Hotel Room Survival: Top 10 Indoor Physical Activities for High-Energy Kids
Have you ever been stuck indoors with very energetic children who are literally bouncing off the walls? (yes, my 5 year old was trying to jump off a bed and see how high he could climb up the wall “like Spiderman!”) In these. moments, when no amount of screen time can keep your child entertained, the hours seem to tick by so very slowly.
I’ve managed 2 weeks in a hotel room with an energetic 5 year old and wiggly 1 year old and below are the top indoor physical activities that helped them play, focus, and most importantly, burn energy. With our move to Kinshasa, we’ve been temporarily staying in a hotel, and have very limited outdoor time. Kinshasa has minimal recreational green spaces, very poor air quality, and no sidewalks. Because of this, I’ve had to get creative in our hotel living situation. We’ve tested many different activities, below you’ll find our top 10 favorite indoor activities that helped burn off energy and have fun while stuck inside.
1. Stair Climbing Challenge
When outdoor movement isn’t an option, we have to get creative. The hotel stairs to the 9th floor became our family fitness zone. We turned it into a mini competition: how many floors could we climb before getting tired? The kids loved counting the steps and racing against the grown ups (and honestly our 5 year old is way faster than either of us),
2. Sock Basketball
Who needs a real basketball hoop when you have a pair of socks and a trash can? This simple game was quick and easy.
- What You Need: Rolled-up socks (as the “ball”) and a trash can, laundry bag, or even a suitcase (as the “hoop”).
- How to Play: Take turns tossing the sock ball into the hoop from different distances. To make it more challenging, try trick shots or set up a points system.
This game was a favorite because it got everyone moving without needing much space.
3. Pillow Fort Building
Pillow forts are a childhood classic, and a hotel room provides the perfect canvas for this activity.
- What You Need: Hotel pillows, blankets, chairs, and your imagination.
- How to Play: Work together to create a cozy hideout. Once built, it can serve as a secret base for other games, a reading nook, or even a nap zone.
Building the fort was fun and provided a great spot to play hide and seek too.
4. Hotel Room Hide and Seek
Limited space doesn’t mean you can’t play hide and seek! We adapted this game to our surroundings and also, played it in the dark which made it a little more challenging in a small space.
- For Kids: Find spots to hide under blankets, behind chairs, or even in the closet.
- For Parents: Hide small objects (like a toy or a sock ball) and have the kids search for them around the room.
5. Obstacle Course
We turned everyday hotel items into an indoor obstacle course.
- What You Need: Chairs, pillows, rolled-up towels, etc.
- How to Play: Set up stations for crawling under chairs, jumping over pillows, and balancing on towels. Time your child to see how fast they can complete the course.
Not only did this help burn off energy, but it also encouraged problem-solving and movement.
6. Guess That Sound Game
Engage their senses with this easy game.
- How to Play: Close your eyes and take turns making sounds with objects around the room (e.g., tapping a glass, snapping fingers, zipping a suitcase). The other person guesses the sound.
7. Treasure Hunt with Clues
Turn your hotel room into a treasure map!
- How to Play: Hide a small object (like a toy or snack) and create simple clues or rhymes or use “hot” and “cold” hints to guide your child to the hidden treasure.
8. Balloon Games
A balloon can provide a surprising amount of entertainment for young kids. A guard at a shopping mall gave my kid a balloon and even though it was slightly deflated, it provided us with some fun games.
- How to Play:
- Keep It Up: See how long you can keep the balloon in the air without letting it touch the ground.
- Volleyball: Use the bed as a net and hit the balloon back and forth.
9. Water Bottle Bowling
- Use empty water bottles and set them up as bowling pins. Use a ball (or something else that rolls) as a bowling ball. This was our favorite activity of them all and even our 1 year old liked to knock down the “pins.”
10. Spa Day
Relax and unwind with a pretend spa session.
- How to Play: Warm washcloths, hand lotion, and cozy towels are all you need to create a calming “spa day.” Take turns giving mini massages or pampering each other with this soothing activity. We did this at the end of the day to wind down after lots of active indoor time. Bonus- I laid on the floor and had my kids walk or crawl on my back for a “massage.” Was it as great as a true massage? Not at all, but it was as close as I could get to a moment of relaxation.
Final Thoughts: Indoor Physical Activities for High Energy Kids
Life stuck in a hotel room with kids can feel like an endless challenge, especially when outdoor spaces aren’t an option. But with a little creativity (and a willingness to embrace the chaos), we found ways to keep our high-energy children entertained, active, and happy.
If you’re stuck indoors—whether on vacation, during a move, or because of bad weather—try these activities and let us know which ones your kids love the most.
