• Outdoor activities like camping, biking, and nature walks are great ways to get active and create lasting memories.
• Joining local sports teams or leagues is also a great way to stay fit and make new friends.
• Exercise videos and apps offer virtual workouts suitable for all ages, allowing kids to stay fit without leaving the house.
• Get creative and turn everyday activities into physical challenges to involve your kids in fitness activities without them realizing it.
It can be hard to get kids excited about fitness activities, especially if they’re used to being glued to a screen or playing video games. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children aged 6 to 17 should get at least an hour of physical activity every day. But most children don’t get nearly enough. You don’t have to give up hope! There are plenty of great ways to get your children involved in fun, physical activities that will benefit their health and well-being.
Read on for ideas on how to involve your family in fitness activities.
1. Outdoor Activities
Spending time outdoors is a great way to get active and breathe fresh air simultaneously. Plus, it’s easy to involve your children in fitness activities without them realizing it! You can go on nature walks, bike rides, or camp out in the backyard — the possibilities are endless. Sharing these experiences with your family will create lasting memories and encourage healthy habits.
Just ensure that you’re taking proper safety precautions, like wearing helmets during bike rides, bringing a first-aid kit with you on hikes, and checking the weather before going outdoors. You want to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.
2. Sports
Sports are another great way for kids (and adults!) to stay fit while having fun. Most sports require a lot of physical activity and teamwork, which can benefit your whole family. Consider engaging in the following:
a. Join a local team or league
Many cities have sports leagues for all ages, so it’s easy to find one right for your family. You can join a soccer, basketball, baseball, or football team — whatever your kids (and you!) are interested in. You may even make new friends in the process! Try to find a league that meets regularly, so you can all stay motivated and engaged.
b. Find a local sports park
When the weather is nice, you can take your family to a local sports park and play together. Most parks have equipment like basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. There are also indoor centers that offer various activities. For one, you can book a fun indoor trampoline session to get everyone bouncing and laughing. This way, you can explore various activities without investing in expensive equipment.
c. Have a family game night
Playing games is an inexpensive and fun way to get everyone involved. Try traditional board games or active ones like Twister. You can also organize friendly competitions like races, relay challenges, etc. Not only is a game night a great way to get fit, but it can also help strengthen family ties and create a fun atmosphere.
d. Host a backyard Olympics
If you want to get the whole family involved in fitness activities, why not host your own Olympics? You can create events like a sack race, hula hooping contest, three-legged race, or even a water balloon toss. It’s sure to be a hit with all ages!
3. Exercise Videos and Apps
Exercising at home is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to streaming services like YouTube and Netflix. You can find various fitness videos online that you can do together as a family. There’s something for everyone — from dance-based workouts to yoga classes. This is a great way to get your kids excited about a physical activity without having to leave the house.
Plus, many apps offer virtual workouts. Try searching for games and activities that involve physical movements, like Dance Dance Revolution or Just Dance. You can even set up fitness challenges and compete against each other! Wii Fit is another great option for families looking to get in shape without leaving the comfort of their homes.
4. Get Creative
Sometimes, it’s the simplest activities that get kids interested in fitness. Think of ways to incorporate physical activity into everyday routines. For example, you can turn chores into a game by seeing who can finish first. Or, create a scavenger hunt and have your kids search for items around the house or in the yard. You can also have races while walking the dog, skipping contests, and more.
Creating opportunities for physical activity every day is essential for adults and children alike—it keeps you fit and healthy and helps you bond with your loved ones through shared experiences. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to involve your kids in fitness activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial for their growth and development. From outdoor activities like camping or biking to sports teams and daily routines filled with small movements throughout the day—it’s never too early (or too late) to start getting fit together as a family!
