Physical education is a critical part of a child’s development — not just physically, but socially and emotionally. At The Kids Point, we believe PE should be creative, enjoyable, and adaptable to all students’ strengths. For 5th graders, PE station activities are an ideal approach to keep kids engaged. These stations break up large gym classes into small, active groups where each child can focus on a specific skill, movement pattern, or fitness concept.
Below are 15 exciting and educational PE stations specially designed for 5th graders. Each one targets various physical abilities while boosting teamwork, self-confidence, and most importantly — fun!
Jump Rope Challenge Station
Jump ropes offer a perfect mix of cardio and coordination. In this station, students can work solo or in pairs, trying different techniques: standard jumps, double unders, crisscrosses, or even group jump rope where multiple kids turn and jump together.
Add-on activity: Create skill levels (e.g., bronze, silver, gold) based on how many jumps kids can complete without stopping. Incorporating goals gives students a sense of achievement and encourages personal progress.
Hula Hoop Agility Station
Hula hoops aren’t just for spinning — they’re versatile fitness tools. Lay out hoops in a line or zigzag and have kids jump or step through them with speed and accuracy. They can also spin them on arms, legs, or waist to test balance and rhythm.
Challenge variation: Use a timer and see how many successful rotations or footwork patterns they can complete in one minute. Kids will love pushing their limits while laughing through the challenge.
Speed Ladder Footwork Station
Speed ladders are great for developing quick feet and coordination. Teach foot patterns like one-foot hops, lateral steps, or in-in-out-out movements.
Extra idea: Play “Coach Says,” where students must follow your verbal direction quickly — but only if you say “Coach says!” This adds a layer of listening and reaction to the station.
Bean Bag Toss and Catch Station
Hand-eye coordination is key at this station. Kids toss bean bags into hula hoops, buckets, or at marked wall targets. Vary the distances and angles to keep things interesting.
Partner twist: Have students toss and catch with a friend, gradually increasing their distance apart. This also enhances their teamwork and communication skills.
Yoga and Flexibility Station
Sometimes, slowing down is just as important as speeding up. Provide yoga mats and guide cards with poses like Cobra, Warrior, and Tree Pose. Encourage kids to hold poses, breathe deeply, and focus on body control.
Mindfulness element: Add soft music or encourage silence so kids can listen to their breath. This is a great chance to introduce calming techniques into their active day.
Parachute Games Station
The classic parachute game never fails to delight. Kids can raise and lower the parachute, create mushroom effects, play cat-and-mouse underneath, or bounce soft balls on top.
Team-building bonus: Each student has a vital role in the parachute’s success, which teaches collaboration and group timing.
Animal Movement Obstacle Station
Set up a course where students crawl like bears, hop like frogs, waddle like penguins, and slither like snakes. Use cones, mats, and tunnels to make it feel like an adventure.
Creative twist: Let students create and name their own animal moves. This not only makes the activity fun but sparks imagination and leadership.
Balloon Volleyball Station
Using balloons makes volleyball safe, slow-paced, and accessible to all. Set up a net or string, and divide the group into two teams.
Variation: Introduce “no hands” rules — using elbows, knees, or heads — to increase difficulty and laughs. Balloon play also promotes reflexes and coordination in a non-threatening way.
Fitness Card Circuit Station
Place cards around the station with different exercises — jumping jacks, wall sits, lunges, burpees, planks, and more. Students move station to station, completing as many reps as they can in a set time.
Level up: Color-code cards by intensity so students can choose their challenge level, promoting autonomy and awareness of personal ability.
Dance and Freeze Station
Play fun, energetic music and let kids dance freely. When the music stops, they must freeze in a pose. This station promotes cardiovascular activity, rhythm, and expression.
Add structure: Teach short routines from different dance styles like hip-hop or salsa to add a cultural component. This can boost memory skills and self-confidence.
Target Throw Accuracy Station
Set up various targets (like cones, hula hoops, or bullseyes) and soft balls or bean bags. Kids score points by hitting specific zones.
Bonus idea: Keep a leaderboard for high scores, or let students challenge a friend in head-to-head throw-offs. This station is perfect for working on aiming skills and patience.
Scooter Board Movement Station
Using scooter boards, kids can lie on their stomachs or sit while using their arms or legs to move through a track. Create relay races, maze patterns, or obstacle dodges.
Safety tip: Always use on smooth floors and provide helmets or soft barriers. This is a favorite among students and great for upper body strength.
Relay Race Mix-Up Station
Traditional relays get an upgrade with creative movement: crab walk, bear crawl, skipping, and one-legged hops. Teams must complete silly tasks during the race.
Example: Have kids balance bean bags on their heads while racing, or carry a water cup without spilling. This boosts coordination and adds playful competition.
Climb and Balance Station
Set up a mini obstacle course using gym mats, balance beams, tunnels, and cones. Kids must climb, crawl, duck, and balance without falling.
Imaginative element: Create a story — like crossing lava or escaping a jungle. Storytelling enhances motivation and encourages kids to stay focused and persistent.
Toss-and-Answer Brain Challenge Station
Integrate cognitive learning with movement by having kids toss a soft ball, catch it, and then answer a question written on it. Use academic categories like math, spelling, or science.
Fun spin: Use giant foam dice to determine how many jumping jacks or squats they must do before answering the next question. This station ties in physical and mental stimulation.
How to Set Up These PE Stations for Success
Rotational Setup:
- Divide students into small groups (3–5) for smoother transitions.
- Each group stays at a station for 5–7 minutes before rotating.
- Use upbeat music or whistles to signal rotation times.
Clear Instructions:
- Print out simple instruction cards with images at each station.
- Assign a student “station leader” to help others and encourage leadership.
Variety and Inclusivity:
- Offer both high-energy and calm stations.
- Ensure stations cater to different physical strengths, needs, and energy levels.
Themes Make It Magical:
Try themes like “Space Bootcamp,” “Superhero Training,” or “Olympic Circuits” for a more immersive experience. Kids love make-believe elements that turn simple activities into epic stories.
PE stations are more than just a fun way to fill gym class — they’re an essential tool for encouraging fitness, coordination, cooperation, and confidence in young learners. These 15 station ideas provide a comprehensive and creative way to keep 5th graders moving, laughing, and learning. Whether used in school, camps or homeschool settings, they transform PE into a time every student looks forward to.
At The Kids Point, we’re passionate about designing activities that support whole-child development. These fun, flexible stations ensure that physical education remains a highlight of every child’s week — full of energy, laughter, and lasting benefits.