Physical Activity for the Whole Family?

Physical Activity for the Whole Family

Physical exercise is very important for the health and well-being of children as well as adults. It doesn't have to mean going to the gym. There are lots of activities families can do together and have fun bonding family time while staying in shape.

1. Walk

Take an after dinner walk around the block. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.

2. Train for a Charity Walk or Run

This is a great opportunity to work toward a goal as a family and the charity benefits as well. Race day is very exciting, and your family will have a special memory of completing something together.

3. Ride Bikes Together

Sometimes riding in a neighborhood can be dangerous. So load the bikes into your car and head to a riding path or trail around a lake, the beach, or in a park.

4. Take a Hike

If loading the bikes are too difficult, check out your area for age appropriate hiking trails. Most trails difficulty rating is based on the length of the trail, how level the trail is, and elevation gain.

5. Go Camping

Camping lends itself perfectly to physical activity. There are hiking and biking trails, fishing pools, and swimming areas. Setting up camp together, gathering wood, and building a fire are great learning experiences as well as the chance to get some exercise.

6) Challenge Your Family to a Frisbee Match

Head to a park and practice your throwing, catching and of course, retrieving techniques.

7. Fly a Kite

Challenge each other to see who can get the kite highest in the air and keep it up for the longest.

8. Build a Sand Castle

Gathering the sand, carrying the buckets and carving your masterpiece is all part of the great fun and physical exercise that is building a sand castle. If you live near a beach, consider signing your kids up for a sandcastle building competition.

9. Play Court Tennis or Table Tennis

Table and court tennis are both great workouts and you may not even realize you are exercising. Many Parks and Recreation Departments have open tennis times or tournaments for families.

10. Garden

Planting a family garden is fun and educational. Children get to see the flowers grow or eat the vegetables they have planted.

11. Wii Fit

Just because it is raining outside does not mean that you can't get some exercise. Nintendo Wii provides entertainment and physical activity the whole family can do together.

The most important thing is that children and adults stay active. Varying the activity keeps interest up and creates family time together.