How to Get Your Kids Active: 33 Fun Ways to Get Kids Active for a Vibrant Family Life
Our modern world, with its endless stream of YouTube videos, addictive video games, and hours spent on social media, is making it harder than ever to get our kids off the couch and into active play. You may be grappling with the daily challenge of prying your children away from screens, or perhaps you're simply not feeling your vibrant self anymore due to a lack of physical activity and want to get your kids on the wellness train with ya! But maybe you’re wondering just how to get your kids active…
Trust me, I've get it! I have 2 little boys and it took some time to navigate this area! As a holistic nutritionist, mama, and wellness enthusiast, I'm SO incredible passionately about helping mamas, young women, and future mothers like you promote an active lifestyle in their families, ensuring a future filled with health, vitality, and wellbeing!
My hope is this list of 33 fun ways to get your kids active will give you some inspo to turn off the screens and get your bodies moving and grooving!
Why It's Important to Get Kids Active
It's no secret that physical activity is a big deal for our little ones. It's key in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of childhood obesity - a concern we all share in this era of iPads and gaming consoles. Plus, regular exercise does wonders for their cardiovascular system, helping to improve heart health and lower the risk of chronic diseases and even on their gut health!
But, the benefits of being active don't stop at physical health. It's also a powerful tool for their growth and development. It helps strengthen their bones and muscles, boost motor skills, and improve balance and coordination.
And, the bonus? Active kids tend to have more stamina and strength, helping them get the most out of their other favorite activities.
Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity
Now, we all know how tough it can be raising kids in the age of social media. The pressures can take a toll on their mental health, leading to increased anxiety and a distorted sense of self. That's why substituting some screen time with outdoor activities is such a great idea. Regular exercise can improve their mood, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem and confidence. Plus, it can enhance concentration and cognitive function, leading to improved academic performance. Who knew exercise could be a secret study tool?
Benefits of Being Out in Nature
Outdoor activities come with their own set of benefits. Regular exposure to natural light can help regulate their sleep patterns (hello, bedtime routine!) and boost their vitamin D levels, essential for bone health. Plus, being out in nature gives them the chance to explore and engage with their surroundings, fueling their sense of curiosity and learning.
The Social Aspect of Physical Activity
Let's not forget the social aspect either. Being active, particularly outdoors, gives kids a chance to make friends, learn teamwork, and develop that all-important sense of belonging. The shared experiences and joy that come from these activities with other friends and your own family are just so valuable for their emotional well-being.
Set a Healthy Foundation for an Active Lifestyle
There are substantial long-term benefits associated with instilling an active lifestyle in children from a young age. Engaging in regular physical activity not only enhances their current health status, but it sets a foundation for continued well-being into adulthood.
Encouraging children to be active reduces their risk of obesity and associated diseases. Plus, it contributes to their overall happiness and quality of life, and that’s all we want for our little peanuts, right?
As moms, let's take the lead in encouraging our kids to put down the screens and embrace more active, outdoor fun. Trust me, the impact on their overall health and happiness will be worth it!
Be Active WITH Your Kiddos!
The best way to encourage an active lifestyle in your children is to be active with them. Show them how much fun it can be. The more we prioritize an active lifestyle, the more our children will now and when they are parents in the future. It's not always easy to make time for physical activity. But I promise you, it's worth it. If you continue to make it a priority, it will come natural for your family to pick physical activities together.
So, we tried a little experiment in our home by turning off our TV for a month (I promise, no one died from it!), and guess what? The outcome was amazing!
Our little ones (3 & 5 year old) started finding their own fun and were more excited to explore outside, without us having to nudge them.
Making an active lifestyle a priority now will not only benefit them today, but it's also paving the way for their future. Sure, squeezing in time for physical activities may not always be a walk in the park, but trust me, the rewards are totally worth it.
33 Fun Ways to Get Kids Active
Wondering how to get your kids active? Let's get into the meat of this. I've compiled a list of 33 fun ways to get kids active and you can even do these fun healthy activities with your kids! These aren't just any activities; they're backed by science. As a functional nutritionist, I've made sure each of these activities has a perk of each and/or practical tips for success and fun.
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Swimming: Hey, who doesn't love a good splash in the water? It's not just super fun, but also a total body workout. Plus, if you're lucky enough to live near the beach, it's a great excuse for a beach day - sun, sand, and surf, what's not to love? Or if you have access to a community pool, natural creek, lake, or swimming hole…that’s great!
Gardening: Now, this isn't just for grown-ups, you know. Kids absolutely love getting their little hands dirty, and it's such a cool way for them to learn about where their food comes from and why nature matters.
Biking: This one's a classic! It's easy on the joints, super fun, and something the whole family can get in on. Plus, it's a fab way to build up stamina and see the sights of your local neighborhood or even nearby parks.
Hiking: If your family is a bit adventurous, this is a no-brainer. Not only does it let you explore and have an adventure, but it's also great for cardiovascular health. Just remember to pick trails that are a good fit for your kiddos' ages and abilities, so everyone has a safe and fantastic time.
Kitchen Dance Parties: Why not turn your kitchen into a dance floor? It's fun, full of energy, and works whatever the weather. Plus, dancing is a super way to improve coordination and rhythm, and it lets everyone get a little creative with their moves!
