After sitting in classrooms all day, dealing with the stress and boredom often inherent to school, you would think that sitting inside is the last thing that kids want to do. However, that is not the case as television and video games make it easy to sit inside all day, rotting the brain and otherwise causing inactivity.
Although PE programs play a fundamental role, one class period during school sometimes is not enough. Kids need plenty of activities to keep their minds and bodies stimulated.
Here are ten outdoor activities to keep kids busy after school.
1. Sports
After school sports are probably the most popular means of keeping kids active outside of school. Kids can choose from a variety of sports in the area. Team sports, like baseball or soccer, help kids develop social skills, improve self esteem, and make new friends. Kids will also learn leadership and teamwork by working with their teams.
Solo sports, like tennis or golf, still help kids stay active and build self-confidence.
2. Community Programs
Many communities offer after school program activities that include sports and exercise. You can think of these programs as extensions of PE, helping kids learn, stay active, and have fun.
3. Martial Arts
Just about every child goes through a phase where he or she would like to learn martial arts. Although martial arts may seem to promote violence, in reality they focus on discipline and a balanced mind. Physically, martial arts can help kids develop stamina, strength, and flexibility.
4. Hiking
Find some trails nearby and take your kids with you. You can work up a bit of a sweat while also enjoying nature. A great way to get kids active is to enjoy physical activities with them, and hiking is an easy way to accomplish that. Remember to stay safe and wear comfortable footwear.
5. Biking
Similar to the previous suggestion, going out for a quick bike ride with your kids will help them stay active and get the heart rate up. Find bike trails or bike on the road. Just make sure you and your children are aware of all the traffic rules and wear proper safety gear.
6. Swimming
With summer upon us, taking a dip in the pool is the best way to cool off. Swimming is a great all-around form of exercise. It provides a cardio workout while also forcing you to use your muscles. Swimming is also low impact, so there will be no strain on your kids’ joints and growing bones.
7. Surf
Just a step above swimming, surfing is a great way to enjoy the sun and work up a sweat. Surf lessons and board rentals are available at most any beach for quite affordable prices.
8. Yoga
Just about every gym these days features a yoga class. Yoga is very effective for all ages and can help develop flexibility. Yoga possesses an element of meditation as well.
9. Invite Other Kids
In my youth, just being with friends was enough to get me active. Whether it was riding bikes or playing a game of hide & seek, being active with friends was practically second nature.
10. Photography
Although it might not initially seem like much of a form of exercise, traveling the neighborhood and finding that perfect angle for the perfect picture can potentially take a lot of physical strain. More importantly, photography gives kids an outlet for creativity, which is much better than rotting in front of the TV.
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