An hour or more of exercise each day keeps your child active and healthy. According to MedlinePlus, physical activity keeps your child's stress levels under control, helps him sleep better and improves his self-esteem in addition to the physical benefits. Engaging your children in different types of exercise keeps them interested and active.
Wheeled Activities
Wheels appeal to kids and offer an entertaining form of exercise. Items like skateboards, roller skates and bikes fit this category. Riding around the neighborhood with friends or as a family gives your child physical activity. For variety, set up orange cones to create a riding course for the kids. Make a large loop or place the cones in a row and have the kids weave through them. A long driveway works well for the riding course. Another option is an empty basketball or tennis court.
Active Toys
Classic children's toys that promote activity work well for getting your child to exercise. Keep toys like jump ropes and Hula-Hoops easily accessible for your children. When she gets bored, pull out the active toys to inspire her to get exercise. Children's sporting good items also serve the same purpose. For younger children, look for smaller versions of golf clubs, basketball hoops and baseball bats that are easier for small hands to hold.
Climbing
Climbing activities strengthen the child's muscles as he plays. Parks and playgrounds provide the opportunity for climbing activities. Crossing the monkey bars focuses on upper-body strength. A jungle gym strengthens the arms and also incorporates the legs as the child moves up the structure. Climbing up ladders or cargo nets to reach the top of play structures is another strengthening opportunity at the park. A classic childhood activity is to climb trees, but this also leaves your child susceptible to serious injury from a fall.
Bone-Strengthening Moves
Strong bones benefit your child into adulthood. Weight-bearing activities help build bone mass. Activities that include running, jumping, skipping and hopping fall into the bone-strengthening category. Hopscotch and leapfrog are two childhood games to play for stronger bones. Running games like tag or relay races also are effective. Gymnastics is a structured activity that involves hops and jumps. It also strengthens the muscles.
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