Physical activity is a vital part of staying healthy. Encouraging healthy habits in your child is one of the best things a parent can do to try to guarantee a healthier life. Being active can help kids and adults have healthier weights, less fat and stronger muscles and bones. Activity can help prevent heart disease, cancer and stroke. It can also lessen feelings of depression and boost confidence. As children get older, they often reduce their physical activity. Because of this, making activity a family focus is key.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) advises that kids ages 17 and under get at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The DHHS also recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. And one of the best ways to meet these goals is to work on them as a family.

Make activity a priority! A little bit of planning can help make physical activity a fun part of your regular family life. Here are some fun ideas for family activities: 

• Dance in the living room to your favorite songs.
  
  
• Do house and yard work together.
  
  
• Garden together.
  
  
• Go hiking in a local park.
  
  
• Help clean a local park.
  
  
• Play an active video game that involves fun body movement.
  
  
• Play games like tag, catch or Frisbee.
  
  
• Play sports like soccer, basketball, tennis or badminton.
  
  
• Ride your bikes together.
  
  
• Swim laps.
  
  
• Take regular family walks on weekend mornings, after dinner and any other time you can.
  
  
• Take stairs instead of elevators or escalators, and keep a stair count.
  
  
• Take the dog for a walk or jog.
  
  
• Train together for a charity walk or run.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC.