Summer Fitness Activities for the Whole Family

Summer is a time of blue skies, sunshine and lazy afternoons by the pool. While kids need to unwind over the holidays, it can cause problems when school goes back if they become too relaxed. 

One way to ensure that children continue to enjoy regular exercise this summer is by taking part in fitness activities as a family. This will not only help them stay fit and healthy, it’s a great way to spend quality time together.  

Here are some fun fitness activities parents and kids can do together.

Take regular evening walks 

It usually doesn’t get dark until after 8pm in summer. Instead of hanging around inside glued to devices or watching TV after dinner, why not take a stroll around your neighbourhood? Many houses keep their Christmas decorations up until the new year, and most children love looking at the lights. 

Summer is the perfect time to explore streets in your area that you’ve never been in on foot. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try an evening walk on the beach or in a nature reserve. Bike riding is another fun activity you can do close to home as a family. 

Visit a local park 

Parks are great places to burn off energy and enjoy some family time together. Playground equipment is ideal for younger kids, while older kids and parents can make use of the workout stations available in many parks.

You can also bring a frisbee or ball to throw around, have running races or play fetch with the family dog. Being outside in the fresh air boosts physical and mental wellbeing. 

Create your own gym

It’s simple and free to create a gym in your backyard by designating stations for squats, lunges, sit-ups and push-ups. If you have a swing set or a trampoline, you can incorporate them into your workout routine.

Kids generally aren’t too interested in working out on their own, but when parents get involved, it becomes a fun, interactive experience. You can even create your own backyard obstacle course and challenge kids to a race. Using apps to track steps and fitness can also be very motivating for kids.

Hit the water together 

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, and it’s great to get in as much of it as you can in the holidays. For children who don’t like swimming, or just to add some variety, there are many other activities you can do on the water to boost fitness. 

These activities include canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and scuba diving. Check out clubs in your area as they often offer holiday activities and deals for families. One of the great benefits of spending time around the water is that it allows parents to reinforce water safety skills. 

Try something new 

Summer is the perfect time to try a brand new fitness activity with kids, such as rock climbing, kickboxing or yoga. If you have some free time, find out what interests your child and research it together. 

Trying different activities will not only help kids stay fit over summer, it also gives them the confidence to step outside their comfort zones. Learning new skills together is a wonderful bonding experience.

Whatever fitness activities your family chooses this summer, be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid strenuous exercise at the hottest times of the day.