Yoga becomes peppy for teens and kids when you combine it with these jolly games.
Kids and teens both demand playful activities. Meanwhile, mums and dads want to find some creative methods to get their children into healthy habits.
It does sound a bit challenging. But the good news is that there are some best yoga games for teens and kids that are made available exactly for that reason.
So, this article introduces a combination of games to increase balance, concentration, and imagination. And, at the same time, they can make your kids learn and enjoy interactive challenges without a sweat.
Our Top Picks for Best Yoga Games for Teens and Kids
Here’s the list of 7 games that children of all ages won’t get tired of, even if you make them play every day.
Yogi Says
Yogi Says is an incredibly interactive and entertaining activity. In the game, you choose one kid to pretend to be the Yogi. They give directions to all the others to perform a yoga pose.
But here’s the twist! The main players can only carry out the directive if it starts with the phrase “Yogi says.” In other words, these magical words make Yogi the “Real Yogi” of the game.
This easy game is playful and it encourages the active fun process by teaching all about listening carefully. In every new round, you can select a new Yogi so that everyone feels the responsibility of leadership.
Blind Man’s Buff
Blind Man’s Buff is a wonderful yoga game that combines guessing and yoga poses that are fun-filled.
In this game, you need to have:
- A scarf that serves as a blindfold
- A few small items, like animal figures, that go with the yoga poses
- A box or a small cloth bag to put away these items
To start with, first, you should gather all the toys in the container. Then, take one player who will be blindfolded by tying the scarf around their eyes. Next, the blindfolded player gets to pick a toy out of the container without looking.
The player will then try to guess which toy it is through touch. If they guess it right, the pose for yoga that is related to the toy is then fulfilled. But if they don’t, the other kid who knows the correct yoga pose will do it.
This game offers the great advantage of being easy to play and giving a fantastic opportunity for kids and teens to practice yoga in a fun way.
Mirror Yoga Game
The Mirror yoga game is a simple and lively activity where you pick one kid to be the leader. They start the game by showing a specific yoga pose, which all other players try to copy, just like a mirror.
In every round, you choose a different leader so that each one has the chance to lead. This game functions as a warm-up and improves children’s and teens’ attention.
Let’s Tell
Want to add teamwork qualities to your kids and teens? Here’s an excellent way to do it.
The Let’s Tell yoga game is played by forming two teams with at least four players in each. You need image cards and a timer. The goal is to explain the card’s word without saying it.
One kid narrates and picks the top card. They show the card to a member of the other team and then describe the picture within the set time.
And this is where the game gets more interesting! The opposite team must guess the word. If they guess correctly, they win the card. After all cards are used, each team creates a yoga flow with their cards and performs the yoga poses.
Balancing Buddy
Image Source: Be Yoga Be Love
Oh! This one is tricky. But also, it’s an exciting game.
Every player gets a toy and has to balance it on their body by going through a series of yoga poses.
The objective is to keep the stuffed toy from falling during various yoga positions. Teachers or parents can help kids by explaining where they should put the stuffed animal for each pose.
This Balancing Buddy not only works on balance and focus but also brings a lot of joy to the routine. For older children or younger ones, it could be a fun activity where they practice a little intense yoga without being tired or nervous.
Yoga Dice
Yoga Dice is another group game where 2 to 5 players play on 2 to 3 yoga mats.
A player rolls the dice and checks a chart to find a matching yoga pose. Everyone holds the pose for 10 slow seconds. For an extra challenge, players try to build a sequence by adding each new pose.
The game encourages the turn-taking and holding of poses for 3-5 slow breaths. Besides, it teaches kids about personal space.
Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light
Image Source: Tiny Beans
Alright! We’re not talking about the TV show, so parents, don’t panic.
The Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light is a cherry yoga game that combines running with yoga. The goal is to be the first player to reach the caller or the opposite side of the room.
A caller shouts colors, and players move accordingly. When the green light is called, players run or move quickly.
Yellow light means slow motion. Kids and teens may crawl, move backward, or pretend to slide.
Red light means to freeze in a yoga pose. If a player moves too soon or picks the wrong action, they return to the start.
Conclusion
Adding yoga games for teens and kids to the school curriculum or at home is like icing on the cake. These games are great ways to mix wellness with play. They promote movement, balance, and creativity, as well as give kids a sense of leadership and teamwork.
Kids like the funny poses and tricky moves they do, while teens take advantage of the additional balance and mindfulness exercises. Families spend happy moments shared, which together create unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you structure a yoga class for teens and kids?
Have a welcome board for children. Start with a 3-minute breathing exercise followed by a 5-minute warm-up session. Next, introduce the theme or yoga game the class will play.
What is the best age to start yoga for kids?
There is no limit, according to experts. However, if your child is 6 or 8, they are ready to take their first yoga lesson.