Plan these activities to get everyone in the family moving more while having fun.
Physical activity is an important part of being healthy at any age. If you have kids who are often glued to a screen, encouraging everyone to get moving may feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. Planning active family activities can encourage healthier habits in kids while helping to build lasting memories.
Family fun days that include physical activity are a great way to spend quality time together, get some exercise and show kids how much fun it can be to be active. Here are 6 ideas to get your whole crew moving:
- Organize a backyard Olympics. You don’t need fancy equipment to set up your own Olympic-style games. Use household items like jump ropes, hula hoops or water bottles as cones. Let each family member plan a silly or sporty event and come up with the rules and prizes together. It’s a great way to get everyone’s heart rate up while having some good laughs.
- Plan a family outing. There are lots of places you can all go as a family to have fun and be active, depending on the age levels of your kids. Some ideas include visiting a trampoline park, going bowling, enjoying a session at the local roller or ice skating rink, or trying indoor rock climbing. Let kids take turns picking their favorite activities.
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Walking is one of the easiest ways to be active, and turning it into a game makes it even better. Head to a local park or trail and make a list of things to find, such as a pinecone, a bird’s nest or a yellow flower. This keeps kids engaged, encourages them to explore and adds a fun twist to your usual walk.
- Play classic outdoor games. Games like tag, hide and seek, kickball or capture the flag don’t require much planning and can be played almost anywhere. These games keep kids moving and help build teamwork and coordination. Plus, they’re also enjoyable for adults. Playing together shows kids that exercise is something to look forward to.
- Take a family bike ride. Biking is a fun way to explore your neighborhood or nearby trails. It’s gentle on joints and great for building endurance. Pack a healthy snack, stop at a local park or playground and make it a mini adventure. Just remember to wear helmets and follow bike safety rules.
- Enjoy a dance party. If the weather isn’t great or you want to do something spur of the moment, a dance party at home can get everyone moving. Pick a playlist of upbeat songs and let each person take a turn being the DJ. Not only is dancing good cardio, but it also boosts your mood.
Children need about an hour of physical activity each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When kids see their parents enjoying movement, they learn that physical activity can be fun and can easily be incorporated into everyday activities. Being active together not only sets a good example for your kids but is a great way to unplug from screens, connect with each other and build strong bonds.
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Date Last Reviewed: April 14, 2025
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
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