In an era of video games and endless screen time, getting kids off the sofa and active can feel like an uphill battle. However, physical activity is vital for children’s health and wellbeing. The good news is there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to encourage active play. With a little creativity and planning, you can keep your kids fit without breaking the bank.
Look to Nature
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get kids active is simply to send them outdoors. Free play in the garden or local park is a simple way to get heart rates up. Come up with games like tag, hopscotch with pavement chalk, football or frisbee. Bring a kite to fly if it’s windy. Nature walks also cost next to nothing and encourage children to explore while working their muscles. Just be sure to apply suncream and bug spray as needed.
Use outdoor adventures as a fun bonding exercise when you welcome foster children with Orange Grove Foster Care. Going for a low-key walk in nature is a great chance to get to know your new foster children in a relaxed environment.
Indoor Play
When wet weather keeps you inside, dedicate an indoor space like the lounge or basement for active play. Bring out hula hoops, soft throwing balls or foam balls for catching games. Clear furniture out of the way for movement games like musical statues or follow the leader dancing. Search online for kid exercise videos to display on the television. Apps and websites offer everything from kid yoga to dance routines. Screen time feels less guilty when kids are up and moving along with it.
Local Resources
Check out resources offered by your local community centre, gym and park system. Many offer free or budget kids’ programming like parenting and baby fitness classes, open gym sessions, drop-in sports hours and summer activity camps. Stop at your local library branch as many offer seasonal active programs. Cheap learn-to-swim sessions at public pools are hugely beneficial during warmer months as well.
Used Sporting Gear
Quality sporting gear like bicycles, inline skates, hockey equipment and tennis racquets can be expensive purchases. However, you can outfit your kids with gently used items found online and at second-hand shops at a fraction of retail prices. Local parent groups and Facebook Marketplace are great resources for picking up second-hand sporty stuff. Swap amongst friends and neighbors too for skates that fit as kids outgrow them.
Active Transport
Work physical activity right into the transportation you use to shuttle kids around town. Have them push their own weight on kids’ scooters or bikes with stabilizers to build balance and stamina. Use child bike seats and bike trailers so the whole gang gets heart-pumping anytime you need to go somewhere in close proximity. Walking to neighborhood destinations like school also keeps everyone moving.
When kids clamor to be sedentary, lure them off the sofa and get their bodies active again with budget-friendly and inventive play. Maintaining high activity levels will benefit their health and happiness while also spending little.
With a mix of outdoors venturing, used sporting goods, local programming and creativity, your kids can stay fit while allowing you to grow your savings.
