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Home › Articles › Activities › Outside Fun in Your Own Backyard!

Outside Fun in Your Own Backyard!

Take Advantage of the Spring Sunshine and Head Outdoors

By Kelly Burgess

Pages:  1  2  

Don't let the hazy days of summer turn into the lazy days of summer. Get up and get moving without ever setting foot to the gas pedal. For family fun and fitness, look no further than your own backyard.

Use The Right Toys
Every backyard should have a swing set or play set of some sort and at least a small wading pool, but it's always fun to expand upon the more permanent toys. What's important for fun, fitness and safety is purchasing the right toy. Here are some ideas that will optimize both fitness and safety:
  • A 2-year-old may not be able to throw a football around but everyone in the family can safely have fun with Patch Product's line of soft balls, discs and backyard game sets. Spokesperson Lisa Wuennemann says foam is great for families to use together. Not only are they good for young children learning to catch and throw, but even Grandma or Grandpa can join in a game.
  • It's never too early for kids to learn how to skateboard, roller blade and balance on riding toys. Insist from the very beginning on helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. Don't buy riding toys that are too big, thinking they'll "grow into it." They may just become too intimidated to ever try! Buy products that suit their height and age and replace them as they're outgrown.
  • Paul Neville, creator of the Kid Fitness television show and videos and a father of two preschoolers, says that kids may yearn for a miniature, motorized SUV, but it's best to buy those they have to push, pull or pedal when they want to move. They'll be driving soon enough, and then getting them moving will be an even bigger challenge.

Make a Backyard Challenge
In his backyard, Neville sets up fun obstacles for his kids. He suggests cones to run around or hoops on the ground so they can jump laterally from one to another. It doesn't take much to create a simple obstacle course. Also, try timing them with a stop watch. Kids love to feel that they're competing, even if it's only against themselves. Other suggestions: