Keeping Kids Active During the This Summer

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, children begin to count the days until summer and the end of the school year.  Parents begin to think about how to keep their children busy, active, and healthy during the school-free months.   There are plenty of ways to keep your children busy and active this summer!

Below you will find some ideas about how to help meet the goal of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.  The best part about being active is that it adds up even if they are active 10 minutes at a time.

• Walk around the neighborhood each morning.  It is a little cooler in the mornings and will make the walk more enjoyable when it's not so hot.
• Hula-hoop, hopscotch, jump rope, or a bike ride around the block.  Use the evenings to get your child outside and let them play games with neighbors or family members.
• Visit a local park or hiking trail.  Pack some picnic foods (such as fresh fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, and nuts or trail mix)  and make a day out of your adventure.  Children will love to explore nature and while being active.
• Family dance parties are perfect on rainy days.  Turn on the music and take turns making up moves!  Enjoy the laughter and family time.
• Have the children help in the garden.  Gardening counts as physical activity too!  Letting them help in the garden will teach them how plants grow.  Children are more likely to try fruits and veggies that they help to grow.

Make sure that everyone drinks plenty of water. It's important to drink a lot of water even before you feel thirsty.

For more ideas on how to keep your children active, visit the Let's Move website.