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PE Warm-Up Games and Instant Activities
254 activitiesElementary · 114Middle School · 85High School · 55
A good warm-up gets both body and brain ready: it gradually raises heart rate and muscle temperature, loosens up the joints and rehearses the movements coming up in the lesson. Run as a game, an instant activity also gets kids moving the moment they walk into the gym, with no laps and no waiting. Think of two phases: a general one with locomotor movement and dynamic mobility, and a specific one tied to the day's skill.
Plan about five to ten minutes and build intensity step by step. K–2 classes enjoy animal walks, traffic light games and gentle tag; grades 3–5 do well with ball-handling games tied to the current unit; older students can create and lead warm-ups in small groups, which also shows you whether they understand why warming up matters. Post the instant activity on a board so students can start without you.
Warm-up games: Elementary (ages 6–12)
Chain Tag
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 8 min
Joint Mobility Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 5 min
Zumba Kids
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 10 min
Crazy Train
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Traffic Light Moves
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Color Tag
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 8 min
Animal Races
Warm-up · ages 6–9 · 7 min
The Conductor
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 5 min
Moving Mirror
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Hoop Jump Targets
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Numbers Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 7 min
Snake Train
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Freeze Dance Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 8 min
Body Echo
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 5 min
Explorer Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Joint Mobility Circle
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 5 min
Follow the Leader
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Giant Dice Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 8 min
Tides Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 6 min
Warm-up with Paper Balls
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 7 min
Active Blind Man's Bluff
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
The Body Rocket
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 5 min
World Cooperative Greeting
Warm-up · ages 6–12 · 5 min
The Energy Volcano
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Prehistoric Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Parachute Activation
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 8 min
The Clapping Tunnel
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Space Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Circus Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 7 min
Name-in-Motion Game
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 6 min
Nautical Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Partner Imitation
Warm-up · ages 6–11 · 6 min
Superhero Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Band-Aid Tag
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 8 min
Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cone!
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
River and Bank
Warm-up · ages 6–9 · 7 min
Simon Says on the Move
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 8 min
Zoo Tag
Warm-up · ages 6–9 · 8 min
Clap Code Commands
Warm-up · ages 6–10 · 7 min
Color Touch Race
Warm-up · ages 6–9 · 7 min
Color Hoop Callouts
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Cooperative Musical Hoops
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 10 min
Hoop Path Jumping Patterns
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 9 min
Wiggle Snake Rope Jump
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Floor Rope Tightrope Walkers
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Scarf Toss Challenges
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
No-Hands Scarf Carry
Warm-up · ages 6–9 · 8 min
Hot Potato Fitness Circle
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Speed-Up
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 6 min
Tooty Ta Cumulative Dance
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 7 min
Move to the Hand Drum Beat
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Scarf Dance to the Music
Warm-up · ages 6–8 · 8 min
Mirror Shadows
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
The Rocking Ship
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Movement Bingo
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Active Corners
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Shadow Tag
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 8 min
Number Hunt
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 7 min
Around the World
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 6 min
Initials Race
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 7 min
The Robot and the Pilot
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 6 min
Individual Jump Rope
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Letter Race
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 7 min
Fox Tail Tag
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 9 min
Low-Impact Obstacle Race
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Cross Tag (Cut the Thread)
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 10 min
Germ Tag with Doctors
Warm-up · ages 7–11 · 9 min
Cops and Robbers with Jailbreak
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 12 min
Crows and Cranes
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 9 min
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 9 min
Line Tag
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 9 min
Rob the Nest
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 10 min
Rope Sweep Jump
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 9 min
Cone Flip Frenzy
Warm-up · ages 7–12 · 8 min
Guided Stretching
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Partner Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Dynamic Stretch Chain
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Quick Activation Relay
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Stretch Wave
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Clock Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Partner Pole Bridge
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Quick Warm-up Circuit
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 9 min
Sound Train (Blindfolded)
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Trio Cooperative Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Passing on the Move
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Balance Pose Challenge
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
The Ribbon Maze
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Scarf Relay Race
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Individual Stick Mobility
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Short Activation Passes in a Circle
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 6 min
Partner Reaction Square
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Sharks and Minnows
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 10 min
Fox and Hens
