Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also essential to keep your family moving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. And while adults don’t need quite that much exercise, they should still get in 30 minutes daily.
Especially in summer, when there are endless outdoor activities to take advantage of, there’s no excuse for being inactive. Here are some fun summer activities to keep your family moving:
1. Take a hike.
Nature is the perfect playground for an active family. There are endless hiking trails of varying difficulty levels to explore. And, if you bring along a picnic lunch, you can make a day of it.
When planning a hiking trip, consider the abilities of everyone in your group. Choose a trail that has a difficulty level that everyone will be comfortable with. And, if you have small children, be sure to bring along a child carrier or backpack.
Be mindful of the weather, too. If it’s going to be a hot day, hike early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with heat exhaustion.
2. Go for a bike ride.
Cycling is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. And, it’s an activity that the whole family can do together. If you don’t have your own bikes, you can rent them at a local bike shop.
Before heading out on your ride, do a safety check of everyone’s bikes. Ensure the tires are inflated, the brakes work, and the chains are oiled. Helmets are also a must. And, if you’re riding with small children, they’ll need to be in a child seat or trailer.
You should plan your route in advance, too. Choose a path that has little to no traffic and is mostly flat. You don’t want to deal with cars whizzing by or hills that are too challenging.
3. Dance it out.
Dancing is a great way to get your heart pumping and have fun. And there are plenty of summer dance camps for which your kids can sign up. Most camps will teach a variety of dance styles, like hip-hop, jazz, and ballet. Your kids will meet new friends and learn cool dance moves.
But if you want to dance together as a family, just put on some music and have a dance party in your living room or backyard. No one can resist getting up and moving when their favorite songs come on.
Make sure to take breaks, though. Dancing is a workout; you don’t want to overdo it and end up feeling sore the next day. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take a break if you feel lightheaded.
4. Play sports.
Whether it’s basketball, soccer, or flag football, playing sports is a great way to get active as a family. You can sign up for a local league or just play in your backyard. No matter where you play, you’re sure to have a blast.
And, if you need some motivation to get moving, make it a friendly competition. See who can score the most points or run the fastest. Make sure everyone plays by the same rules, and no one gets too upset if they lose.
This is also an excellent time to teach your children about sportsmanship. Help them to understand that it’s not about winning or losing but about having fun and being active. Show them how to shake hands and say “good game” whether they win or lose.
5. Go for a swim.
Swimming is not only a great workout, but it’s also a lot of fun. And, if you have a pool in your backyard, you can go for a swim anytime you want. Just be sure to supervise your children at all times to prevent accidents.
If you don’t have a pool, you can still go swimming at your local community center or public pool. Most pools have lap lanes if you want to swim laps for a workout. And most also have a shallow end for small children to play in.
Don’t forget the sunscreen, though. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You’ll want to apply it generously, especially if you’re going to be in the sun for a long time. You should also reapply it every few hours, even if you’re not in the water.
There are plenty of fun summer activities that will get your family moving. So, get out there and enjoy the warm weather. And, most importantly, have fun! Remember, it’s about being active and spending time together as a family. With these activities, you’re sure to make some great memories.
