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9 Ways To Stay Active These School Holidays

The most hectic time of year is here… the holidays. And no, we’re not referring to Christmas and Hanukkah, we’re talking about school holidays! With so much extra time and the kids on your hands, why not get moving and teach them about the importance of exercise?

Physical activity should be fun for kids! If the exercise is exciting, you’ll have no trouble getting them away from the couch or screen. Plus, by teaching them that exercise is something to enjoy (and not dread), you’ll be setting them up for fit and healthy life when they’re older. It’s a win win.


Here are our top ways to stay active with your kids over the holidays:

1. Nature scavenger hunt

The idea is to find all the items on the list and gather them as quickly as possible, and get the kids enjoying the outdoors. List ideas such as oak leaves, pinecones, rocks, branches, shells or pebbles, and get them noticing smells, sights and sounds. Plenty of walking and scavenging!

2. Backyard obstacle course

Use tape to create fun outdoor board games, or set up an obstacle course with old tires, appliance boxes, and tree stumps. Moving through it will teach younger children key movements like over, under, through, and around.

3. Indoor rock climbing

Kids are a lot more fearless than adults, so this might be right up their alley. Most indoor rock climbing centres have walls for all abilities and levels, so everyone can join in. For the more audacious types, outdoor rock climbing builds endurance, focus and core strength.

4. Bike riding

Bike riding is a great way to exercise out in the fresh air and sunshine. If you don’t own a bike, there are options to hire one for the day - head to the local park or bike track around your neighbourhood. If the weather allows it, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

5. Mini Olympics

Get kids involved in some friendly competition with one another with training for a mini Olympics. This could involve park fitness training, drills, fartlek training, simple gymnastics or preparing to perform in an opening or closing ceremony.

6. Trapeze lessons

If the kids have ever dreamed of being a circus performer swinging from crazy heights; here’s their chance. Note that the trapeze looks riskier than it actually is.

7. National park walks

There are so many parks unknown to us all, waiting to be explored - pick a national park near you that you’ve never been to before and plan a scenic, low-impact walk with the kids. Alternatively, turn it into a hiking adventure with a trekking pole and backpack full of refuelling snacks.

8. Surfing lessons

Saturday morning beach time is all about nippers! If the kids are novice surfers, jump on board (pun intended) and find the nearest surf school for a lesson. Surfing improves strength, fitness and swimming ability and they’ll feel invigorated all day!

9. Self-defence or karate

It’s a jungle out there, so why not enrol the little tackers in some basic martial arts – karate can improve physical strength and improve self-confidence.

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