Seven Tips To Get Kids Active

In this day and age it's harder than ever to get kids active.  Many pastimes involve technology, so if your little darling is a Minecraft addict or Facebook fiend, it might be very difficult to get them off the computer or games console. Also kids who are more physically active are more likely to be academically motivated and alert in school according to the The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE),  a US organisation, so the mental benefits of physical activity are significant too. 

 For 5 to 18 year olds the recommended level of physical activity is at least one hour a day, but what do you do to encourage your children to get active if they prefer more sedentary activities? 

Here are seven top tips on getting kids to be active and keeping them that way. 

 1. Don't take the car

Wherever possible encourage your kids to walk or cycle to school, the local shops or a friend's house. It's never to early to learn the rules of the road so if your child is little and you need to walk with them, help them learn the green cross code and how to be sensible crossing the road. If your child wants to cycle to school, enquire about cycling proficiency courses such as the one run by Bikeability Wales. 

 2. Exercise with them

 Set aside time every week to do something active with your children.  This is great for bonding and you could even teach them a new skill such as how to use a hula hoop, how to throw a frisbee, or how to skateboard. 

 3. Buy active toys for your kids

 Bikes, skipping ropes, skateboards, footballs and all manner of toys encourage kids to be active. If you buy a new computer game for birthday or Christmas, then buy them something active to balance it out like a new football or scooter.

 4. Encourage their interest

If they have an interest in a sport, encourage the enthusiasm by signing them up to a sports club. Many schools work in collaboration with companies as well to run school sport tours where football, rugby, skiing and netball tours can be enjoyed and skills honed. 

 5. Encourage a love of nature and walking

 The UK has many beautiful national parks, beautiful waterfalls and lovely beaches. On holidays and weekends go out, take a picnic and explore the beautiful countryside and coastline around us.

 6. Try something different

 Now and again try something different. Trampolining and roller blading have become popular in recent years for example. Check out local listings for places that run courses and classes.

 7. Consider a beach holiday

There are lots of fun activities kids can play on the beach such as beach volleyball. They can also learn new skills such as paddle boarding, surfing and even windsurfing. 

 So these are 7 tips to get your kids active, feel free to share your tips below.

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16 comments

  1. Messy Mama Crafter31 March 2017 at 09:40

    These are great tips. We always walk everywhere we go, but my eldest is only 3. We spend a lot of time running around the park though!

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    1. Mellissa Williams2 April 2017 at 15:10

      Walking is a very underrated exercise and running around the park sounds fun!

      Delete
  2. Ashleigh - www.beingashleigh.com31 March 2017 at 11:09

    Never really thought about how great beach holidays are for the body. So much running about and swimming!

    Ashleigh x

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  3. Lynne Harper31 March 2017 at 11:50

    It so important to get kids out and about. My boys love nothing better than hopping up and even running around the garden, trampoline or play frame. My boys have so much energy and they are so much happier being out than trapped indoors x

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    1. Mellissa Williams2 April 2017 at 15:11

      Trampolines are great fun as long as it's supervised and safe.

      Delete
  4. Caffeinated Reactions31 March 2017 at 15:32

    Great tips! Kids definitely need to be more active I run a youth group and we always have physical games to get them to be a little more active

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  5. Becca31 March 2017 at 15:54

    When I look at the options kids have now to the options we had when we were younger, is it any wonder why they're not as active - games consoles, internet, mobile phones etc. I don't have kids, but I really agree with this article (I guess it works for adults too!) x

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  6. Ickle Pickle31 March 2017 at 20:14

    Great tips - my teens are constantly on their phones or laptops, as are their friends. I do get them out for a good walk as often as I can. Kaz x

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    1. Mellissa Williams2 April 2017 at 15:13

      I think it can be easier to get the little ones active. Teenagers can be a law unto themselves but if they find an exercise they enjoy then that's half the battle.

      Delete
  7. Jess | The Indigo Hours31 March 2017 at 23:08

    Doing activities as a family is such a lovely idea, what a great way to encourage the whole family to be more active! :)

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  8. London Mumma1 April 2017 at 18:56

    Some fantastic tips, some kids and parents can be quite lazy! But everyone is different I suppose. But I love getting up early and headng out and doing fun acticities with my daughter.

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  9. beautyqueenuk1 April 2017 at 21:58

    Some great tips and I would add to that - do not buy batteries ha x

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    1. Mellissa Williams2 April 2017 at 15:14

      Great tip ha ha, unfortunately most things run off main power these days :D

      Delete
  10. Jenni16 April 2017 at 09:50

    These are some great tips :) I have been taking my nanny kids trampolining for their exercise recently and they adore it!

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  11. THINH18 October 2019 at 14:35

    I think today's mobile games are good for kids too. because it is not too time consuming and convenient. Children can play for a short time. Typically games from CODHAX. I found it quite interesting, and allowed my children to play those games

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