Exerience active family fun

Time together is time that is treasured. Try:

• Family adventures - See the sights of your community. Try hiking, fishing, canoeing even berry picking! Discover your parks and explore tourist attractions.
• Welcome each season with active fun! Try winter sledding or build a snowman.  Fly a kite in spring.  Cool off from summer heat by running through the sprinkler and pick the perfect pumpkin on a fall hike through the pumpkin patch.
• Community service - Benefit others by volunteering as a family. Do litter patrol, help neighbors with yard work or team up to revitalize your favorite neighborhood park.
• Walk and talk - Instead of sitting in front of the TV, go for a family walk after dinner...you'll be surprised what you talk about!
• Household chores - Encourage responsibility and home maintenance skills by having your kids help out around the house. Make it fun and more active by listening to music...nothing like the vacuum cleaner tango to get your heart beating!
• Dance - After dinner put on some music and dance! The one who dances the hardest gets to pick the next song. Keep them motivated by threatening to play your favorites from the 80s!
• Get the family pet involved. Walking the dog is a great way to keep Fido in shape and the rest of the family too.
• Learn something new. Kids love to learn, especially if they learn more quickly than you! How about trying tai chi, bowling or anything that keeps your body moving and the laughter rolling! Look for opportunities in your community aimed at full family participation.
• Track your steps - Try using a pedometer to track your steps each day. Log your progress toward a family goal and plan a fun (and active) celebration when you reach it.
• Be the most popular parent on the block! Road hockey, sand lot baseball and even the old games we used to play are way more fun when an adult plays along! Gather up the neighbor's kids and play! Make a date for every Tuesday night!

When you don't have time to play along try:

• Indoor fun - Designate a space where kids can roll, climb, jump, dance and tumble. Garages - without cars - and basements, can become activity zones on rainy or very cold days.
• Traveling locker room - Stash a box in the family vehicle that hold balls, jump ropes, frisbees and other small equipment. You'll always be ready for fun!
• Map out routes where your kids can safely bike, walk and run without supervision.
• Organize a Walking School Bus in your community. Parents take turns walking children to and from school. It's a great way to leave the car at home and get the kids to school safely.
• The gift of physical activity. Give a present that encourages activity. Swimsuits, running shoes and toys that encourage movement are a great way to say happy birthday!
• Go out and play! Keep a list of great outdoor activities that get kids moving...you'll be ready when they groan..."I have nothing to do".
• Red Rover, Red Rover! Your library is full of books with great games and activities that we all used to play. Refresh your memory and teach your kids to get back in the game.
• Videos -  If you can't beat them.... There are lots of great exercise and activity videos for kids of all ages. Keep one on hand to help burn off energy.
• Rollerblades, skateboards and scooters. Kids love them and they all offer a great active transportation alternative to getting a ride.
• A can of paint can work wonders! Paint a hopscotch, four square, or court game on your driveway.

Do you have your own great idea?  Submit a story and let us know how your family fits physical activity into your busy day.