Keeping Kids Active After School

In the summer time it’s easier for kids to be active like playing outside or going to the pool. But when schools starts, staying active after school needs a little bit of planning. Being active has a lot of benefits for your kids! It helps them build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, focus better on homework, sleep better at night, reduces stress, and builds confidence. There are a lot of ways you can encourage your kids to be active. Here are eight ideas:

1. Take a family walk:  When the weather is nice, enjoy a walk around your neighborhood. This gives you time to be active as a family and ask your child about their day.
2. Go on a family hike: When you have more time, take the family to the trails or parks for a change of scenery . To find a park near you visit: https://www.visitmaryland.org/things-to-do/parks-nature
3. Join a league! If your kid likes a certain sport check out your county or city’s department of parks and recreation.  Most recreation programs in Maryland offer income-based scholarships. 
4. Sign up for a free fitness class: Check with your parks and recreation department in your county for a list of their free classes such as Zumba at the Park. 
5. Enroll them in an after-school activity program at their school. This could include traditional sports like basketball and baseball. 
6. Host an active playdate: when organizing a playdate for your kid, try to include active games like running or jumping ropes for example. Have a scavenger hunt or an obstacle course set up for more fun!
7. Move indoors: When the weather doesn’t allow you to be outside move the fun indoors! Visit your local community center or create an obstacle course using furniture and pillows around the house. Go on a scavenger hunt. Hide clues around the house and let your kids race to find them. Or simply put on some music and dance to it!
8. Plan a fitness calendar: Help kids unwind after school. Plan a list of activities for the entire week to do before getting started with homework. For example:

• Monday: 20 minutes of basketball
• Tuesday: 10 minutes of jumping rope 
• Wednesday: Visit each room in the house and make up a funny dance for 10 minutes
• Thursday: Tidy the house. Every time something is picked up, do five jumps before putting it away 

No matter what you choose, remember to be active yourself: Your kids look up to you and will be more likely to pick up a behavior that you already do. Show them that you lead an active life. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator and enjoy being active with them!