728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
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  

  • If you have a pool, how many laps?
  • Shooting hoops. How many baskets?

    • Set a Good Example
    Nutritionist Judith Levine, author of Helping Your Child Lose Weight the Healthy Way (Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2001), says the best backyard activities are those where a parent participates. "Children pick up on what their parents are doing," says Levine. "If you spend 30 minutes teaching your child to catch, and then go inside and sit down in front of the TV fortwo hours, that's what you're role-modeling."

    Levine suggests having children help with outdoor chores, which are both good exercise and part of assisting in the upkeep of the family home. Even the very youngest children can walk around picking up toys or sticks and stones prior to someone older running the lawn mower. They can also water, weed and help plant. Older kids and teens can be responsible for mowing and heavier yard work. As they get older and take on more responsibility, reward them in some way that fits your family's value system and your child's interest. Also, don't forget about washing the car, cleaning decks and washing outsides of windows.

    Just Have Fun
    Really, you don't need a lot of advice or a lot of equipment to get moving and have fun in the backyard. Try these classic games and activities that will work for any group. Some of these suggestions come from the Shape Up America! site.
    • Run through the sprinkler.
    • Play in the sandbox.
    • Hide-and-go-seek.
    • Hop scotch.
    • Red rover.
    • Kite flying.
    • Tag.
    • Croquet.
    • Hula hoop.
    • Hot potato.
    • Stilts (easy to build, hard to walk on).
    • Frisbee (also Frisbee golf).
    • Play with the hose.
    • Red light, green light.
    • Mother, May I?
    • Volleyball.
    • Badminton.
    • Basketball.
    Pages:  1  2  


    Want to see more?