PE Games for Hot Weather: Indoor Activities for International Schools
In many international schools, especially those in warmer climates, high temperatures and humidity are a real issue in delivering outdoor physical education. Adapting PE lessons for safety without losing the fun or fitness focus during these hotter times is critical.
Fortunately, hot weather doesn’t mean physical activity has to stop. This blog outlines engaging, safe indoor PE games that can be delivered in a variety of school settings, from gyms to sports halls and even large classrooms.
For guidance on adapting your curriculum and routines when teaching in hot weather outdoors, be sure to check out our Teaching Safe PE in the Heat blog.
5 Hot Weather Indoor PE Games
1. Partner Balances
This fantastic low-equipment activity is perfect for gym spaces or large indoor rooms. Pair children and have them create partner balances, where one child acts as the base and the other as the flyer. This activity boosts teamwork, communication, and core strength and is especially useful for gymnastics or dance units.
2. Rebound Reaction Time
Use small reaction balls or tennis balls for quick, hand-eye coordination challenges. Children bounce and catch against the wall. This can be done as an individual or in a pair. When working in pairs, children can either work cooperatively to get the highest score possible or play against each other competitively to stop their partner from catching the ball.
3. Indoor Benchball
A favourite in many British-curriculum and IB schools, indoor benchball is a great indoor game. Players must pass the ball across the room to their teammates while avoiding interception, aiming to land on a ‘bench’ or marked zone. It’s an excellent way to teach the principles of play, including spacing, passing, and defensive strategies, all within a safe indoor environment. (insert Benchball rules link)
4. Dance Challenges
Use hot-weather lessons to explore creative movement. From follow-the-leader dance routines to child-led choreography, indoor spaces are ideal for developing rhythm, confidence, and self-expression. These lessons are easy to adapt for different age groups and align perfectly with primary PE objectives around creativity and body control. You can try one of our dance lessons for free here.
5. Parachute Play
Although usually associated with younger children, all children can enjoy parachute games. Use a lightweight parachute for games that involve teamwork, rhythm, and movement, such as mushroom lift, colour calls, and cat and mouse. You can use large fabric sheets or mats if a full parachute isn’t available.
Why Indoor PE Matters in International Settings
Planning indoor alternatives is essential in international school environments, where high temperatures and intense sun are a daily reality. Heat can be a serious health risk, especially for younger pupils or those not used to hot climates.
Whether you teach in Dubai, Singapore, Nairobi, or Bangkok, your PE curriculum must offer flexibility, safety and variety.
By adapting lessons with engaging hot-weather indoor PE games, you’re not only prioritising safety but also showing that PE can thrive in any environment. These activities help build skills, foster creativity, and keep pupils moving, rain or shine, in a heatwave or in humidity.
For more activities that can be delivered in hot weather, sign up for our free trial today to access a range of free lesson plans.