Getting outdoors is both beneficial and fun, especially when shared with family or friends. But convincing your family to get less “screen time” and more fresh air can be a challenge in today’s connected society. It can difficult to come up with fresh ideas for unplugging and enjoying regular outdoor and athletic activities together. Here are few simple ideas we’ve found to help inspire healthy new habits that will get your entire family moving in the right direction.
Bike Riding
There is something magical that happens when kids and bikes connect. Does the wind in your hair, and the feeling of adventure bring back found memories? Why don’t you pack up the bikes and head to a bike path or city park and explore! Not only will you be headed for an exciting day of outdoor exploration and learning, but you will also be improving your muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance and balance.
Hiking
Prefer to keep two feet on the ground? Why not have a nature themed scavenger-hunt at your local or national park? Explore and reconnect with nature in a fun and interactive way. Get the kids involved in making scavenger list of what they expect to find at your preferred locale. At the end of the day, compare lists and talk about everything you saw. Maybe pick one thing and research it as a family project? Inspire the next generation of conservationists, while reinforcing the value of outdoor fun.
Volunteer Dog Walking
Give back to the community, and show children that being active can also involve helping out as a volunteer! Explore opportunities with your local animal shelter as a dog walker. The dogs win, families people win, and children can learn a lot about the value of volunteering and becoming responsible pet owners. And it doesn’t feel quite like exercise when you are playing or walking four-legged friends.
Backyard Volleyball
You don’t have to leave home to get out and enjoy the fresh air, all you really need is a length of string and a beach ball for some affordable, outdoor and old school fun. Set up your own volleyball court, and invite friends and other families over for a tournament. A fun way to get everyone moving, enjoying fresh air and the benefit of healthy exercise (and competition).
Teaching children to balance screen time and healthy, physical activity is an important part to modeling a healthy lifestyle. For more inspiration, surf for outdoor fitness ideas on Pinterest.