10 Creative Ways For Kids To Stay Fit This Summer
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As the lazy, hazy days of summer approach, it's more important than ever to make sure your kids are staying fit. TexasRealFood can help get you started.
Texas is known for its hot summers, and there's no doubt that kids can quickly develop a sedentary lifestyle when cooped up inside all day. Luckily, the Lone Star State also offers a wide variety of opportunities for kids to stay active and fit, even when the temperatures are soaring. Here are ten creative ways for kids to stay fit this summer:
1. Go On a Nature Hike
Hiking has benefits that go above and beyond simply introducing the kids to the great outdoors. Here are some health benefits of hiking :
Hiking improves emotional and physical well-being.
It can be an excellent way for kids to get some exercise while teaching them to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. In addition, research has proven many mental and physical health benefits from spending time in nature.
Hiking boosts the immune system.
Another great benefit of hiking is that exposure to plants and trees can improve the kids' immune system. Also, hiking can help the kids develop a stronger sense of balance and coordination.
Texas is home to a wide variety of animals, plants, and insects, making it the perfect place to go on a nature hike. There are numerous hiking trails across the state. You're sure to find one that's perfect for your family. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
2. Introduce The Kids to Gardening
There are many great reasons to start gardening with kids. Growing their own food is a fun and delicious way for kids to learn about where their food comes from. In addition, it helps them to learn about and appreciate nature. Gardening also teaches children patience and responsibility, as they must care for their plants regularly. Most importantly, gardening is an excellent way for kids to stay fit. Here are some of the reasons why :
Encourages healthy living.
All parents know the struggle of getting children to enjoy eating greens. However, growing vegetables teaches them the basics of healthy eating and allows them to be involved in the process. This, in turn, introduces them to the importance of healthy living. As a result, the kids will soon learn to love eating fruits and vegetables, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
Provides engaging, moderate exercise.
Gardening is a great way to get kids moving at any time of the year. It is a physical activity that uses a variety of muscles in the upper and lower body. In addition, gross and fine motor skills are used through simple tasks like digging, pulling, and raking. As a result, the children develop an active lifestyle.
Texas has hot summers and mild winters that provide the perfect conditions for growing various plants and flowers. Plus, the Lone Star State is home to some of the best soil in the country, making it ideal for gardening. So take advantage of the kids' extra downtime to get them involved with their food. There's always a gardening opportunity for everyone, including the little ones in Texas.
Head on to our TexasRealFood article on How to Plan Your Vegetable Garden in Texas to start your own garden today.
3. Play Some Team Sports
Playing team sports is one of America's favorite pastimes. It has many benefits for children. Some of these benefits include:
Team sports can help children develop coordination and stamina.
Early exposure to sports helps establish the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Children develop physical skills, such as coordination and stamina. These are important for physical activity and lifelong health.
Playing in a team helps develop healthy habits.
Playing team sports has obvious physical benefits that magnify the value of being physically fit. In addition, children who play team sports learn to work together towards a common goal, stay physically active and healthy, and develop leadership skills.
In addition, playing team sports is a great way to create lasting memories, have fun, and bond with the kids. So get your kids involved in a team sport today!
4. Go Swimming At a Local Pool or Lake
Swimming is an effective physical exercise for all ages. Furthermore, swimming provides a wealth of benefits that go over and above physical conditioning for kids. These include mental, social, and safety benefits. Here are some significant benefits of swimming for kids :
Swimming helps with cardiovascular health.
Swimming is one of the best activities. It promotes the conditioning of both lungs and heart to work together more effectively.
Swimming enhances lung capacity.
Controlling your breath while swimming allows oxygen to pump through the body more effectively. This helps enhance lung capacity.
If you're looking to cool off in Texas, there are plenty of options for swimming. You can find many public pools and lakes in the state that offer relief from the summer heat. And if you're a fan of swimming laps, most public pools also have lap lanes available.
When choosing a spot to swim, be sure to check the water quality beforehand. The Texas Beach Watch program provides the public with information about water quality at selected recreational beaches along the Texas coast in Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Galveston, Harris and Jefferson, Matagorda, Nueces, and San Patricio counties. The program monitors these Texas’ recreational beaches and when Enterococcus bacteria levels in the water exceed the acceptable standards established by the EPA, the GLO works with local governments to issue advisories warning the public not to swim in affected waters.
5. Ride Bikes Around Your Neighborhood
Riding bikes is a great way to keep kids healthy and fit. Children enjoy biking as it gives them independence. It's also a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some health benefits of biking :
Biking improves coordination
In addition to the obvious cardio benefits, biking also helps improve coordination. Because kids constantly move and adjust positions while riding, they will naturally develop better coordination over time. This can help with activities in daily life.
