by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT
The weather is beautiful, and the weekend is here. Woohoo!!! What do we do as a family?
Between school, work and playdates it can be hard to fit family time and physical activity into your family’s busy schedule. Active play helps strengthen family bonds crucial for your child’s social and emotional development.
So how are you supposed to convince your kids that having fun outside is more fun than screen time?
Let’s start with the easiest. Whether it’s after lunch or after dinner, taking a walk is a fun outdoor activity that helps to burn the glucose in your body after a meal. Plus, walking aids in digestion. If you’re working from home these walks will give everyone the chance to get some fresh air.
Walking is great for the family’s mental and physical well-being.
Take a Family Bike Ride
Bike rides are economical, environmentally friendly and great exercise for everyone. Be sure the bikes are in good repair, have appropriate helmets for everyone, and choose a bike route that even the youngest or most inexperienced member can safely navigate.
Fishing
Fishing is a great way for families to get outside, and it also teaches kids today there is more to life than technology. Fishing gets kids outside in the fresh air and helps them experience the art of patience. If you have little ones, they love feeding ducks as well.
P.S. Bread is a big no-no for ducks. Instead bring along corn (not popcorn), rice, peas, broccoli, tomatoes and non-citrus fruit.
Make an Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses are fun outside activities for kids. Pull out all the outside gear for this one. Use jump ropes, Hula-Hoops, pool noodles and whatever you have to create an obstacle course.
Sometimes the best games are the classics: Grab a ball and have a family game of kickball.
It can be hard to know where to start with getting your kids outdoors, but the benefits of less screen time and more green time is unrivalled.
