10 really fun ways to stay active during the holidays
Take advantage of local parks and playgrounds.
It might be tempting to leave your kids alone to their own devices (literally and figuratively) during the summer break, but it’s essential to ensure they remain active and develop healthy habits.
While a bit of Xbox or iPad time can offer you some well-earned peace and quiet, encouraging physical activity will have far greater long-term benefits for their health and wellbeing.
Researchers from UK-based The Academy of Medical Sciences and the Italian National Academy of Sciences have issued a new report urging action to prevent unhealthy lifestyles setting in among babies and toddlers – warning that childhood obesity rates have reached “alarming” levels.
“Once obesity is established, it becomes increasingly harder to reverse,” says professor Susan Ozanne, co-chair of the report. “This isn’t about individual willpower or blaming and shaming – it’s about creating an environment for parents, carers and their children that supports healthy development from the very beginning.”
However, being healthy doesn’t need to be expensive.
We got in touch with Rebecca Garlick, prep PE teacher at Abbot’s Hill School in Hertfordshire in the UK who shared 10 fun, cheap ways to keep the kids active this summer…
“Get creative and create your own obstacle course runs in the garden or home,” recommends Garlick. “Use everyday items found in and around the home or garden such as chairs, blankets, inflatables, boxes, buckets, balls, broomsticks and hula hoops to climb, crawl through, run around and jump over. Time each other to see who is fastest.”
“Simple soft ball passing games in the park can also be a great way to keep active – whether football, netball/basketball or rugby style,” says Garlick. “These games can be done in pairs or in small groups.”
It’s time to dust off that old frisbee that has been hiding at the back of the cupboard.
“Frisbee games will keep children active,” says Garlick. “You can do this in pairs or in bigger groups, even a game of ultimate frisbee (a non-contact fast-moving game) is easy to organise in a park with friends.”
Junior parkruns are free community events for children aged between four and 14 and take place in parks across Cork regularly including Haulbowline, Ballincollig, and Cobh.
“Challenge your family to sign up for a junior park run,” suggests Garlick. “You could even create your own park run for the family or just go for a run or dog walk together.”
“Visit a local park with monkey bars/gym bars and practice hanging and swinging,” recommends Garlick. “This is great for building upper body strength.”
“Cricket style games can be lots of fun,” says Garlick. “Use a soft cricket bat or tennis racquet and two markers for stumps, this only needs a few players – a batter, bowler and fielder to keep children entertained.”
“Chase is the ultimate traditional fun for small humans and there so many varieties such as banana tag and toilet tag,” recommends Garlick.
Some big pros of badminton are that it is relatively simple to learn the basic rules, requires minimal equipment and can help enhance physical health and mental focus in children.
“Badminton is a fun way to spend some free time,” says Garlick. “Try playing it at a local court, park or garden. It is also easy to play in smaller groups, either pairs or doubles.”
Lay out some mats in the garden and unwind with some gentle yoga poses and stretches.
“Take some time to relax and recharge by doing some calming yoga or pilates in the lounge or garden,” suggests Garlick. “This is a nice activity to bring generations together.”
Cool off after a long, hot summer’s day in a swimming pool.
“Go to a splash park and practise your water skills or, better still, go for a fun swim and pretend to be dolphins,” recommends Garlick.
App?
