Easy ways to get kids moving after school

Posted on 16 May, 2016

When it comes to encouraging kids to stay active, you don’t have to look much further than your own suburb.

Canberra’s backyard or local community settings provide some of the best low or no cost environments for active play, to keep kids jumping, running or playing ball after school.

Some simple activities to get started include:

• Hopscotch
• Hide and seek
• Skipping
• Bouncing a ball
• Hula hooping
• Balloon volleyball
• Making up a dance routine to music.

For those a little bit older, give these a try:

• Riding a bike or walking to or from school
• Skateboarding
• Basketball
• Badminton

Chief Executive Officer of the Physical Activity Foundation Lucille Bailie says kids over 5 years should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activities every day.

“There’s literally no end to the benefits when kids get active,” Lucille says.

“Active kids have improved self esteem and confidence, improved concentration and management of anxiety and stress which can lead to better outcomes at school. When kids are active, not only does it create opportunities for fun with other kids and a great basis for forming friendships, it fosters cooperation and teamwork skills, which can help later in life.”

If you’re keen to venture a bit further than your backyard or suburb, Canberra certainly delivers in big open spaces, parks and play facilities. (Find a few of our top spaces to get active here).

“Going for a walk with a sibling, parents, carers and grandparents (don’t forget the family pet), jogging, skipping, playing on play equipment or kicking a football are just a few easy activity ideas – ask kids to lead the way with ideas they’ve seen or learned,” Lucille says.

Like any good habit, Lucille says it’s important to start early.

“Good habits are best developed early in life and it’s well known that active kids are more likely to become active adults,” she says.

“The physical, mental, emotional, social and health benefits kids get from being active are evident every day in every area of a kid’s life, so being active is going to have an immediate, positive impact on kids.”

For more ideas on how to stay active, visit www.act.gov.au/goodhabitsforlife

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Images: Shutterstock