3 Must Know Yoga and Mindfulness Games!

One of my favourite ways to practice yoga and mindfulness with my children and my students is with play. Sometimes we don’t need anything but ourselves for these practices but the games I am sharing today do need a little prep as props/materials are needed.

Why Props Make Yoga Even More Fun for Kids

Yoga with kids is always about finding that balance between mindfulness and fun —and props are the perfect way to bridge the gap! Whether it’s pom-poms, teddies, paper plates, cups, balls, or even a handful of rice and beans, these simple tools bring an extra layer of creativity and fun to the practice.

Sometimes we need nothing but our bodies, breath, and imagination, but props can:

✨ Spark Curiosity: Introducing a new item, like colorful pom-poms or paper plates, instantly grabs a child’s attention and invites them into the practice with excitement.

✨ Encourage Exploration: Props create opportunities for kids to explore movement in new ways. A bolster might become a boat in a stormy sea (cue Boat Pose), while a ball passed back and forth with their feet builds core strength and teamwork.

✨ Support Focus: A teddy placed on their belly during savasana or breathing exercises helps kids visualize and focus on their breath—a calming and grounding experience.

✨ Foster Creativity: Combining yoga with props opens the door to endless games and imaginative play. A stack of cups can turn into yoga bowling (shared below), while a scarf might be dance through the air during slow, mindful movement.

✨ Build Confidence: Props make poses more accessible, helping kids feel supported and successful. Blocks or cushions can give them the boost they need to balance or stretch, creating positive experiences in the practice.

Props add variety, keep the practice fresh, and invite kids (and parents!) to fully immerse themselves in a joyful, playful yoga journey. Whether it’s rolling a ball, stacking cups, or simply lying down with a blanket over them, props offer endless possibilities to support calm, connection, and fun.

Sometimes, all we need is ourselves—but adding a little extra magic never hurts!

Here are 3 games using props that you can play together this week!

Yoga Bowling 🎳​
You’ll need: 10 paper cups + a small ball
1️⃣ Label each cup with a yoga pose.
2️⃣ Set the cups up in a triangle (4 at the back, 1 at the front).
3️⃣ Roll the ball! If a cup falls, everyone practices that pose.
4️⃣ Knock over multiple cups? Create a flow by transitioning between the poses!
Everyone gets three turns (or until all the cups are knocked over).

Rice and Beans Mindfulness 

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A simple mindfulness activity for calm (my students all loved this last week and then I practiced with my own kids during that wild storm Eowyn!)

1️⃣Start with a mix of uncooked rice and beans in a bowl/plate.
2️⃣Close your eyes (we had sleeping masks) and separate the rice from the beans. Moving the beans to another bowl/plate.

I used paper plates, they had two each and on one of the plates were the mix of rice and beans, and then they moved the beans to the other paper plate. The challenge was seeing if we could make them completely separate – rice on one plate and beans on the other.

This simple practice helps focus the mind and helps with emotional regulation (bonus: it’s oddly satisfying!).

EXPLOSION! 💥​
You’ll need: A yoga block, cushion, or light ball.
1️⃣ Sit in a circle or with a partner.
2️⃣ Lean back slightly (like in boat pose).
3️⃣ Pass the block using only your feet!
👉 If it drops, everyone yells “EXPLOSION!” and falls dramatically to the ground (sound effects encouraged!). Then, reset and try again!

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Want more fun games and practices like these ones?

That’s exactly what Family Yoga Game Night is all about! 💛

Family Yoga Game Night

Here’s a peek at what’s waiting for you inside:

✨ A game library packed with fun, quick yoga games like the ones above!
✨ Themed digital guides full of ready-to-go family yoga sessions—printable or accessible on your phone.
✨ Bonus tools like journaling prompts to help you and your kids reflect and grow together.
✨ Live sessions and recorded masterclasses designed to make yoga fun and consistent for your family.

How does it work?​
On days like this, you can grab a quick game when you only have 5 minutes or dive into a full 15 to 30 minute session once a week. There’s no right or wrong way—it’s all about meeting your family where you are and making yoga work for YOU. The main thing is having these tools at your finger tips so you can stay inspired and consistent.

The membership is about supporting you

I am building this community and sharing these resources to help support you which means this membership is always growing. This is THE place for making yoga a fun and accessible experience for your family. I can not wait to welcome you.

See more about Family Yoga Game Night here.