As parents, we know how important it is to keep our little ones active and engaged, especially in this day and age of phones and tablets. Not only does it promote physical health, but it also fosters cognitive development, social skills, and a lifelong love for movement! However, finding activities that are both fun and beneficial can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you’re a busy mom. That’s why we’ve put together a list of enjoyable ways to get active with your little one, ensuring quality bonding time while keeping everyone moving and smiling!

Dance it out: Crank up the music and let loose with a dance party in the living room! Encourage your little one to move their body to the beat, teaching them simple dance moves or just letting them freestyle. Not only is dancing a great form of exercise, but it’s also a fantastic way to boost mood and energy levels for both kids and adults.

Make your own obstacle course: Transform your backyard or living room into an exciting obstacle course using pillows, cushions, hula hoops, and other household items. Challenge your little one to crawl under, jump over, and weave through the obstacles, promoting balance, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Get out in nature: Take a leisurely stroll through a local park or nature reserve, exploring the sights, sounds, and textures of the great outdoors. Encourage your child to collect leaves, rocks, and other treasures along the way, turning the walk into a scavenger hunt adventure.

Get on your bike: Strap on your helmets and hit the pavement for a bike ride around the neighborhood. Whether your little one is riding in a child seat, trailer, or on their own bike, cycling is a fantastic way to improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Try yoga for kids: Introduce your child to the benefits of yoga with kid-friendly poses and sequences. There are plenty of online resources (YouTube has tons of children’s yoga videos) and children’s books that cater to yoga for kids, making it easy to incorporate gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices into your daily routine.

Set up sprinklers or hoses: On hot summer days, nothing beats the heat like water play! Set up a kiddie pool in the backyard, run through the sprinklers, or have a water balloon fight. Not only is water play refreshing and fun, but it also provides sensory stimulation and improves gross motor skills.

Get gardening: Get your hands dirty and teach your child about nature and responsibility by gardening together. Whether you have a backyard vegetable patch or just a few pots on the balcony, involve your little one in planting seeds, watering plants, and harvesting fruits and vegetables. Better yet, enjoy some of your efforts by cooking together, too. 

Go on a family hike: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the beauty of nature together on a family hike. Choose a trail that’s suitable for your child’s age and abilities, pack plenty of snacks and water, and don’t forget to pause along the way to appreciate the scenery and wildlife.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy quality time together with your little one. By incorporating these fun and engaging activities into your routine, you’ll not only promote physical health and fitness but also strengthen your bond. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get active and make some magical moments with our little ones!