If you have kids, you know that they need to be active. If you’re looking for ways to get them moving without breaking out the gym membership or expensive equipment, here are some ideas to inspire your children to be more active or play outside. Ideas for informal P.E. are also essential for homeschool moms to have on hand, so you don’t have to worry about prepping a big lesson after all the other school work you do!
1. Have a Dance Party
Dance parties are a fun way to get moving, especially if you’re not used to being active. They can be done at home, with friends, or even with family members. If you’re you’re brave enough and have the time/space for it, why not throw one yourself? The only thing that matters is that your kids are having fun!
If your kids don’t seem so keen on dancing by themselves, it might be good to have pre-dance activities ready beforehand—think jump rope or hula hoops (or both!)—so they don’t feel left out when everyone else gets onto the dance floor.
You could also sign your child up for a virtual dance party. Virtual dance classes and dance parties have become very popular on online education platforms like Kidpass, Outschool, and even occasionally DIY. However, these will cost more than simply hosting one yourself with youtube music.
2. Sign Up for Community Sports Teams
Community sports teams can be pretty low-cost. Sometimes you only need a registration fee of about $10 to $25 for the season plus your equipment. Other times they are free if you provide your own equipment. Some ways to get involved in community sports teams include:
- Find a local sports league.
- Check with your local YMCA or YWCA.
- Look for a local sports club or a high school team that accepts homeschoolers.
- Check out colleges in your area to see if they have any teams that you could participate in. Some have kid’s programs.
- See if there are community centers or parks in your area where you can play some sports.
3. Play Music and Move Around the Room to the Beat
Play music and move around the room to the beat. This is pretty much like a spontaneous dance party.
Music is a great way to get your kids moving, keep it fun, and allow them to explore their imaginations. Choose songs you enjoy, and encourage them to pick a favorite song too. Make sure that you have plenty of space for everyone in the room! You can also play different types and speeds of music so that people can choose what they feel like dancing to at any given moment.
4. Do Yoga or Tai Chi
Yoga and Tai chi are great ways to get in touch with your body. They’re good for flexibility, relaxation, and the mind and heart. They also help you connect with yourself through breathing exercises. Yoga is fun because you can do it anywhere. You could throw the yoga mat down outside or even do a kid’s yoga class on Youtube for free in front of the TV.
Amazon has many awesome kids’ yoga mats like this chunky/rolly panda mat! It is a nonskid mat that’s light blue with adorable pandas.
5. Play Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a great way to get kids moving. It’s all sorts of fun for them, and it can help you get your children active without much effort on your part. You don’t have to worry about getting out of the house if you play it in your own backyard—you can just make up some rules and have at it!
Dodgeball is best played if you have multiple kids around the same age or if you go to a community center where they use soft balls to play. Some co-ops have dodgeball tournaments as well.
6. Jump on a Trampoline
Trampolines are a fun way to get fit and healthy, and the best part is that you can use them for both! For example, try doing squats or jumping jacks if you want to exercise on your trampoline. If you’re looking for fun, try making up your own games like “trampoline basketball” or “trampoline tag.”
Amazon has the perfect trampoline for the outdoors. A JUMPZYLLA Trampoline comes with a netting enclosure, zippered entrance, and latter to get in. Plus, you can get this trampoline in a variety of colors.
If your family has an informal homeschool program or doesn’t have time to go outside every day (or even once a week), we recommend getting a small-ish trampoline for everyone in the house to use. It will be an excellent source of exercise equipment that’s easy to store when not in use!
Indoor trampolines are cheaper than outdoor ones. Plus they offer many great benefits such as exercising when it is cold outside. The ANCHEER Foldable Trampoline can hold up to 220 lbs and is perfect for kids or adults to jump on, or you can store it away. It also comes with an adjustable exercise bar.
7. Go Outside and Dig in the Dirt or Do Chores
Going outside and digging in the dirt or doing chores is one of the most natural forms of physical activity. Kids can easily get their hands dirty by raking leaves, picking up trash, pulling weeds, raking the lawn, planting flowers, and more!
If you have a garden in the summertime, this is also a great way to keep kids active and productive all summer long!
8. Go Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. You can do this with a group or by yourself, so it’s something you can do at any age.
If you want to hike with your kids (or just on your own), there are lots of trails worldwide that are accessible and easy to find. Even if you’re you’re in an urban area, there might be parks near. This makes it possible to go hiking or at least for a walk every day.
9. Take a Walk or Bike Ride
Taking a simple walk or riding a bike around your neighborhood can benefit your health. It keeps your heart healthy and your muscles active and helps release stress. Most kids love going for a bike ride. You can take your kids on a bike ride, and they’ll love it. Riding bikes is also a great way to bond with your kids as well as get some exercise, so it’s something you can do together. If you don’t have bikes at home, there are plenty of places where you can rent them for cheap. You could also get some bikes on major sales holidays like black Friday, cyber Monday, or prime day throughout the year.
10. Go Roller Skating or Ice Skating
Go roller skating or ice skating. If you’re on the roller rink, ensure you have the right equipment: roller blades are good for flat surfaces and low-impact activities like hockey but are not ideal for a more active sport like speed skating or figure skating. Ice skates are great for gliding across the ice, making sharp turns, and speed skating (if you’re brave and a good skater). If your family wants to try skating together without investing in new gear, consider renting skates from your local recreation center.
11. Climb on Playground Equipment
Playground equipment is a great way to get exercise, but it can be dangerous if you use it improperly.
When children are climbing on the slide, make sure they stop at the end and don’t climb onto the top of the slide. Also, ensure that children don’t t go down head first or jump off the top at the playground.
Make sure your kids are being watched by an adult when they are near swing sets; this will prevent them from getting hurt by accidentally hitting each other as they swing! Remind them not to walk to close to other swinging kids.
Playing on playground equipment is a great way for your child to meet and socialize with other kids. It’s a great way to get them outside and can be fun for the whole family. Make sure you take the time to teach your children how to use playground equipment properly so that they won’t hurt themselves or others while playing.
Informal Activities Can Make Exercise Fun
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore if you’re looking for ways to work out and have fun simultaneously. You can do it with your kids, friends, or even yourself. However, it is important to keep your kids moving too. Here are some ideas for you and your kids to try:
- Go for a walk or bike ride together. You can make it fun by planning an adventure, such as going to the park or riding around the neighborhood.
- Play kickball or other sports with friends. This is a great way to get exercise while having fun!
- Try a new activity together. Check out local parks or community centers for fun classes that you and your kids can enjoy together.
- Dance, play music, or make art! These are all great ways to get up and moving.
Informal or spur-of-the-moment activities can be the most fun too. Try making a game out of chores. For example, if you’re washing dishes, have your kids run around in place while holding onto the countertop or table. Or ask them to jump on each leg with both feet—this is good for balance and coordination.
There are so many informal activities that you can do with your kids to get them moving. The best part is there is no equipment needed, and they don’t have to change out of their pajamas! The key is to keep an open mind and try new things.
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