Summer is here: Let the fun and games begin!
Summer is also the time when parents aren't as strict about what their children eat. Picnics and barbecues become standard fare. As such, it's important that children get an adequate amount of exercise during summer months.
The question remains: how do parents go about getting their children to exercise without it seeming like a chore?
They let them play.
What you will find below
Entertaining children and adults
Games which can be played in your own backyard.
Tag
Catch me if you can!
It's been around for generations and still holds as much excitement for yourself and your children as the first time you played it.
Running around the yard while trying to avoid the tap on your shoulder which would mean you're "it" is packed with a bunch of laughs, shrieks, and near misses until, eventually, someone does get caught and the fun begins again.
This is one of the best games to play to get the heart racing while entertaining everyone at the same time.
Soccer
Let me score a goal
Set up a net and you're on your way to have a lot of fun. With one goalie, who cares about team players? Everyone fend for yourselves, running and trying to get the ball away from everyone until you score a goal.The adrenaline will begin to rush through your bodies as you run around the yard, forever trying to retain control of the ball.
Lots of laughter will ensue as long as it doesn't become too competitive to the point the fun disappears.
Jump Rope
Where's the skipping rope?
You've heard the expression, "Jump Rope for Heart." No kidding! Jumping rope is entertaining especially when you're using a long skipping rope, and other people jump in at the same time as you to jump for as long as they can.
It's fun to see who holds out the longest but it's a major work-out. Water should be nearby for when you've jumped out. You'll definitely need it!
Enjoying the Tree House...
Or Climbing Trees. Take your pick!
Hanging out in a tree house can be lots of fun. Children may not get as much continual exercise but they will have a lot of fun. In addition, they will get a little work-out from climbing up and down the ladder.
Badminton is the game to play
Frisbee is a good alternative
Whether you try to knock the birdie at the feet of your opponent or keep the birdie in the air, this provides a great form of exercise and is enjoyable as long as the wind isn't strong.If the winds are too strong, pull out a Frisbee and you'll have to run greater distances to retrieve it, thus increasing your heart rate.
Sprinkler time
Fun in the sun
Children love the water and, when running through the sprinkler on warm summer days, they get the opportunity to cool off, have fun, and get some exercise.
Add a large family-sized trampoline and the fun and exercise doubles as the sprinkler continues to spray them and whoever is on the trampoline with them.
Playground structures
The bigger, the better
You may not think much of it but your children will get a lot of exercise while having a lot of fun playing in tunnels, sliding, swinging, and climbing inside of playground structures.**Just be sure the equipment is in a shaded area and isn't so hot it will burn your children.**
Horseshoes may be an ideal game
But, perhaps, lawn darts is your preference
"Check it out
Vacationing With Children"
Favorite Summer Activities for Children
Visiting the zoo
Children love animals. What better place to take t more...2 points
Visiting the beach
Children love to visit beaches, especially when th more...1 point
Going on picnics
Children love picnics as long as there aren't too more...1 point
Visiting amusement parks
Children find much entertainment at amusement park more...0 points
Summer Fun in your own Backyard
Share your thoughts with me!
italianheart92 wrote...
Wow awesome lens and great ideas and tips! NIce job! :)
Posted June 25, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
5 stars and favored!
Children need to play and exercise. You might like to check out my lens The What Happened to Recess.
Posted September 07, 2008
alysunb wrote...
I love your lens!! Great tips!! Another idea might be "croquet" I've been doing that one with my Toddler! Hope you don't mind me linking to you on my lens http://squidoo.com/exerciseforkids
Posted June 19, 2008
Joan4 wrote...
Good lens! Yes, outside and away from computer and television. Although midday we bring the pre-school grands inside until the sun is not so bright. Puzzles and craft projects when it is too hot!
Posted June 07, 2008
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