What do blowing bubbles, dancing to the radio, and playing soccer have in common? They are all fun ways to be physically active as a family. Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Parents can encourage their children to be active by setting a good example and by planning physical activities the entire family will enjoy. Begin by making a list of indoor and outdoor activities so your family can be active year-round.
Here are some fun indoor activities to try:
- turn on the radio and dance to your favorite music
- play follow the leader
- make a family band: play instruments made from kitchen items using pots and pans as drums, rice in plastic bottles as maracas, etc.
- act out favorite books, stories or parts of movies
- make an indoor bowling alley with homemade pins (made from empty plastic milk jugs, juice bottles or cereal boxes) and a small soft rubber ball
- shoot toys into a toy basket when cleaning up
Families can be active together outdoors as well. Here are some ideas: take walks together
- have a family track meet: skip, hop, run, race and sprint
- swim at a community pool
- make homemade bubbles with a cup of baby-shampoo and three cups of water. Then chase and pop them
- play soccer
- jump rope
- fly a kite
- play scoop ball: use homemade scoops made from empty plastic milk jugs with the bottom cut off to toss a small soft rubber ball back and forth
Being active as a family is fun, helps build a strong family and encourages good life-long habits for children.