Ideas for an Active Family

An active lifestyle can help you have a healthier, happier family. Parents, grandparents, guardians, children and pets all need to be physically active every day to foster proper growth and development – including healthy minds, bodies and relationships.

Here are some simple ways to be a family on the move:

Be active together. It’s good for your physical health, and can also help improve personal relationships and everyday communication.
Encourage both moderate and vigorous activities every day. Try a range of different activities that help develop healthy bones, muscles and joints. A brisk walk together is a moderate exercise. A game of tag would be a vigorous activity. Have fun planning activities together.
Play together. Kids love it when family and friends join in their games. Throw a frisbee or ball together, fly a kite, shoot hoops or do whatever your children are into. You can also plan things like scavenger hunts and family relays, or create your own Amazing Race.
Try new activities. Join a club or sign up for lessons to try a new activity. Learn new skills and have fun while developing endurance, flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Support your children's choices of activities and praise them for their efforts.
Be more active around the house. Turn house cleaning and chores into a fun activity. Take the stairs, walk the dog, lift, carry, push and pull with enthusiasm.
Reduce inactive “zone out” time. Decrease time spent watching television, playing video games and surfing the net. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air and be active.
Explore your community. Walk, hike or cycle new routes or trails and explore every part of your community together.
Get the family involved in local activities and events. Encourage volunteering and/or taking part in community events like litter clean-ups, working bees or supporting your favorite charity event. There are many great opportunities to be involved in your community.
Be a good role model for your kids. If you lead an active lifestyle, you're much more likely to pass your good habits on to your children. They learn by example, so set a good one!
Lock up your car. Leave the car at home for short journeys like the trip to school or local shops – bike, rollerblade, scoot or walk instead.
Give gifts that encourage activity. For birthdays and other events, give your kids things like badminton sets, bats, balls, frisbees, bikes, skate boards or skipping ropes. Make it easy and fun for your children to stay active.
Develop a family action plan. As a family, decide what activities you enjoy doing together. Chart your family goals, progress, routes, distances and steps.
Invite others to take part. Ask neighbours, friends and grandparents to join you for your family activity. It will help you all stay motivated.

Ideas for an Active Family

Here are some simple ways to be a family on the move:

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