5 Ways to Keep Kids Active the Last Dog Days of Summer!

Whether you have preteens, teenagers or young kids, keeping them active and entertained during the three months of summer (especially that month of August) is a feat for any parent. The last thing you want is for them to sit in front of the TV all summer, or wile away their days on Snapchat. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children need 60 minutes of physical activity each day, including aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. But sometimes getting them off the couch and out into the wild can be a losing battle. Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep your kids from becoming couch potatoes this summer:

1. Enroll Them in Community Activities
   Churches, community centers and non-profit organizations like the YMCA are a great place to start. Have your children pick the activities that most interest them, and they’ll be happy to go!
2. Include Them in Your Workouts
   Chances are, a regular exercise routine is already a part of your daily life. So why not use it as an opportunity to bond with your kids while getting them some exercise? Zumba, kickboxing and yoga are all great for kids!
3. Get a Pool or Beach Pass
   Nothing says summer more than long days spent at the pool or local beach. Getting a season-long pass makes this a go-to activity for hot summer days.
4. Recruit Them for House Projects
   What’s on your home improvement to-do list? Take a look at the things you want to accomplish this summer and pick a couple that feel kid-friendly. Raking, planting and other landscaping work is great exercise and totally within your kids’ ability. Painting a room or refurbishing old furniture might be a good project for pre-teens or older children.
5. Become a Tourist in Your Own City
   It’s easy to forget about all the great things to do in your own city. Look at a travel blog or your city’s tourism site to find the top attractions and take the kids on a tourist outing! Museums are great for rainy days, and chances are, there’s more than a few you’ve never visited.

How do you keep your kids active during the summer? What are some of your favorite family-friendly outdoor activities? Share in the comments section!