As we spend more and more time plugged in and settled on the couch, it’s increasingly important that we make fitness a fun activity for kids. When children learn from your example, they will lead more active lifestyles and set themselves up for a lifetime of cardiovascular health. Here are some ways to make fitness fun for kids:

Games

What kinds of games do you like to play? Get the family together in the backyard for a game to get your family up and moving in a fun way. Here are some ideas for types of games:

* Backyard games: While the barbecue is heating up, this is a good time to get the family active in a backyard game of croquet, ring or beanie bag toss, or bocce ball. All are easy, old-fashioned fun that can be enjoyed by every member of the family.

* Running games: Whether you have a few kids over after school or a whole birthday party full of energetic kids, they’ll enjoy playing running games such as tag, spider, red rover, freeze-tag, or even kick the can.

* Basketball/driveway games and activities: Younger kids might enjoy hopscotch, jumping rope, riding a big wheel or whirling in a hula hoop. An energetic eight-year-old could love jumping up and down on a pogo stick or trying her hand at walking on stilts. Your older daredevil might enjoy riding a scooter or a skateboard, or possibly burning 800 calories per hour roller blading. Older kids might enjoy four square, basketball, and related games such as PIG or HORSE.

* Ball games: Toss a baseball or football, play volleyball, tetherball, or play bocce ball.

Summer Activities

Whether you sign your kids up for swimming lessons, join the swim team, or just take frequent trips to your local pool or lake, swimming is a refreshing way to exercise. Kids can play water games galore from Marco Polo to spash-your-brother-til-he’s-after-you. It’s all great exercise.

Family bike rides can be a great way to explore your neighborhood and get exercise at the same time. Kids appreciate being able to power themselves to new places and appreciate the autonomy of a bike. It’s also a great introduction to green transportation.

Winter Activities

Looking through this list, an awful lot of this assumes good weather. However, there are lots of inside activities that make fitness fun, as well as plenty of winter outdoor activities.

Inside, join a local gym or check if your neighborhood school offers weekend hours at their facilities. Running around the track, playing indoor basketball or swimming are all great activities. What about dance classes? Fencing? Zumba or aerobics can be a fun way to bond with your kids while getting some fitness fun.

Winter Activities Outdoors

Have kids get together for a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Help your kids build snow forts. Consider sledding, or try a toboggan. Try snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. Snow shoeing is a fun way to make it across the tundra from your yard to the school bus stop.

Whether it’s sunny or rainy, there are plenty of activities you and your family can do to make fitness fun. Consider trying some new games and activities and enjoy.