Run, Jump, Play! Keeping Your Kids Active
Studies have shown that many kids like to fill up their summertime with sedentary activities, such as video games or television. Limiting screen time to less than 2 hours per day is recommended as well as 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This includes adults too!
It can be difficult to motivate the kids to get off the couch and out the door so we have a few fun ideas to get everyone moving.
- Invite friends over. This is a great way to get their creative juices flowing to see what physical activities they can create. They might play a game of baseball in the backyard, create a dance together, or run through the sprinklers.
- Keep it fun. Kids will not be super excited to go for a 15-minute jog around the block but if you challenge them to race you to landmarks along the way, you will most likely both end up having fun while getting your heart rates up.
- Hula hoops, balls, & jump ropes. Keep toys handy to keep kids entertained and physically fit.
- Enjoy nature. Playgrounds are great but spending time in nature climbing trees, building forts, and exploring offer a restorative way to stay active.
- Stay active indoors. If the weather isn’t cooperating and outdoor time is limited, pull out the game of Twister and have a handstand contest to stay active.
- Family Time. Staying active as a family is a great way to model healthy routines. After dinner, take the dog for a walk, go for a bike ride, or shoot baskets together as a family.
- Try something new. Summer is a great time to try a new sport or activity. Sailing lessons, stand up paddleboarding or rollerblading are great exercises for all ages!