Biking improves balance
Additionally, biking can help improve balance. As the kids learn how to ride, they know how to keep the bike stable naturally. Learning to keep the bike stable helps strengthen your sense of balance and can prevent falls later on. Improving balance can also help reduce the risk of injuries, as they are less likely to fall and hurt themselves.
Riding a bike is something all children should be able to have fun with during summer. So get out there and explore your neighborhood with the kids!
6. Try Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an excellent activity for kids of all ages. It allows them to get outside and explore the world around them while getting some exercise.
Horseback riding also provides many health benefits, including improved coordination and balance, increased muscle strength and flexibility, and improved mental health. In addition, horseback riding can help build confidence and self-esteem. And, of course, it's a lot of fun! Horseback riding is an excellent option if you're looking for a summer activity with your kids.
7. Go Fishing
Fishing with kids is a great way to spend time together outdoors. Texas Wildlife offers lots of family-friendly fishing opportunities for both children and adults. A great way to begin is at a state park. You don't need a fishing license to fish within the boundaries of a state park, and many parks offer free fishing classes for children and adults. In addition, fishing is an activity with health benefits for all ages.
Fishing enhances motor planning.
Learning how to cast, when to let go, and when to reel in involves a great deal of motor planning. One has to carefully plan out their movements, making sure they move in harmony for a successful catch!
Fishing imparts a sense of wonder and adventure.
Hard work, determination, and perseverance are developed with fishing. The activity teaches kids patience while waiting for the perfect catch. In addition, fishing also nurtures a sense of wonder and adventure that is important for cognitive development.
In addition, serving the catch of the day for dinner promotes healthier eating habits. Finally, by putting all these things together, fishing is just fun.
7. Include Kids in Household Activities
Household chores help kids learn essential skills they can use in their adult lives. In addition, structure and routine help parents build their child's self-control, minimizing family power struggles.
During summer, kids have increased screen time and sedentary lifestyles. Household activities can be an effective way to get some physical activity during the summer break. Chores are essential for developing motor skills, planning, coordination, and well-being.
Learning to clean involves wiping, pushing, pulling, and sometimes carrying. These lead to stronger muscles and bones as well as better overall circulation.
8. Explore Farmers’ Markets
Going to a farmers' market is an outdoor activity the whole family will enjoy. Many foods you will find at the farmers' market are less expensive than at a grocery store. In addition, local fruits and vegetables at a farmers' market are often picked within 24 hours of selling, making them more nutritious than what's usually found at big grocery stores.
When children are exposed to the difference between fresh produce from the markets and produce from a grocery store, they will understand where their food comes from. This will help them appreciate the value of fresh, healthy foods.
In addition, by helping out at the farmers' market, children will learn how to select and purchase fresh produce. They will also meet the people who grow their food, which will help create a connection between them and their food.
All these experiences will help create a foundation for children to make healthy food choices.
Shopping in the farmers' markets should be a part of your home routine. Find out how to plan the visit to the market and to prepare for it here.
9. Focus on Eating Healthy
Swap out the junk food in your pantries for healthier alternatives. Then, when the kids raid the kitchen during downtime, they'll have better food choices.
And when you're grocery shopping, take a trip down the healthy aisle. Instead of buying processed snacks, stock up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can help your family live a healthier lifestyle by making healthier choices.
Packing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein for their summer activities. You can skip the sweetened drinks too. Water is always the best choice to keep kids hydrated during summer.
10. Be Serious About Bedtime
Having a sleep routine matters even on non-school days. Children who sleep less have less energy for things that keep them healthy. On weekdays, aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep. This may mean an earlier bedtime. On weekends, try not to let your child stay up more than 2 hours later than their usual bedtime.
A tired brain is also more prone to making unhealthy choices like binge-watching with junk food all day. So be firm about a set bedtime for a healthier summer experience.
So, there you have it. Ten creative ways for kids to stay fit this summer. Get your kids moving and having fun at the same time! And don't forget to have plenty of water to keep them hydrated. Summer is a great time to get in shape and set good fitness habits that will last into adulthood. So, how do you plan on keeping your kids active this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
Head on to our TexasRealFood article on Fun Things to do in Texas During Summer and grab some ideas for a summer that’s one for the books!
Experience an unforgettable urban adventure in the heart of Texas this summer! Bustling cities brim with thrilling experiences that promise to delight art enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Each city boasts its own distinct personality and charm, sure to captivate you.