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 10 min
Crazy Start Sprints
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 10 min
Partner Tag
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Twin Tag
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 9 min
Drop and Catch Reaction
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Spud with a Foam Ball
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 10 min
Roll and Chase the Hoop
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 10 min
Pole Hurdles and Tunnels
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 10 min
Balance the Pole on Your Palm
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 8 min
Number Call Dribble Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 9 min
Over-Under Relay
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 9 min
Clean Up Your Backyard
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 9 min
Hula Hoop Music Challenge
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 9 min
Ball Around the Body Mobility
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 7 min
Hoop Safe Base Tag
Warm-up · ages 8–10 · 9 min
Bunny Hop Conga Line
Warm-up · ages 8–12 · 7 min
Boxer Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 9–12 · 6 min
Warm-up with Light Medicine Ball
Warm-up · ages 9–12 · 7 min
Pass and Tag
Warm-up · ages 9–12 · 10 min
Jump Rope Music Intervals
Warm-up · ages 10–12 · 10 min
Stick Drop Switch
Warm-up · ages 10–12 · 9 min
Eight-Count Line Dance Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 10–12 · 10 min
Warm-up games: Middle School (ages 12–16)
Specific Joint Mobility (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Continuous Run with Pace Changes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Zone Tag (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Guided Dynamic Stretching
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Speed Traffic Light Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Hip and Spine Mobility
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Activation with Agility Ladder
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Warm-up Passing Game 3v3
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Cone Task Race
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Moving Mirror (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Activation Ball Relays
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Shoulder and Wrist Mobility
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 6 min
Color Reaction Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Partner Passes in Motion (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Active Chain Stretching
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Eye-Hand Coordination Circuit
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Islands Game (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 12–15 · 8 min
Skipping and Running Variations
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Cooperative Varied Passes Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Ankle and Knee Mobility
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 6 min
Ten-Pass Warm-up Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Team Warm-up: Active Introduction Circle
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Reaction Speed with Audio Signals
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Tactical Pursuit Game 2v2
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Continuous Run with Direction Changes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Motor Role-Play Activation
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Speed Circuit: Static Starts
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Changing Leader Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Zigzag Agility Run
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Cardiovascular Activation with Individual Rope
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Team Center-Ball Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Steal the Bacon with Tactical Variations
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Lateral Reaction Speed Game
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Guided Hip-Hop Activation
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Single-Leg Balance Exercises
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Warm-up Relays with Role Changes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Footwork: Imaginary Agility Ladder
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 7 min
Standing Tennis Ball Passes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Layup Lines Warm-Up Carousel
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Volleyball Pepper in Threes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Soccer Passing Square Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Team Handball Fake-and-Pass Lines
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Badminton Six-Point Shadow Footwork
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Inchworm and Spider-Lunge Mobility Flow
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Hurdle Walkover Hip Mobility
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Bodyguard Tag in Threes
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Rugby Backward Pass Lines
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Hexagon Agility Hops
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 9 min
Four-Corner Ball Raid
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Palm Push Balance Duels
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Sports Moves Dice Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 12–14 · 9 min
Wall Toss and Shuffle
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 8 min
Softball Throwing Progression
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Floorball Stickhandling Slalom
Warm-up · ages 12–16 · 10 min
Dragon Tail Tag
Warm-up · ages 12–14 · 8 min
Two-Ball Chase Circle
Warm-up · ages 12–14 · 7 min
Neuro-Muscular Activation Circuit
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Basic Plyometric Jumps
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 8 min
Gentle Floor Strength Circuit
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Technical Running Patterns
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 8 min
4v1 Warm-up Rondo
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Free Warm-up Fartlek
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Station Activation Circuit
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Global Spinal Mobility
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 7 min
Squats and Lunges Activation
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 7 min
Basic Proprioception Exercises
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 7 min
Assisted Partner Stretching
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 8 min
Active Mobility with Wooden Sticks
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 7 min
Team Isometric Squat
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 6 min
5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 10 min
Assisted Partner Mobility (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 8 min
Motor Chess Warm-up
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 9 min
Floor Core Activation (Middle School)
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 8 min
Takeoff Progression Jump Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 12 min
