Arizona's warm, dry climate makes it a haven for visitors and locals who enjoy a lifestyle that embraces physical fitness and a healthy diet. The area boasts a plethora of hiking trails, group activities and farmers' markets, making Phoenix a desirable place for families who want to incorporate healthy activities into their schedules.
Hiking
The loops at the Pima Canyon area of South Mountain Park/Preserve offer moderate grade hikes, which often are ideal for families with younger children. Here you can hike past petroglyphs etched in cave walls.
Bird-watchers often enjoy Rio Salado, home to more than 200 species of birds. The Penny Howe Barrier Free Trail is an easy, paved trail that is popular for families with young hikers or children in strollers. The quarter-mile Papago Park Nature Trail is categorized as easy, or try the Hole-In-The-Rock Trail, another easy trail that is only a tenth of a mile long.
Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets offer visitors opportunities to try healthy, local produce year-round. The Roadrunner farmers' market is open 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays in North Phoenix, while the Ahwatukee farmers' market operates 8 to 11 a.m. on Sundays in Phoenix. Both markets offer fresh produce, flowers, herbs and local crafts.
Sports
Team sports offer a way for kids and adults to try new physical activities. The city of Phoenix runs several sports programs for a variety of ages, including, team soccer, kickball and baseball for children ages 5 to 10. Racquetball is available for people age 16 and older, and karate is offered for all age groups.
Running
Families can participate in the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA Half Marathon and 5K Walk/Run, held each October in Phoenix. The half-marathon course is relatively flat, making it a popular race for novices. The course runs through South Mountain Park. The 5K is available for both runners and walkers.
Phoenix's Run for the Cheetah in April raises money for the Cheetah Conservation Fund and increases awareness about this endangered big cat. This 5K is open to runners and walkers, making it a good choice for families. The event also includes a 100-yard dash for kids that's free of charge.
Yoga
Yoga is a popular form of exercise for adults and children. Sajaha Yoga offers free Sadhana yoga workshops from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday to Thursday. This type of yoga is best practiced in the early morning, but can be done any time throughout the day.
Sahaja Yoga Meditation
2434 E. Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-956-1922
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