For kids, summer is a magical time of no school, no homework, and unlimited down time. But for parents? Summer break means spending the day trying to keep your kids off the couch and away from the television. This year, keep your family active all summer long with the help of these kid-friendly activities.
Start a Fruit Garden
There’s nothing more enjoyable than taking a bite out of a watermelon on a hot summer day — except for taking a bite out of a watermelon that YOU grew yourself. While it’s a given that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your body, so is growing them! Gardening has been shown to relieve stress, boost your immunity, promote a healthy diet, and provide a great workout.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Park
Sometimes, we get so focused on providing fun and exciting things for our kids to do, that we forget how much fun they have just running around the park.
Make It a Family Affair
One of the best ways to emphasize fitness is through routine and repetition. Every night after dinner, head out for a family bike ride or walk around the neighborhood.
Get a Little Competitive
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with an old fashioned relay race or obstacle course. Give your kids 10 minutes to use only what they can find in the garage to create an amazing obstacle course. Then, break out your phone and time how long it takes them to complete it.
Take Advantage of Organized Sports
Whether it’s soccer, t-ball, or track, getting kids involved in a sport is a great way to teach them about teamwork and the importance of physical fitness.
Use Your Television the Right Way
It’s no surprise that kids love to watch TV — so use that to your advantage! Video games that encourage kids to dance and jump are a great way to get them up and moving. You can even push the furniture to the side and follow a kid-friendly workout video.
Take Up Yoga
Yoga isn’t just for adults anymore — even kids are getting in on the health craze. Studies have shown that children who take up yoga at a young age tend to be more flexible, coordinated, and confident.
Set Aside “Tech-Free” Time
Turn the TV off and put the tablets in the drawer for a few hours every day. Even if kids decide to play with toys on the floor, they’ll still be getting more exercise than if they were just watching TV.
Set Up Plenty of Playdates
If you’re noticing your kids are getting antsy, call your best friend and ask her to come over with her kids. It’ll give you two a chance to catch up, while letting your kids do what they do best — play!
Dance It Out
Is a rainy day keeping you stuck inside? Instead of turning on the television, turn on the radio! An impromptu dance contest is a fun way to get kids up and moving, even when you don’t have much space to work with.
Just remember — the key to any successful summer day is water. So make sure you bring plenty of water bottles and water-rich foods along with you!
