Children need plenty of physical activity to help build strength, coordination, confidence, and an understanding of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle, the website Kids Health notes. The majority of children enjoy exercise if they are allowed to choose an activity they are interested in, and enjoy. There is a variety of equipment that can motivate children to get active and have fun while exercising.
Games and Sports Equipment
Providing children with a variety of sports equipment and supplies for games can provide hours of enjoyment and exercise, reports Kids Health. Balls, hula hoops, and jump ropes are good choices, because there are so many different ways kids can play with them. Website Healthy Children suggests that younger children play unstructured games with a variety of different balls. Encourage older children to try more advanced games, or organized team sports.
Exercise Equipment with Wheels
Many children love the speed of riding a bike or scooter, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Younger children will be able to learn how to master a tricycle, and riding is a good exercise option. Healthy Children suggests tricycles that sit low to the ground, and that have big wheels to prevent tipping over. Older children may enjoy rollerblading and skateboarding, in addition to riding a two-wheeled bike. Be sure children of all ages wear helmets when riding, rollerblading or skateboarding.
Playgrounds and Athletic Fields
Children can get a workout at the playground or local athletic fields, Kids Health notes. The entire family can use athletic fields for play and exercise --- throw around a baseball or football, or play soccer. Playgrounds are always a hit with kids; Healthy Children suggests choosing a playground tailored for specific ages of children, to ensure safety and age-appropriate activities. The majority of playgrounds include slides, swings, and climbing structures, which can be a fun way to get active.
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