Ready for some sun and fun with the kiddos? Here are 10 creative ways to get active with the whole family!
BY: SARAH KOSZYK, MA, RDN
With the warmer weather now here, it’s time to get outside and be active! No more sitting around the house watching TV or playing video games, it’s time to take advantage of the months where you have this beautiful weather!
Here are 10 ideas for you and your family to get a free outdoor workout while enjoying the sunshine.
1. Go for a hike.
Hiking is a fabulous way to enjoy nature while having some nice conversation.
2. Play kickball or soccer in a park.
Going to a park is free activity and a simple ball can encourage running around.
3. Play tag outside.
Tag is a quick way to encourage running around and chasing your kids.
4. Jump rope.
Jumping rope is a really great workout and requires stamina and coordination skills. You can also play Chinese jump rope with your kids, too, so that someone has a break while the other person is jumping around.
5. Visit the zoo.
Walking can be a decent workout in itself! A walk around the zoo can easily complete your goal of 10,000 daily steps.
6. Wash the car.
While you wash the car, the kids can help and play with the water. Doing chores burns energy, and this particular workout is great for those super hot days.
7. Go for a bike ride or a scooter ride.
These are great activities where you can pack your kids on your bike or ride alongside of them.
8. Go swimming.
As a childhood favorite, swimming is a great way to relive the past with your kids! If you live by an ocean, you are lucky. If not, find a local pool or water park and have some fun.
9. Take the stairs.
Go to a park or place which has a ton of stairs to climb up and down. Do some sprints with your kids. You’ll all be exhausted by the end of the hour.
10. Fitness Activity Scavenger Hunt.
Design your own scavenger hunt where you do an activity at each designated spot. For example, run to a park bench and do 5-10 push-ups. Next, go to the Slide and do another quick activity like 5-10 jumping jacks. Set up at least 5 designated areas where you have to perform an activity at each area for the hunt.
The most important part of outdoor activities is to have as much fun as possible and enjoy your time with your loved ones.
And don’t forget, stay hydrated!
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN is a San Francisco-based weight management Registered Dietitian, sports nutritionist, and founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. With a mission of creating deliciously healthy recipes for all ages, Sarah guides others to experience how small changes can make all the difference in improving their daily lives. Visit Sarah for more health inspiration!