How do you get your kids to exercise? Well, for one you might have to stop calling it exercise and refer to it as “play” time. I think sometimes the terminology can mess with their heads a little. For instance, my son has said to me that he hates to exercise, but will ask to play Wii in a minute. Yes, interactive video gaming systems are great alternatives, but sometimes you just want to get your kids away from technology, which brings me to my next point.
My kids love to be outside. Once the weather is consistent they ask to go outside every single day. Every. Single. Day. And I’m pretty sure your kids do, too. Summer is almost over and it’s nice to take advantage of the outdoor air and sunshine.
Thinking of fun outdoor activities made me think back to my childhood and what I did. I had so much fun with certain activities that the thought of them being “exercise” didn’t even enter into my mind. I just did them.
So, next time your child wants something to do, if they haven’t already, try them out with these activities.
1. Racing
Who didn’t like a good race as a kid? Kids like to challenge someone to a race all the time it seems like. And although I never loved running I used to love racing people though…I know, go figure. Even though I knew I would lose, it was the shear competitiveness I had in me that couldn’t keep me from saying no.
2. Rollerskating
I attended many birthday parties at the roller rink and learned to rollerskate both forward and backward. After not setting foot in a roller rink in YEARS, I got a chance to test out my rollerskating skills at a birthday party for one of my children’s friends last year. Let’s just say I still got it! And my kids love it, too.
3. Hula Hoop
My kids have a hula hoop and my daughter’s very good at it. Use it on your arms, abs, and legs. Make it a game to see who can do it the longest!
4. Jump Rope
I used to love jumping rope and will still do it occasionally for the purpose of exercise (it makes for a great cardio workout). One thing I never learned how to do though was double dutch, hmmm.
5. Kick Ball
Remember, playing kick ball in gym class? That was probably the best time I had in gym!
6. Hop Scotch
All you need is some cement, chalk, and a rock and you can play hop scotch literally anywhere!
7. Tug O’ War
Remember this game? One group of kids on one side of a rope pulling away from another group of kids on the other side of the rope. Who doesn’t want to participate in that?
8. Bubbles
Does anyone blow bubbles anymore? Something so simple can keep kids busy for hours…
9. Tag
All you need are motivated kids determined to “catch” someone so they can have bragging rights…
What old school activities do you think your kids would like to do?
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