As summer starts to wind down, it’s easy for your kids to want to sit down in front of whatever device, from an iPad to TV. Firefighter Tim shares some great and fun things that get not only your kids up and moving, but you as well. Making exercise fun is a great way to help kids identify fun and exercise together, helping create a lifetime of love for health and fitness. 

Zombie Tag

You start with one zombie, who has to move around like a zombie trying to tag the other players.  Once they’ve been tagged, they become zombies and now try help tag the other non-zombie players. You could also crab tag, where players all have to crab walk. Or, of course, you can always still just play good old-fashioned freeze tag, or put your twist on it. 

Kung Fu Bubble Pop

What kid doesn’t love popping bubbles?  Now, add kicks and punches to that popping and you’ve got a recipe of fun that gets kids moving and using different muscles.

Balloons Away

This is a simple idea where you and your kids try to keep the a balloon or balloons in the air as long a possible. 

Simon Says Exercise

Everyone has probably played Simon Says at some point.  Now, let’s make it Simon Says “Exercise:” for example, Simon ays do ten jumping jacks, or Simon says bear crawl. If Simon doesn’t say and you do it, then, you have to do 15 second plank.

Commercial Exercise

This is a good way to still get your kids moving if they are watching TV. Have them pick a different exercise for every commercial break.  For example, ten crunches. 

Pick Up and Walk

Bring along a medicine ball or sand bag that’s light enough for your kids to carry. If you walk along a trail, grab a medium-sized rock. During the walk, have each person take turns throwing the ball, sand bag, or rock in front of the pack; then, the next person picks it up and throws it.  Continuing this throughout your walk engages all kind of different muscles during your walk.

You can follow Firefight Tim on Twitter: @firemantimcfd.