7 Ways to Get You & Your Kids Moving This Summer
Did you know that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week? That’s two and a half hours! For kids the recommended activity amount is even more time, an hour a day. I don’t know about you, but I definitely need to be doing a better job for my son.
I homeschool my youngest son through a program in our school district. Before I started using their program we did a lot of different things because we weren’t on a strict schedule to get his assignments done on time. This year we’ve definitely slacked on getting active or exploring new things together. Since Summer vacation is almost here, I need to get my bootay in gear and plan for some fun stuff. Not just stuff I think is fun, but things I think he will enjoy also.
I tried to focus on ways to have fun that don’t cost a lot of money. Being active every day doesn’t have to break the bank. I also need to focus on making healthier foods fun for him too, but that will be a post for another day.
Let’s get moving!
1. Picnic in the park
Have your kids help you plan and pack a picnic to enjoy at your local park! Make this more active by riding your bikes there, and don’t forget to join in on the playground fun with them. This is a free and easy activity, don’t over think the meal, and don’t forget the water!
2. Indoor Tennis
Living in the Pacific Northwest can mean weather unpredictability. If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day, try playing a game of indoor tennis, with fly swatters and a ballon. I’m hoping James digs this idea, it sounds like silly fun to me. Click Here for the how to.
3. Tic-Tac-Toe Frisbee
Using some tape, mark a tic-tac-toe board on the ground, or use sidewalk chalk. Be sure the squares are big enough to hold a frisbee, or a little bigger. Then take turns with your kiddo throwing the frisbee, trying to land it in a square. If you make it, or are close enough, mark your X or O in that square. Play until you have a winner, or a cat’s game. I’m terrible with a frisbee, this could require a lot of walking for me!
4. Play Old School Yard Games
Do you remember playing with your friends on the playground? How much fun it was to play with just painted lines on the pavement? It’s time to relive those glory days. Show your kiddos how it’s done! Hopscotch, Four Square, Red Light Green Light, and Simon Says, do you remember Red Rover? You could always include the neighbor kids in these games too.
5. Follow the Leader
This one could get crazy. Make it challenging by climbing over things, under things, maybe even through the kiddie pool, or a sprinkler! I’m sure the kids, no matter how old will get a kick out of seeing mom lead the crew through that.
6.Outdoor Relay Race
Make this a neighborhood gig, or an excuse for your kiddo to have friends over for the day. I remember when I was in school at the end of the year they would usually have a fun day of games like this. Go to the dollar store and buy some pool noodles and hula hoops! Click Here for some more ideas.
7. Go for pre- or post-dinner walks
Getting active doesn’t have to be running and jumping. Taking a walk together around the neighborhood at a good pace can get you the activity that the HHS recommends. To make walking more exciting, you could try a neighborhood scavenger hunt, first person to spot five rose bushes, three cats, and two dogs, whatever you decide to hunt for, maybe the winner doesn’t have to help with dinner clean up? Walking adventures are one of my favorite ways to get exercise, they usually result in lots of funny memories.
Like what you saw here?
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be hosting an accountability group to help get myself, and other moms active and healthy with their kids this summer. It’s so easy to get into the routine of sleeping in and then wasting the day away from the quiet of the living room sofa when you don’t have somewhere to be. Along with the activities listed above, I’ll be sharing more, and as many fun and healthy treat recipes that I can find in there. The group isn’t just for moms, but that’s our focus for three weeks. If you’re looking for help in a specific area of your life, I love having a specific area to focus on each month! -Our Fit Kick- <—just click to join.