Games That Promote Physical Fitness

Kids these days need a lot of support when it comes to physical fitness. If parents can introduce their kids to some great games and activities that promote physical fitness, families will benefit immeasurably. Let’s look at some ideas for such games and activities, and help our kids get physically fit in the process.

Number one. Swimming! Kids enjoy swimming, and they enjoy it even more if there are a few slides involved. Water parks are a great way for kids to become more physically fit and for families to have a good time together. Think about buying a membership at your local water park or at least visiting an outdoor swimming pool a couple of times per week.

Number two. Hiking! Most kids enjoy hiking, and hiking has many benefits aside from simply helping people to get in shape. Hiking allows kids to get out of the city and take a close look at the beauties of the natural world. Perhaps your children are interested in insects or leaves; hiking can be an educational experience.

Number three. Frisbee! We can expand this one to include park activities in general. Parks are wide, clean, fun places, with plenty of grass and swing sets and other options sure to entice kids into “exercise.” That is, parks are a great way for the whole family to get its blood pumping without the boredom of going to a gym or jogging or some other boring exercise.

Number four. Basketball! Parents who invest in a simple basketball hoop for the driveway (or maybe even something more elaborate) will find themselves well rewarded. A basketball hoop is a pretty universal form of fun. Kids can play an actual game of basketball, shoot around, or try fun games such as P-I-G. You know your kids better than anyone else; if you think a basketball hoop would be fun for them, go for it.

Number five. Tag! We can expand this one to include several games, such as kick-the-can, hide ‘n’ go seek, murder in the dark, and so forth. These are all games that can be played in your own backyard, and, what’s better, games that will attract other kids from the neighborhood as well. Not only will your kids pick up valuable social skills this way, they’re more likely to want to get involved if their friends are too.

Number six. Organized sports! Again, you know your kids best and know what they’ll enjoy doing. Some kids excel in organized sports while others have a more difficult time. If you feel that your kids are of the former type, organized sports will help teach them teamwork and sportsmanship, and the time they spend at practice is time in which you can accomplish other important things.

When looking for great games and activities to promote physical fitness in your kids, be sure to check the Internet for other ideas. Many books have been published to serve the idea of games and activities that promote physical fitness in kids. Also, you may want to consider asking your kids for their opinion—what are some games and activities that they’d be interested in getting involved in. Physical fitness, after all, isn’t something that should be limited to just the kids. Parents need to be active, too, and the family that plays together stays together.