When most adults think of exercise, it usually involves working out in a gym, going to a class or lifting weights at home. For kids, however, getting exercise means being physically active while playing and having fun. Children love outside activities like running around playing tag, jumping rope with their friends, and going for walks with their parents.
Today, children and teenagers are, unfortunately, spending more sedentary time indoors than ever before. And, most of this time is spent in front of a screen. This sedentary lifestyle may contribute to childhood obesity and other lifelong health issues. Helping children internalize the importance of physical activity as a path to lifelong health and fitness is extremely important.
So, how do you make sure your child is spending a healthy amount of time outside being physically active? Below are some fun activities that both children and parents can enjoy together!
Hopscotch
Children all over the world have played this simple game, or something very similar to it, for decades! To play this game, draw a traditional hopscotch diagram like the one shown below, using sidewalk chalk or washable paint.
Number the squares from one to ten. Throw a pebble, twig or bean bag into the first square. If this lands on a line, or outside of the intended square, you lose your turn. If this happens, pass the marker to the next player. Hop on one foot into the first empty space, and then each next numbered space, making sure to skip the number that the marker is on. At the 4-5, 7-8 and 10 markers, jump with both of your feet! When you get to the end, head back toward the start, pick up the marker- still on one foot!- and complete the course.
If you finish the course without making any mistakes you pass the marker to the next player. On your next turn, throw the marker to the next number. If you fall, jump outside the lines, miss a square with the marker or skip a number, you lose your turn and must repeat the same number on your next turn. Whoever reaches 10 first, wins!
“Red Light, Green Light”
With enough room, this is the perfect game to play outside. To play this game, pick one person to be the “traffic light” at one end of the playing field. All the other players are sent to the opposite end. The traffic light turns their back on the rest of the group. When they yell “RED light” everyone must freeze where they are. When “GREEN light” is yelled, everyone in the group runs as fast as they can to reach the end of the field, before the traffic light yells to stop again. If anyone is spotted moving after the red light is called, they are sent back to the starting place. The first person to tag the traffic light wins, and gets to be the next traffic light.
Dodge Ball
Any game that involves throwing a ball at opponents, and being the smart one by dodging incoming objects, certainly screams “Teenage fun!” The objective of this game is to eliminate all players on the opposite team by hitting them below the waist with the ball. If you are tagged, or if a ball you threw is caught, you are “out.” You are then are sent to the sidelines. You can also be tagged “out” when you step into a designated dead-zone. Or, if you step over the boundary line between the two teams. You win when all the opposite team members are eliminated. You can also win if you have more players than the opposing team at the end of a timed 2-minute game.
Freeze Tag
This is a variation of original Tag where if the person who is “it” tags you, you must freeze in place. Another participant can tag you to unfreeze you, but they do so at the risk of being tagged themselves! This game can be played for hours and everyone involved has a good chance of being “it” at least once.
Scavenger Hunts
You can find all sorts of backyard scavenger hunt checklists online. However, making your own has several benefits. If you create your own, you can customize it to your own backyard and make it so that all ages can play. You are teaching the children to be creative and learn how to problem-solve.
Other simple and free ways to keep children active
- Skipping rocks at a nearby lake or pond
- Rolling down a grassy hill
- Finding the perfect climbing tree
- Swimming or just playing in the water
- Jumping rope
- Riding a bike
- Studying the ecosystem under a stepping stone
- Setting up the game of Twister outside
- Having a contest to see who can Hula Hoop the longest
- Checking out your local Frisbee park
- Walking the dog or riding a horse
- Hiking with parents or friends
- Playing sports with friends (soccer, softball)
This list could go on and on. There are so many different ways for kids to be active while having fun.
At least an hour a day
In the United States, both the C.D.C. and the American Heart Association recommend that healthy children participate in at least an hour of vigorous activity every day, preferably outside.
This can work to prevent heart disease, cancer, chronic disease, and obesity. Getting your children to play outside isn’t just for fun, it’s good for their growing bodies and minds.
By encouraging your children to spend time outside every day, moving and staying active, you are cultivating a love of exercise that will hopefully carry them well into their teenage years, as well as into adulthood!
