7 Ways to Get Your Kids Moving Outside
Recent child development research recommends that kids between the ages of 1 and 4 to get 180 minutes of activity per day. Adding this to the news that nearly half of preschool children are not taken outside to play by their parents daily, I feel a little brainstorming would be helpful for all of us to figure out ways to get our little tigers out and about. Spring has sprung, so now that the weather is officially on the upswing, it's time! The extra hours of light should encourage you all to get off the computer and out the door. Here are 8 ideas to get you started:
1. Grab a ball and go outside
Quick! This is your chance to make them love your favorite sport while they're young and won't protest. Play with them. Parents need exercise too! There are plenty of toddler sports classes, too, so look for some in your area.
Related: 8 outdoor activities that are more fun than video games
2. Get to a local park
A trip to the park is a great way to avoid the late-afternoon lulls that often cause crankiness (in kids and parents!).
3. Invest in a trampoline
We don't really have space for both a tramp and a big play structure in our backyard, but our kids loved our friends tramp so much that we decided to go with that instead of a pricier play structure. Just a few minutes jumping on a trampoline is great exercise!
Related: Look out for these 10 types of kids on the playground (from The Boss to The Crybaby)
4. Enroll him or her in a swim class
For your child's safety, they should learn to swim as soon as possible. It'll make your life a lot less stressful this summer.
5. Go for a nature walk.
A nature walk need not be anything huge. Anywhere where there's trees and flowers to look at will suffice. A walk around the block.
Related: 10 things to consider before enrolling your kids in activities
6. Play running games
Tag! Red Light, Green Light! Red Rover! Or a good old fashioned "I'm gonna get you!" Making it a game will help them have fun while burning a ton of energy.
7. Dance party
A dance party is a great way to burn energy any time, any place and in any weather. Plus, it's fun for mom too!
- By Naomi Odes Aytur
Follow Naomi on Babble
For 5 more ways to get your kids moving outside, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
25 things EVERY kid should experience
20 outrageous over-the-top kids rooms to drool over
The 7 worst things you can say to your child
10 surprising benefits of kids doing yoga
12 foods you need to stop feeding your kids... NOW
