You've played tag and catch with the kids or grandchildren. But you need fresh ideas to be active with them.

Two new guides offer help for parents who not only want to keep their children moving, but also want to keep fit with them. These also can be used by child-care providers and elementary school teachers.

The books include tried-and-true classics and games that use props and activities for indoors and outdoors.

Here, a look at the guides:

- "The Wiggle & Giggle Busy Book: 365 Fun, Physical Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers," by Trish Kuffner — Kuffner has some terrific ideas for this young age group, and she groups them into several categories: indoors, outdoors, creative movement, water fun and holiday activities. One wish for future editions: that the recommended minimum number of players be specified after the title of each activity.

Be prepared with ideas and props, so on any given day, your family is ready for action.

Supplies can include Hula-Hoops, beanbags, rope, buckets and racquets, and ordinary objects such as milk cartons and ice cream buckets.

Write down some of the ideas from the book on small index cards, and place them in an empty can.

Cut a piece of paper that you'll use to cover the side of an empty container or can.

Give your kids crayons, paint or markers and ask them to decorate the can. Draw an index card from the can when you need it.

Here's a game for you and your child: Create an indoor obstacle course with pillows, short ladder laid on the carpet, a padded mat, plush animal toys.

You and your kid can jump into the pile of pillows, hop around animals set in a zigzag route, crawl hands and feet on the rungs of the ladder on the carpet, and tumble down on the padded mat.

- "The Family Fitness Fun Book: Healthy Living for the Whole Family," by Rose R. Kennedy

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This book has a useful game chart that specifies whether you can play indoors or outdoors, minimum age for kids, intensity level and whether the game is quick.

Most of the games are familiar and best for groups. But there aren't a lot for just one-on-one play between you and a child.

"Balloon in the air" is an indoors-outdoors game for at least two players, including a child who is at least 4 years old.

This can be played in a carpeted space measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet and with no furniture. You'll need one non-helium balloon for each player. Blow up the balloons and tie them off. Give one balloon to each child.

On the "go" signal, each player tosses the balloon in the air and does everything possible to keep it from falling to the ground. Another variation is to keep the balloon in the air without using hands.

You also can play music in the background to make it more fun.

Lisa Liddane is an American Council on Exercise-certified group fitness instructor. Contact her at llidane@)ocregister.com or 714-796-7854.