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.

Summer's Here!! Fun Active Ideas for the Whole Family

 

Summer is finally here and it's the perfect season to spend time being active.  There are so many ways to get physical activity that you can do while soaking up the sun.  Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.  Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.  Let the nice weather help you to reach your goals!

Find a national park or a local park near you. 

Hike
Check for local hiking trails near your home.  Take the family for an outdoor adventure with nature.  Explore the trail and see what you can find along the way.  Take a healthy Popcorn Trail Mix along as a snack for when you get hungry.

Bike
Biking is a great way to explore the area around you and it's a great workout.  Take the whole family and ride around the town or through a local park.

Walk
Enjoy the weather and check out new places.  Go as a family and if you have a pet bring them too!  Have a picnic or take snacks for a treat after a long walk.  Great picnic or snack ideas are MyPlate Hamwiches or MyPlate Wraps as they are quick grab and go meals!  Make sure to keep them in a cooler or have ice packs on hand to keep them from getting too warm and spoiling.

Swim
Go to the local pool and play or swim some laps.  Swimming is a good workout and a great way to cool down in the hot summer sun.  If you don't have a pool nearby you can use a sprinkler to jump through instead.

Play
Play soccer, basketball, baseball, kickball, or any other backyard games you can think of.  Grab your friends and family, make teams and be active!


What is your favorite way to be active outside during the summer?