Top Apps That Turn Exercise Into a Game for Kids
Getting kids excited about exercise can be tough—especially when you're competing with games, YouTube, and never-ending screen time. But what if you didn’t have to compete with screens at all? What if you could use them to your advantage?
That’s the magic of fitness apps designed for kids. These apps turn movement into a game, a quest, or an adventure, using storytelling, challenges, and rewards to get kids moving without even realizing they’re working out. And for parents, they’re a powerful tool to build healthy habits without the nagging.
Here’s a roundup of the best apps that make exercise feel like play, plus tips for choosing the right one for your family.
Why Fitness Apps Work for Kids
Modern fitness apps designed for kids tap into the same things that make video games so addictive:
- Immediate feedback and encouragement
- Fun characters and storylines
- Unlockable rewards and levels
- Variety and customization
- Short, engaging bursts of activity
They work especially well for:
- Kids who are screen-motivated
- Rainy days or indoor activity
- Building consistency with fun
- Kids who need structure to focus
Now let’s look at some of the top options out there.
1. Sworkit Kids
Platform: iOS, Android
Best for: Ages 5–12
What it does:
Sworkit Kids offers short, simple, and fun workout routines guided by cartoon avatars. Movements are easy to follow and don’t require any equipment. Categories include strength, agility, flexibility, and balance.
Why kids love it: Clear instructions, fun animations, and no pressure. Sessions can be as short as 5 minutes—perfect for quick movement breaks.
Why parents love it: Ad-free, educator-approved, and great for setting a timer while you prep dinner or take a breather.
2. GoNoodle
Platform: iOS, Android, Roku, web
Best for: Ages 4–10
What it does:
GoNoodle combines music, dancing, mindfulness, and silly fun into short videos and interactive movement challenges. Originally built for classrooms, it’s become a family favorite at home.
Why kids love it: Energetic hosts, funny characters, and catchy songs. Movement feels like part of the game.
Why parents love it: Completely free, safe content, and even includes calming routines for winding down.
3. Pokémon Smile + Pokémon Playhouse
Platform: iOS, Android
Best for: Ages 3–7
What it does:
These apps aren’t technically fitness apps—but they do get kids moving. Pokémon Smile encourages movement during brushing teeth, while Pokémon Playhouse has activities involving pointing, tapping, and basic body coordination.
Why kids love it: They feel like Pokémon trainers and earn rewards for movement-based tasks.
Why parents love it: Introduces habit-building through familiar characters and adorable animations.
4. Zombies, Run! (4 Kids)
Platform: iOS, Android
Best for: Ages 8+
What it does:
This is a kid-friendly version of the popular “Zombies, Run!” app. It turns walks, runs, and even casual jogs into exciting audio adventures where kids have to “escape zombies,” collect supplies, and complete missions.
Why kids love it: It turns exercise into an immersive game world. They’re the heroes in the story.
Why parents love it: It encourages outdoor cardio, builds endurance, and gets kids excited to walk or run.
5. Just Dance Now
Platform: iOS, Android, web-connected screens
Best for: Ages 7+
What it does:
This is the app version of the classic dance game. With hundreds of songs and guided choreography, kids (and parents) can follow along using their phones as motion sensors.
Why kids love it: Popular music, easy-to-learn routines, and solo or family play modes.
Why parents love it: Great for parties, rainy days, or quick after-dinner dance sessions.
6. Super Stretch Yoga
Platform: iOS
Best for: Ages 5–12
What it does:
This animated yoga app uses storytelling and superhero-style characters to introduce yoga in a playful, positive way. Each pose is tied to an animal or situation that builds strength and focus.
Why kids love it: Visual storytelling and a sense of progression through poses.
Why parents love it: Encourages mindfulness, flexibility, and calm without screens that overstimulate.
7. Aaptiv (Family Plans)
Platform: iOS, Android
Best for: Parents with teens
What it does:
While not kid-specific, Aaptiv offers audio-based guided workouts that older kids and teens can follow independently. Categories include cardio, strength, yoga, and meditation.
Why teens love it: No video needed—they can throw on headphones and move at their pace.
Why parents love it: One app, multiple users, and no distracting visuals. Perfect for teens who resist “babyish” apps.
Tips for Making Fitness Apps Work for Your Family
1. Set Boundaries Around Screens
These are active apps—not passive entertainment. Treat app time like recess, not screen time. Set a goal: 10 minutes of active app use before any other screen activity.
2. Join In
Most of these apps are more fun when done together. Use them as a way to bond—join your child for a dance, zombie escape, or yoga flow.
3. Let Kids Choose
Give kids a few safe, pre-approved app options and let them pick what they want to use each day. That sense of control boosts buy-in.
4. Use Apps to Break the Day
Try setting up movement breaks with a favorite app before homework, after meals, or during long indoor days.
5. Make It Part of a Routine
Tie app-based movement to daily habits: brush teeth → Pokémon Smile; finish lunch → GoNoodle dance; end the day → yoga wind-down.
What to Avoid
- Apps with aggressive ads or confusing menus
- Fitness trackers that push calorie counting for young kids
- Anything that creates shame around effort or body type
- Apps that are too repetitive—kids burn out fast if content never changes
Final Thoughts
Fitness apps won’t replace outdoor play or hands-on games, but they’re a fantastic tool in your parenting toolkit—especially when the weather’s bad or you need a quick, self-guided activity. When you find the right fit, movement becomes a source of fun, pride, and accomplishment.
Turn the tablet into a tool. Let the screen inspire steps instead of scrolling. And watch your kids build a healthier relationship with movement—one silly dance, zombie chase, or yoga pose at a time.