Summer vacation is meant to be carefree — a break from the structure and routine of the school year for children. For families, however, it can often feel more chaotic than relaxing. While planning fun summer activities may seem simple, many busy families struggle to fit daily exercise and outdoor play into an already packed schedule.
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that children between the ages of 6 and 17 years of age should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. While the AHA does not suggest a specific number of exercise minutes for 3- to 5-year-old children, it does recommend they should be physically active and have plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day.
Here are easy ways to help add physical activity to your family’s daily routine:
Empower Children to Create Exercises
Ask your school-age children to teach you the games they play in gym class. If they are not in school yet, encourage creativity and let them make up the day’s activities.
Play Your Favorite Games
Your children may enjoy playing the games you loved as a child. Old-school favorites such as tag, hopscotch, musical chairs or hot potato can get the heart rate and giggles going.
Explore Parks
Make a family goal to venture out of your usual surroundings and try out new parks in your area each month. Each park may have different equipment, trails and play spaces.
Look for Local Splash Pads
These water features are free and can offer a fun and safe play opportunities for even the smallest in your crew.
Act It Out
Read a story aloud while you march in place. Have everyone else move and act out the story as you read it. Silly Sally and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt are great books to get children moving.
Chore Fun
Put on some fun dance tunes and get everyone moving as they help with simple tasks like dusting and sweeping.
Include Furry Friends
Dogs can be great motivators to get the family moving. Take the dog on a walk, visit a dog park or play together in the backyard.
Adding activities like these into summer break will help children develop healthy lifestyles that can grow into life-long habits. You are the best teacher to show your children that physical activity is also good for you as an adult. Go have fun!