Exercise through Playtime

Kids need exercise just like adults. However, exercise for kids can (and should) look different than exercise for adults. Kids can get all the exercise they need just through active playtime and games. Here are some active playtime ideas for the summer.

Tag

It may be one of the oldest games in the book, but it’s a classic that all kids love. Take the family outside for a good, old-fashion game of tag. We promise you’ll be winded by the end too! You can keep it interesting by switching up what kind of tag you’re playing. Google “Tag games” and you’ll stay busy for hours with the different variations of tag.

Capture the Flag

This brings back gym-class memories for most of us. This game requires two teams. Split a field or yard into half, and place a flag (or other object) on each side. Each team will compete to be the first to steal the other team’s flag and get it back to their side.

Ball Hunt

Spread balls around a field or yard. At a central location, place one bin per child. When you yell “GO” the child(ren) run(s) to retrieve the balls. Each child can only get one ball at a time. When they get a ball, they bring it back and place it in their bin before setting out to retrieve another ball. When all the balls are retrieved, the child with the most balls wins. You can play this with any object. Flags, cones, food, or anything else laying around the house.

Obstacle Courses

Use cones or other household objects to create an obstacle course for your kids to do. You can have them weaving around cones, hurdling boxes, sack racing, you name it. Have the child compete against themselves to get their best time out of a certain number of tries. Write down their times and see if they can beat themselves the next time they try it.

Follow the Leader

This is a great game for toddlers. Pick a leader and have everyone else follow the leader. The leader can skip, hop, frog jump, shuffle, crawl, or anything else the leader can think of around the yard while everyone follows their lead.

Family Sports

If you have access to a basketball hoop, baseball field, tennis courts, or other sports facilities, take the family for a little game together. Modify the games to fit the number of players and skill level of your children.

Remember that it’s meant to be fun. Participation is more important than winning. Applaud your child’s effort. Congratulate their successes. Additionally, it’s crucial to modify the activities for older and younger siblings. Competition is a good thing, but not if it makes the child too frustrated to participate.

Happy playing!