Sun, Fun, Family

By Laura Stewart

Jazzercise - Capital Clubhouse

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Sun, Fun, Family

It's that time of year in which kids' schedules and general sense of structure tend to go out the window sometimes taking their mothers' peace of mind with them.

The good news for moms everywhere is you can still provide your kids with an activity-filled summer that's simple yet a blast.

There's a world of fun to be had during these months that will encourage your family's well-being off of the couch, away from a Wi-Fi connection, and out into the great wide open. Your kids may end up having so much fun they might not even realize your sneaky schemes of attempting to keep them active.

Getting Started

Start with designating a family activity day at least once a week in which the whole family spends time together doing a fun outdoor activity. Allow each member to choose something they'd like to do and place it on a summer bucket list.

Fun In the Sun Ideas

Bike rides Dust off the wheels, grease the gears, and take the kids on a bike ride. If you have little ones that are still too small to ride their own bikes, pop a seat on the back of your bike and add some bonus toddler weight to your pedaling.

Hiking Burn calories while exploring the great outdoors and teaching your kids a thing or two about nature. Pack a lunch and set out on a local trail, or combine it with a weekend camping trip.

Water sports If you live close enough to a body of water, rent stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, or snorkel gear for endless aquatic fun. Your kids may even end up discovering a new hobby or a hidden talent they didn't know they had before.

Swimming Splash into summer fun at your local pool. Place rings or “buried treasure” at the bottom of the pool and have your kids swim down to get them. Organize a pick-up game of water volleyball, a few rounds of Marco Polo, or a good old-fashioned diving or cannonball contest.

Yard games Don't underestimate the classics freeze tag, capture the flag, or hide n' go seek.

If it's extra hot out, set up a slip n' slide, fill up some water balloons, or turn on the sprinklers, and let the games begin.

Parks n' rec Take your kiddos to the park and have them slide down slides, swing on swings, and climb on trees. You may just find yourself getting in touch with your own inner child and wanting to join them.

Now get out there and summer away.