Fun PE Warm-Ups

Fun PE Warm-Up Games

Getting children moving at the start of any lesson can make a big difference in their focus, energy, and enjoyment. That’s where fun and engaging warm-up games come in! Whether you’re planning a full PE lesson or you just need a quick activity to get started, these warm-up games are perfect for all ages.

Warm-up games are a fantastic way to transition into physical activity, build teamwork, and help children burn off that extra energy. Below, we’ve shared some of our favourite physical education warm-up games – plus a free downloadable PDF packed with even more fun ideas for your lessons.

Dead ants and skydivers

Using the space available, the teacher should direct children to move around the room in a variety of ways, including jogging, taking little steps, taking big strides, using hoops, jumping, performing slide steps, and more.

At the teacher's command, children should perform the following actions:

1. Dead Ants: Lie on their back with arms and legs up in the air as if they are dead.

2. Sky Divers: Lie on their stomachs as if skydiving and count with the teacher, "5000, 4000, 3000, 2000, 1000, PULL!"

Not In My Back Garden

To play this game, split the class into two halves and divide the playing area accordingly. Give each team lots of soft balls or beanbags. The goal of the game is for each team to throw their balls/beanbags to the other side of the playing area while the other team is doing the same. Players are not allowed to cross the middle line, and the game is timed. When the teacher signals the end of the game, both teams must freeze with their hands in the air. The children must then gather and count their balls and beanbags, and the team with the least amount wins.

Cone to Cone

Place out a circuit of cones around the playing area using as many different colours as available. The children need to stand in a row and jump or hop over the cones set out. You can add different challenges/conditions based on the colour of the cones. For example red cones you need to hop over with your left leg.

Gymnastics Challenges

Begin with all children lying down on their mats. The teacher should call out commands for the children to follow e.g. Lie down → stand up →  lie down → 10 straight jumps → 5 sit-ups → 5 press ups. Give a series of commands for children to follow, for example: pike, straddle, stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down, arch, dish, straddle, tuck, tuck roll, stand up, jog on the spot.

Free Fun PE Warm-ups Document