Ideas to be an active family – Now that the kiddos are out of school for the summer, the last thing you want to do is allow them – or you – to stay cooped up inside the house all day doing nothing. Sure, it’s definitely hot outside, but we need to spend valuable time doing fun, family activities.
In this day and age, families simply don’t get enough of that. It’s easier to sit inside the house, and most of the time, that leads to kids gravitating toward playing video games or watching TV. Or worse, they sleep in late, eat junk food they can’t work off by sitting around, and continue to bug you that they are bored. I want to share some fun ideas to be an active family all year long.
Poor babies! I can’t blame them.
I know if I let my boys have their way, they’d leap straight for the nearest tablet or smartphone. And me? Well, I can get busy doing all sorts of work if I let it happen. Sure, the kids would be out of my hair, but who is benefiting from all of that?
No one. Not a single one of us.
So get out there, make memories, have fun and be an active family!
I wrote a blog a while back showing how families that sweat together, stay together. Check it out for great ideas: http://karmanelsonfitness.com/featured/benefits-of-family-workouts/ and while this is more for inside activities, it serves its purpose for family fun.
Here are some of the intrinsic benefits of being an active family I pointed out:
- It’s a way to make unforgettable memories
- Your kids see the importance of being active
- No more working out alone
Outside activities are easy and fun all year long. Here are a few ideas:
- Go to the playground and have monkey bar challenges between parents and adults.
- Go on a vacation and incorporate an educational walk or bike tour of the city.
- Hiking.
- Plant a garden together, teach the kids the value of yard work.
- Get involved in your kids’ summer camp or sports team.
- Team building games like tug-of-war, jump rope, potato sack races, and water balloon carry.
- Cool off and go swimming… play Marco- Polo, race a few time and have fun.
- Have a lemonade stand. (so much work and so much fun!)
- Go on en evening bike ride together.
It’s paramount as parents, that we set the right example for our children when it comes to living a healthy and fit lifestyle. My husband and I make it a priority to constantly be active in our kids lives, and that includes doing things together as a family. Yes they see us workout every morning, but we go on walks, hikes, play outside together and this summer have gone swimming lots!
Here are quotes illustrating the need for play time in a world overcome by work or sedentary activities.
“All work and no play doesn’t just make Jill and Jack dull, it kills the potential of discovery, mastery, and openness to change and flexibility and it hinders innovation and invention.” – Joline Godfrey
“I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.” – Barbara Bush
Isn’t that just fantastic? I particularly like the second quote from Barbara Bush. Sometimes it’s the least dramatic and most efficient use of words that help drive a point home. Togetherness is inherent in having a happy and healthy family life, and that’s at the top of our list in the Nelson household.
I love hearing stories from parents who committed themselves to staying active, and when they share that knowledge with their children, it’s icing on the cake. So get out there and make this summer memorable!
What are some fun activities your family is doing this summer? What are some ways you are an active family and create memorie?
Let us know in the comments below. And once again, thanks for reading!