Soccer: This team sport is not just a game, it's a fun-filled experience! Not only does it help you improve your coordination, but it also brings out the team player in you. What's more, it's a wonderful way to boost agility. And the best part? It's a sport loved by people all around the world, making it a great way to bring everyone together.
Camping: What better way to bond with nature than camping? It's an amazing way to experience the great outdoors and take part in rejuvenating physical activities. Activities like hiking through scenic landscapes, swimming in natural bodies of water, and gathering wood for fires make camping both educational and fun.
Berry Picking: This is not just an activity, it's a learning experience that's seasonal and fun! It gets the kids moving and teaches them about nature and the importance of healthy eating. And the best part? They get a sweet treat as a reward for their hard work!
Playing Tennis: This well-loved sport is a fantastic way to boost your physical fitness while having a blast. It's a great way to work on your hand-eye coordination and get a cardiovascular workout. And let's not forget, it encourages teamwork and healthy competition, teaching valuable life lessons along the way.
Running a 5K Race: Training for and participating in a 5K race is more than just a run, it's a journey of fun and achievement. It's a wonderful way to build endurance, learn the value of setting and achieving personal goals, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Post-Dinner Family Walk: What a sweet and simple way to get some exercise in daily! Not only does this help with digestion after meals, but it also gives you and your loved ones quality bonding time. Who knows, it might just become your favourite family tradition!
Yoga: This age-old practice is a fantastic way to stretch those muscles and maintain balance. More than just physical benefits, it also invites relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of mental well-being. It's a wholesome approach to fitness!
Jumping Rope: Who said workouts can't be fun? Jumping rope is not only a great cardio activity that you can do anywhere, but it also helps with coordination and burns so many calories. A simple and fun way to get your heart rate up!
Tree Climbing: Not just a fun activity, tree climbing is a great way to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. It's like a full-body workout while enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, it encourages a love for nature!
Roller Skating: Remember the joy of roller skating? It's not just fun, it also helps build balance and coordination. A unique, enjoyable way to exercise that brings back those wonderful childhood memories.
Beach Volleyball: Next time you hit the beach, why not add in some volleyball? It's a fantastic way to get some exercise, improve your hand-eye coordination, and promote teamwork and communication skills. Fitness can be fun too!
Family Kickball/ Wiffle Ball Game: How about a fun team sport promoting coordination, teamwork, healthy competition, and camaraderie? It's a fantastic way to enjoy some quality time with family and friends.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Imagine an engaging outdoor adventure that encourages exploration and learning about nature. It's like combining the thrill of a treasure hunt with the joy of learning about the environment.
Survivor-Style Family Games: Inspired by the popular TV show, these games and competitions can light up your day with team-building, strategic thinking, and physical activity. Expect a day bursting with laughter and enjoyment!
Frisbee: A simple, yet fun-filled sport that not only spreads joy but also sharpens your hand-eye coordination, giving your quick thinking and reflexes a boost.
Canoeing: It's more than just a water sport. Canoeing strengthens upper body muscles and pushes your endurance to new limits, making it a great exercise for the whole body.
Building a Fort: Let your imagination run wild with this creative activity that can be done either inside or outside. It's a playful way to encourage creativity and physical activity.
Rock Climbing: Get ready for an adventurous sport brimming with thrill and excitement. Rock climbing not only enhances physical strength and flexibility but also hones problem-solving skills under challenging situations.
Trampoline Jumping: What could be more fun than bouncing around on a trampoline? It's not just a blast, but it also helps improve balance and coordination. So jump in and let the laughter roll!
Ice Skating: When winter comes, why not embrace it with some ice skating? It's a graceful way to stay active during the chills and also a fantastic way to improve balance and coordination.
Paddle Boarding: Fancy a full-body workout on the water? Paddle boarding is the way to go! Not only does it improve balance and core strength, but it also offers a unique way to explore the waterways.
Family Relay Races: Nothing brings a family together like some friendly competition. Relay races are a fun and exciting way to get moving, promote teamwork, and ensure everyone has a good time.
DIY Obstacle Course: Let's get creative in the backyard with a DIY obstacle course. It's an engaging challenge that will keep the kids active and entertained for hours. Fun guaranteed!
Archery: Looking to improve focus and hand-eye coordination? Give archery a shot! It's a fun way to spend time outdoors and might even spark an interest in a new hobby.
Walking a Family Pet: Walking the family pet is a win-win situation. It's a great way for kids to learn responsibility and get some exercise, plus it's a beautiful way to bond with the family pet.
Kite Flying: There's something magical about flying a kite. It's a fun and relaxing outdoor activity that lets you enjoy the beauty of the sky while learning about the wind and weather. So, let's go fly a kite!
Horseback Riding: What a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and care for our furry friends! Not only can kids have a blast, but they also get to learn about responsibility and the sheer joy of bonding with an animal.
Family Fitness Challenges: Let's get everyone in the family to join in and ramp up their fitness regime with a friendly competition! It's a super fun and healthy way to spend time together, fostering teamwork and creating those amazing family bonds.
FREE! Download the New Ebook: Easy Healthy Ingredient Swaps
Before we wrap up, I want to tell you about my new ebook, Easy Whole Food Swaps. It's a guide for healthier family meals, and I think you'll LOVEEEE it. It's full of practical strategies for integrating nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals.
And remember, ladies, we're all in this together. We're all just trying to feel our best and give our children the best start in life. So let's get those kiddos moving and embrace a proactive approach to wellness.