Back to School, Back to Play: Simple Ways to Keep Kids Moving During the School Year

The backpacks are packed, lunches are (mostly) made, and just like that, school is back in session. While we’re all getting back into routines, one thing that’s easy to overlook is movement. During the summer, kids are constantly running, climbing, and playing. But once school starts? Most of their day is spent sitting.

That’s why finding ways to keep your kids active during the school year is so important—and no, it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. At Bolder Play, we’re all about helping families keep play a part of everyday life, even when things get busy.

Here are a few low-effort, high-fun ways to help your kids stay active (and burn off some after-school wiggles).

1. Make After-School Time a Movement Break

After a full day of sitting in class, most kids need to move before they can focus on anything else, especially homework. Before diving into snacks and assignments, try letting them jump, climb, or race around for 15–20 minutes.

Set up the Obstacle Course Race Set in the backyard, hang out on the Ninjaline, or hop on the Twist n’ Spin inside if the weather’s not cooperating. It doesn’t need to be long, just enough to shake off the school day.

2. Start the Day with a Little Movement

Let’s be honest, mornings can be chaotic. But even a tiny bit of movement—stretching, hopping on Stepping Stones, or racing to get dressed—can help kids wake up and head out the door in a better mood.

Movement boosts energy, focus, and confidence, and it might even make mornings more fun (no promises, but we’ll take what we can get).

3. Wind Down with Play (Really!)

It might sound backward, but letting your kids move around after dinner can actually help them wind down. A few slides down the StairSlide, a slow swing in the Dreamcatcher Swing, or a silly movement game helps their brains and bodies reset after a full day.

No rules, no structure, just letting them move however they want before bedtime routines kick in.

4. Don’t Let Weekends Slip Away

Once school starts, weekends can get filled up fast. Between errands, birthday parties, and grocery runs, play can fall to the bottom of the list. Try planning at least one outdoor activity a weekend, even if it’s just 30 minutes in the yard.

Hook up the Swingline, head to a local park, or challenge your kids to create their own obstacle course with stuff you already have. The goal is just to get everyone moving and having fun together!

Let Play Fuel the School Year

Going back to school doesn’t mean you have to leave the fun behind. With just a little intention (and a few awesome play tools), you can keep your kids active, happy, and ready to take on the year.

Check out our active play favorites here to help your kids move more, play more, and feel their best, all year long!