During the summer, it’s easy to let the video games, tv, tablets, and smartphones take up all our time. This week we’re inspiring parents and guardians to encourage their children to get outside and exercise. So, if you have been thinking about changing things up, feeling like you need to play more with your children, or getting some exercise yourself, now’s the perfect time to turn over a new leaf.
Children need 60 minutes of physical activity every day, but when you are having fun together, time flies! Remember, it’s the simple things that leave lasting impacts on your children. Here are some family-friendly ideas on how to get everyone off the couch and out the door:
- Put on your favorite song and dance a wild and crazy dance
- Chalk drawn hopscotch on the driveway
- Family walk (play games like “I spy,” or have a scavenger hunt while you walk to make it more interesting)
- Swimming
- Play catch
- Kickball
- Baseball
- Leapfrog
- Tag
- Hide and Seek
- Walk the dogs
- Run through the sprinkler
- Have a hula hooping contest for the whole family
- Set up a badminton or volleyball net in your yard and challenge your kids to a match.
- Get out the jump ropes and play Double Dutch in the driveway
- Sign up for a family activity class for anything from yoga to dance lessons
- Take your bikes to a local trail or ride around your neighborhood.
The common theme through all of these is making it simple, easy, and doing it together. If you run out of possibilities at home, take advantage of local playgrounds and athletic fields. Make family fitness outings part of your regular routine. Let family members choose an activity — go hiking, ice skating, or try out the rock-climbing gym. Anything goes, as long as everyone can participate. And remember: You’ll help show your kids that exercise is important by regularly exercising yourself.
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