It may be easier to let kids sit in front of the television or computer than it is to get them up and moving outside. But we all know how important physical exercise is for our health and the health of our kids.
Here are 3 simple ideas that could help get kids excited about the outdoors.
1. Once a week pick a new outdoor activity for your family to try. Take a hike, go to the beach, or just take a walk around your neighborhood. Make the walk more fun by creating games such as finding certain objects that you have written down and see who finds the most items on the list, start a collection of something--buttons, coins,--and try to find those items to add to the new collection, make up a story as you walk, each person adding to the story as you go along, etc.
2. Go to the park and organize a baseball, softball, or kickball game. Invite friends and family and make a day out of it.
3. Encourage new hobbies or interests by buying birthday and holiday gifts that promote physical activity, such as inline skates, a bike, a scooter, or a skateboard. Just remember to also buy the protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads as well.