Team-Designed Warm-Up Cards
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 12 min
Jigsaw Expert Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 12 min
Knee and Ankle Injury-Prevention Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 13–16 · 12 min
Light Resistance Band Activation
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 8 min
Foam Roller Stretching
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 8 min
HIIT 20-10 Activation Circuit
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 10 min
Progressive Warm-up with Elastic Bands
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 9 min
Full Functional Mobility Circuit
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 10 min
Four-Phase RAMP Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 12 min
Partner Coach Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 12 min
Build-Up Strides in Lanes
Warm-up · ages 14–16 · 10 min
Warm-up games: High School (ages 16–18)
Progressive Joint Mobility (High School)
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Jog with Pace and Direction Changes
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Cardiovascular Activation with Light Burpees
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Individual Jump Rope & Coordination
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Dynamic Lower Body Stretching
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 6 min
Activation with Squats and Lunges
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Chase Game: Human Chain
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Low Obstacle Run (Cones)
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Standing Core and Spinal Rotations
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 6 min
Activation with Basic Plyometric Exercises
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Partner Ball Passes with Movement
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Continuous Run with Step Variations
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Progressive Push-ups on the Floor
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 6 min
Reaction Game: Movement Mirror
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Skipping and Knee-Lift Progressions
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Dynamic Upper Body Stretching
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 6 min
Activation Circuit (4 Stations, 30 s)
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Side Shuffle and Carioca
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Medicine Ball Warm-up for High School
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Neuromuscular Activation with Elastic Bands
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Cooperative Game: Pass Without Touching the Floor
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Hip Mobility with Step Variations
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 6 min
Short Sprints with Active Recovery
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Box Jump Activation
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Full Joint Mobility Circuit
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Small-Sided Handball Game (3v3)
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Jog with Stride Length Variations
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Core Activation with Progressive Planks
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 7 min
Triangle Passes with Lateral Movement
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Functional Exercise Activation Wheel
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Injury Prevention Warm-Up for Field Sports
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Warm-Up Leader of the Day
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Single-Leg Balance Passing for Ankle Stability
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Partner Posterior Chain Activation
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Voice-Only Warm-Up Challenge
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Video Check Warm-Up Stations
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Heart Rate Zone Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 11 min
Volleyball Warm-Up: Shoulders, Passing, and Footwork
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Y-Drill Passing and Cutting for Soccer
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Basketball Defensive Zigzag Slides
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Thrower's Shoulder Warm-Up for Team Handball
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 11 min
Running Form Drills: High Knees, Butt Kicks, and Bounds
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Paddle Sports Warm-Up: Wrist, Shoulder, and Rally
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Safe Falls and Balance Breaking on the Mat
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Finger and Shoulder Prep for Climbing
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Dance Warm-Up: Isolations and Body Waves
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Dowel Drills for Strength Movement Patterns
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Partner Color Reaction Sprints
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Stick the Landing Jump Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Anti-Rotation Core Activation with Bands
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Dual-Task Tennis Ball Activation
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 9 min
Eight-Move Mat Mobility Flow
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 8 min
Mobility Self-Screen and Fix-It Warm-Up
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Self-Guided Warm-Up Checklist
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 10 min
Mini Orienteering Warm-Up Course
Warm-up · ages 16–18 · 12 min
Plan your PE lessons with these activities
Drag any activity into a warm-up, main activity or cool-down, run the class timer from your phone and track SHAPE America standards per class.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a PE warm-up last?
In a 40- to 50-minute class, five to ten minutes is usually enough. With younger kids it can be shorter and very playful. The exact time matters less than the progression: start easy, raise intensity a little at a time, and finish with movements that look like the skill work coming next.
Should students do static stretches or dynamic movements to warm up?
Dynamic movement works better at the start of class: arm circles, leg swings, skips, lunges and varied locomotor patterns prepare the body to move fast. Save long static holds for the cool-down. If a student wants to stretch a specific spot, a short stretch at the end of the warm-up is fine.
How do I teach students to warm up on their own?
Lead the first warm-ups yourself and explain why each part is there. Then have partners suggest one exercise for each phase, and later let a small group design and lead the whole-class warm-up from a template card. Checking together whether they followed a gradual progression makes a quick, meaningful assessment.
More PE activity topics
Cooperative gamesTraditional gamesTag gamesBasketballSoccerVolleyballHandballRacket gamesTrack and fieldAlternative sportsDance and creative movementGymnastics and jugglingOrienteeringCool-down activitiesFitness gamesFundamental movement skillsNo-equipment gamesIndoor games for small spacesFirst aid and CPR