10 Ideas for a Great Summer

10 Ideas for a Great Summer

Summer is almost here and pretty soon kids will be looking for ways to fill up all their free time. Why not be active as a family! Here are 10 activities to get your entire family up and moving this summer:

Go Jump in a Lake (or a Swimming Pool)…
Kids love a good splash in the local pool with their buddies and swimming is good for young and old alike, as it offers a terrific full-body workout.

Start Pedaling…
Riding bikes is fun for the entire family and it’s a great workout. The experts suggest that kids ride on sidewalks and paved paths until they are about 10 years old or show good riding ability and are able to follow the road safety rules. Both children and adults should wear helmets when bicycling.

Be a Soccer Mom or Dad…
Soccer is an increasingly popular sport among kids in the U.S. It’s a very active sport that requires agility and good teamwork. Gear up your kids in the appropriate protective equipment and make sure they wear shoes with non-slip ribbed or cleated soles..

Become a Black Belt…
Martial arts are a great way to introduce kids to a sport involving the mind-body connection, strength, coordination and mental discipline. There are many forms to choose from. Proper training and equipment are essential to avoid injury.

Shoot Some Hoops…
Playing basketball, whether just shooting hoops, playing a game of one on one, or a full court game, is great for developing hand-eye coordination as well as teamwork. And it just so happens to be my personal favorite.

Jumping Rope…
Good old-fashioned jumping rope is still a favorite activity on playgrounds today. It challenges cardiovascular endurance and coordination for young and old alike. Be sure to join in the fun when the kids bring out the jump rope, as it’s an excellent workout!

Put On Your Dancing Shoes…
Dancing is a great way for kids to move their bodies and be creative, while getting a workout at the same. Video arcades now feature a game that challenges the viewer to follow the same dance moves while watching the video.

Put on Your Skates…
Whether your kids prefer roller blades or roller skates, skating is a fun workout that challenges coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Be sure they wear protective gear such as wrist guards and kneepads, as well as a helmet.

Get On a Board & Ride!
Board sports are popular among adults and kids alike, whether it’s surfing, wakeboarding or skateboarding in the warmer months, and snowboarding in the winter. These sports tend to be higher impact, so be sure to equip the kids with helmets (for skateboarding and snowboarding).

Create an Obstacle Course…
Kids love the challenge of an obstacle course. Set up an obstacle course to test their skills at your local playground or even in your backyard, using playground equipment, jump ropes, balls and other “obstacles.”

The most important thing is that the kids are having fun being active and learning new skills. Join with them in the fun for a rejuvenating workout — you’ll be glad you did! And so will they… After all, there’s no better way to spend quality time with your family and be active at the same time.

 

–Shannon Patterson