Before summer comes to an end and your children head back into the classrooms, go outside and have some summer fun! For kids, summer is the best time for swimming, running, biking, hiking, exploring and just having fun. And for parents, it’s an excellent time to keep kids active and fit, without a lot of extra effort. Here are some activities and safety tips from FitCity to help your family continue to enjoy the “dog days of summer.”
Entertain (and exercise) in Your Own Backyard
Outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to entertain and improve your child’s health — and it can be done without leaving your backyard. Get creative and send your child on a scavenger hunt, play a game of tag or hide and seek, or grab some chalk and play hopscotch. Remember to stay safe in the sun by protecting your child’s skin with sunscreen.
Summer Fun with Water
Water activities are one of the best things during the hot summer. Whether you splash around in the pool, chase each other around the yard with squirt guns or run through a sprinkler, it’s important to remember to drink water too. Experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water daily, but with the summer heat, you should drink more to stay hydrated.
Roll Around Town
Longer days mean longer hours for bike riding, skateboarding and roller skating — all of which are a great way to exercise. But before you and the kids rush out and hit the pavement, remember to exercise safety by putting on helmets (don’t forget shin guards and wrist guards for skates and skateboards). Parents need to be positive role models (and protect their own heads) by wearing helmets, too.
Take a Hike
Summer gives families the opportunity to explore the outdoors. Pack a backpack with healthy snacks and water, put on your favorite pair of boots and hit the trails. Pace yourself though. Encourage kids not to exhaust themselves early by running at the beginning of the hike. The heat can cause kids to run out of energy earlier than normal.
Summer Treats
Ice cream is a popular summer treat that can cool you off after a day in the sun — but it may not always be the healthiest. Eating healthy doesn’t mean losing flavor. Consider sherbet, frozen grapes or low-fat yogurt.
Hot Eats
Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook, if you make smart choices. Choose foods that are low in fat, high in nutrients and flavorful to help you grill great meals that are also healthy.
No matter what you do to enjoy the summer, FitCity and the Marion County Health Department encourage you to get up, get moving and incorporate healthy living into your life. FitCity is designed to educate and motivate local residents to make a healthy move and shake Indiana’s title of the “10th fattest state in the nation.” To find fitness, nutrition or wellness resources around Indianapolis, local residents can call 2-1-1 or log onto www.fitcity.info.
