5 Fun Ways to get your Family Active this Summer!

We have all heard the terrifying statistics on the American weight problem and the increase in childhood obesity. One of the most important gifts you can give your children is a lifelong love of being active. If we start now, show them exercise can be fun, being active will be a natural part of their life as they grow into adulthood.

Kids and parents today have access to some of the most amazing opportunities to give this gift to our children. How? By showing them that activity, sports and exercise are fun, not only for kids, but for the whole family. And there is a beautiful by-product: you will share these experiences with your family, increasing your family togetherness by spending this quality time with them. Here are 5 fantastic ways to love your family this summer by getting them active:

1. Family Bike Ride and Picnic – Go to your local parks and recreation center or website and find a nearby bike trail in a distance and level of difficulty to suit your family. Bring along plenty of water, a blanket and a backpack full of picnic foods. Stop along the way, relax in the grass and enjoy talking and eating with your family. Engage in bird watching, tree identification or the resounding silence of nature… just be together.

2. Start a New Sport/Hobby Together – Find a sport or activity that is new to all of you and learn it together. When kids see Mom and Dad trying their best to do something new, it inspires them to also do their best. You can laugh with each other as you share the struggles of learning. Some great sports/activity ideas that can include the whole family are martial arts, dance classes, tennis, ice skating, soccer, rollerblading and many others. The goal is to find something all of you can enjoy and learn together. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting a ‘thumbs up’ from your own child when you’ve done something well!

3. Walk to Dinner – What? Walk to dinner? Why? Because its loads of fun and a margarita never tasted so crisp after you’ve walked a mile for it! Many neighborhoods are within walking distance of a restaurant or pizza parlor. Pick a lovely evening and set out early to walk to the restaurant. You will gain quality family time together as you talk during your walk as well as burn off those dessert calories before you even consume them!

4. Family Adventure Vacation Weekend – We are fortunate to live in a country full of thrilling places for an active adventure weekend. You are sure to be able to find a great place within a few hours of your home. If you find yourself with an open weekend, instead of spending it cleaning and doing yard work, try a fun, active mini-vacation for the whole family. Some great ideas that are within driving distance for a weekend adventure include:

• white-water rafting
• mountain biking
• hiking at any skill level
• horseback riding
• camping

You will love this quality family time together while getting out there and being active. And the kids will have a great adventure to report to their teachers on Monday!

5. Participate in a Charity Walk/Run Together – In most communities, we are fortunate to find a plethora of organized charity walks throughout the year. All you have to do is find one that is meaningful to you, register and show up. Not only will you have this time with your family and get some valuable exercise, but you will be demonstrating to your children the value of giving and supporting others.