As things start to warm up this spring it’s important for the kids to put down the video games and screens to play outside. Spring is the perfect time to get the kids outside and active especially as April has both National Health day and National Student Athlete day to encourage movement during this time.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), kids should be getting at least 60 minutes of exercise each day and parents can practice a healthy lifestyle by engaging in the same activities with their kids. Doing so will help create stronger bonds as a family and encourage healthy habits over time.
There are plenty of fun activities that encourage physical activity and bonding as a family. Let’s look at some you can participate in from today.
1. WALKING
Walking is great for developing physical, social, and emotional skills in young children. It is recommended that everyone should have 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity. April 6th is National Walking Day, this is a perfect opportunity to encourage a family walk. This can include something as simple as walking around the neighborhood or a stroll at a local park.
2. OBSTACLE COURSE
Set up some obstacles in your backyard or local park and get your children to race each other (or you!).
Use whatever you have on hand, like:
- Cones
- Hoops
- Ropes
- Chairs
- Trees
It’s a great way to make exercise fun!
3. HORSE
Many people might think of basketball when “horse” is brought up, but the fan-favorite game can also be played with golf! All you need is a club, a ball, and a target to get started. The more obstacles you have, like pool noodles to chip the ball over or under or objects to bounce a putt off of, the more variety you can add to the game.
You can even turn the setup into a game by seeing who can design the most creative shots. Once you have your home-made course ready, player 1 tees off and attempts the shot. If he or she makes it, player 2 must attempt the same shot. If he or she misses, that player gains a letter. Whoever spells “horse” first loses.
If you are chipping instead of putting, you can lower the difficulty of the game by seeing who can get closest to the target rather than sinking shots.
If you are playing in a public space, make sure to be conscious of your surroundings and keep safety in mind.
4. START A NEIGHBORHOOD BASEBALL GAME
Baseball is all about fun and a great way for your child to make new friends with others, plus anyone can play. You can start your own baseball game with kids around the neighborhood.
If your child does not know how to play baseball, no worries. Our sister company, Little Rookies offers a youth baseball program that is designed to help children learn the fundamentals of baseball along with helping build self-confidence, embrace teamwork, develop sportsmanship, and learn the importance of physical activity, all while having fun! You can learn more at LittleRookies.com.
5. SCAVENGER HUNT
Make the outdoors more fun by creating a scavenger hunt for your kids. This is an easy activity that will get everyone excited about looking for interesting things in nature. You can create a list or use pictures of things to search for and then have your kids check them off as they find each item.
6. TENNIS JACKPOT
This tennis game works forehand and backhand strokes. It can be played with two people, but having a third to help gather balls will speed up the game.
Watch this quick video for instructions on how to play.
