Get Kids Active!

School’s out, kids are excited, and the summer break is a great opportunity to get outdoors and get in some active hours (weather permitting of course!)

Photo credit: Active Kids

To keep kids active during the summer holidays, consider a mix of structured activities and spontaneous fun. Look into local holiday clubs, sports camps, or activity centres that offer programs like swimming, gymnastics, tennis, or multi-activity camps.

Encourage outdoor play with activities like bike rides, nature walks, or creating a backyard obstacle course. Family participation in activities like dance-offs, yoga, or even gardening can make staying active a fun and bonding experience. 

Here are some of our favourite ideas to get kids active this Summer

• Sports Centres

  • which offer swimming, gymnastics, tennis and more during the holidays.  This is often more cost-effective if you can share the cost with other parents by getting a group of friends together.

• Specialised Summer Camps

  • These may offer options like dance academies, football camps or adventure-focused programmes if your child has specific interests.

• Family Fun

  • Incorporate movement into your daily routine like morning stretches, yoga, dance or post-dinner games in the garden.  YouTube is a great resource for free exercise or dance videos!

• Outdoor Adventure

  • Go on family bike rides, explore local parks, or create an obstacle course in the garden using household items.

• Nature Activities

  • Try getting the kids involved in gardening, nature walks or scavenger hunts to connect with the outdoors.

• Make it a family affair

  • Set a good example - when adults join in, kids are more likely to participate and enjoy themselves!

• Focus on Fun

  • Offer a mix of activities to keep things interesting and remember the goal is to have fun and create positive memories with your little ones!

    
    

Photo credit: Cycling UK

According to the NHS website, kids need to be physically active for 60 minutes a day, with 30 minutes of activity taking place outside of school.

Why not check out their 10 Minute Shake Up Games here 10-minute-shake-up.

Fun activities for indoors or outdoors

• Play 'keep it up' with a balloon

• Have a dance

• Play catch with a bean bag

• Plan an indoor or outdoor treasure hunt

• Play musical statues

• Play hide and seek

• Read stories and sing songs that require actions in time with the words

• Dance or jump to music

• Make a den

• Rough and tumble play is also fun, so only stop it if it seems unsafe. Physically active toddlers should be in a safe environment and supervised at all times.

Photo credit: Summer Activities for Kids

It’s easy to see why activity is recommended

Motivating kids away from screen time can be a challenge but there are plenty of ideas to make it fun, and you can get friends and family involved too!

• Builds confidence and social skills

• Develops co-ordination

• Strengthens muscles and bones

• Improves concentration and learning

• Improves health and fitness

• Maintains healthy weight

• Improves sleep

• Makes you feel good

Physical health

Regular physical activity helps kids maintain a healthy weight, develop strong bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular fitness. It also reduces the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Mental health

Physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind. It releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Active kids often experience improved mood and better overall mental well-being.

Social interaction

Engaging in physical activities during the summer provides opportunities for them to interact with their peers and develop social skills. It fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation —essential life skills.

Cognitive development

Physical activity can positively impact cognitive function and academic performance. Studies have shown that regular exercise can enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.

Healthy habits

Encouraging kids to be active during the summer helps establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. When children engage in regular physical activity from a young age, they are more likely to carry those habits into adulthood.

Exploration and creativity

Summer is an excellent time for kids to explore new activities and hobbies. From sports to outdoor games to artistic pursuits, children can discover and nurture their interests during the break.

Keeping active doesn’t just have to mean team sports or biking, there's loads of different activities to do with kids this summer.

Photo credit: Swimming Pool games for kids

Why not check out the best cartoons for girls and boys on our YouTube channel here Everythings Rosie Official YouTube

Kids will love our free cartoons including MINI BEAST SAFARI

Watch more babies cartoons here Amazon Prime Video

Most importantly we hope you enjoy spending time together and have a great summer!

If your active days out give you a taste for exercise, keep the good times rolling by incorporating into your daily routine when the kids go back to school.