons?

Hey Kanga offers a video library of no-equipment PE classes that provide fresh ideas and easy-to-implement activities for educators.

What is a good game for promoting teamwork indoors?
The Human Knot is an excellent indoor game that promotes teamwork and problem-solving among students.

Why are no-equipment PE games beneficial?
No-equipment PE games are accessible, easy to organize, and inclusive, ensuring that all students can participate and enjoy physical activity.

Can Hey Kanga be used for both indoor and outdoor PE lessons?
Yes, Hey Kanga's no-equipment video classes are versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor PE lessons.

What is Hey Kanga?

Hey Kanga is a platform that aims to get everybody moving joyfully, expressively, and effectively, while helping children discover their full potential. It provides teachers with a range of tools, including quick movement breaks, dances, mindfulness meditation, fitness games, and comprehensive physical education curriculums.

How can Hey Kanga benefit teachers?

Hey Kanga gives teachers the opportunity to become active learning experts, even if they have no physical education expertise. The platform offers ready-to-teach videos that are easy to use, allowing teachers to incorporate fun and confident movement throughout the school day, promoting a culture of engagement and enjoyment.

What kind of content does Hey Kanga offer?

Hey Kanga offers a variety of content, including quick movement and brain breaks, viral trend dances, mindfulness meditation, one-off fitness games, early years programming, full physical education curriculums, gymnastics lesson plans, kids online yoga classes, folk dancing lessons, fundamental fitness circuits, and DrumFIT cardio-drumming. All content is presented in captivating instructor-led video format.

Can Hey Kanga be used by students of all abilities?

Yes, Hey Kanga aims to provide fitness opportunities that fit every body. Regardless of ability, the platform ensures that every child fulfils their full physical, mental-emotional, and academic potential. It promotes social-emotional active learning, creating an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive.

Is there a free trial available for Hey Kanga?

Yes, Hey Kanga offers a free trial for new users. This gives teachers the opportunity to explore the platform and experience its benefits before making a commitment. The free trial allows you to see how Hey Kanga can enhance your classroom wellbeing activities.