Top 5 Fun Activities to Help You Get Active With Your Kids

It is well documented that child obesity is on the rise with adult obesity not faring much better. One great way to encourage greater exercise and activity in your children is to do it with them. By taking part in an activity with your kids, you are keeping it fun and you're sharing an experience with them. Children are more likely to spend time doing an activity with a parent by their side, which means that both parent and child get the benefit of an extended activity.

If you're stuck for inspiration on how to 'get moving' with your children, here are some really fun activities that you can do together.

Rollerskating/Ice Skating
Skating is a great activity for parents and children to do together. It's heaps of fun as you zoom around the rink, with many local venues hosting family sessions complete with games and/or a DJ.
Calories burned in an hour: 493 (based on a 70 kg person)



Ten Pin Bowling
Adding a competitive angle to your family's activities can also add a whole lot of fun. Challenge each other to get the highest score, and do some gentle exercise whilst you're at it. Not the biggest calorie burn, but it's fun and you're not sat on the couch.
Calories burned in an hour: 211 (based on a 70 kg person)

Kayaking



On a sunny day, it's an absolute dream to get out on the water, and kayaking is a perfect way to do this. Kids (and adults too if needed) can wear a life jacket, and once you get paddling away, it's a surprise what a workout your arms can get. Little ones can help out with an oar of their own, and if you've got teenagers, then a double kayak where they can share the load is the way forward.
Calories burned in an hour: 352 (based on a 70 kg person)

Football
Whilst I'm not a big follower of football, much to my brother-in-law's dismay, I absolutely love kicking a ball around with my eldest son. We'll often pack a ball with us on trips to the park or to the beach, and it's a fun activity that keeps us both active. When kids are older, gather a few families or friends together and challenge them to a friendly kick around. Team sports are a great way to encourage kids to stay active.
Calories burned in an hour: 294 (based on a 70 kg person)

Swimming



Due to the number of fantastic indoor pools around, swimming is a great way to exercise all year round and have a lot of fun too. In the Summer, you can head to the beach for some free fun in the sun, and in Winter you can head indoors for swimming fun with the family. There's a number of games and activities you can include in your aqua activities such as water volleyball, snorkeling, diving for submerged toys and swimming races. It's a great workout too.
Calories burned in an hour: 422 (based on a 70 kg person)

What activities do you like to do as a family to get you active and off the couch?

Source Data for Calories Burned, provided by My Calories Burned.

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