It's a good idea to train your rat to get onto your hand voluntarily so you'll know when it wants to come out to play. To start, try to lead your rat onto your hand with a treat. At first, reward it for just putting its feet on your hand, then gradually require it to get on all the way. Move your hand slowly while your rat is aboard, so you don't frighten it. Once your rat is comfortable in your hand, consider giving it even more freedom.
Rats enjoy the opportunity to run around and explore outside their cages.
It's not only good exercise but also makes them better pets, allowing them to develop their intelligence and personality. Many people don't let their rats run around on the floor but instead give them access to furniture, such as beds, couches or table tops. Most rats confine their roaming to areas they grew accustomed to while young. So, if you prevent young rats from leaving the furniture, they will have little desire to get down on the floor when older. Because of their habits of chewing and urine-marking, you may want to protect furniture with a washable throw cover before their excursions.