Physically Active Children
Children need to be physically active for at least thirty minutes a day. Here are some suggestions for some simple games and activities to help you get active with your child and have fun doing it!
- Head, Shoulders, Knees , and Toes
- Duck, Duck, Goose
- Hokey Pokey
- Ring Around the Rosie
- Hopscotch (toddlers may need to jump with both feet instead of one)
- Tag
- Hide and Seek (indoors)
- Dancing to music
- Taking a walk
- Throwing or rolling a ball back and forth
Exercise is very important, even for toddlers and preschool children. Exercise strengthens bone and muscle development, lowers the risk of children becoming overweight, lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol, decreases the risk of juvenile diabetes, and helps increase children’s confidence and self-esteem.
These websites all have activities, games, and ideas for getting you and your child active and moving while having fun!
- Get Your Move On
- Nick Jr. Kids & Exercise
- Dance with the Teletubbies
- Games Kids Play
- Baby Play
- Free Kids Music
- Sesame Street Indoor Activities Video
- Kids and ExerciseLearn how kids get exercise and discover the benefits of regular exercise for children.
- Medline Plus: Exercise for ChildrenRead articles about exercise for children, including sports for kids and how to get your children off the couch and into an active lifestyle.
- Making Physical Activity a Part of a Child’s LifeDiscover how to keep your children active and healthy.
- Sesame Street Videos on ExerciseWatch these engaging videos with your child and encourage them to sing, dance, and jump with their favorite Sesame Street characters.
- Kai-lan’s Hello Sun Exercise PosterPrint and tape the pictures together with your child to create an exercise chart for a daily warm-up routine.
These webpages have great recommendations for books to read with your child about fitness, exercise, sports, and dance.
