During the months of summer, it’s easy for kids to get in the habit of sitting around the house all day. However, child care experts stress that it’s imperative that you keep your child active. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that active children have stronger bones and muscles, better cardiorespiratory fitness, and an overall healthier and longer future ahead of them. To ensure your child stays healthy and fit, Carrier Learning Center, in Bristol, CT, shares five ways to get your child out of the house.

Tips for Keeping Your Child Active This Summer

Go on Active Family Trips

For your children to understand how important fitness is, you need to practice what you preach. Take your family on excursions where you can go hiking, swimming, biking, or kayaking together. Your kids will be more likely to take exercise seriously when you’re doing it too. As a bonus, you get to spend quality time with your family.

Organize Games & Athletic Events

Kids want to spend time with friends during the summer, so why not get everyone involved? Ask other parents to help you orchestrate a game day in the park. Create a mini Olympics or sports league, featuring games like freeze tag, red light/green light, and tug-of-war, and sports such as soccer and basketball. The winners get a special prize, but everyone gets treated to smoothies.

Enroll Them in Summer Camp

Many child care centers host summer camp programs to keep their minds and bodies active while school is out. At Carrier Learning Center, kids go on weekly field trips to libraries, museums, and parks. Child care providers teach interesting topics while ensuring kids stay physically active.

Obtain a Pool Membership

Some days, it’s too hot to be running around outside. Fortunately, the best way to cool off is also a great source of exercise. Swimming is fun and refreshing, especially under a boiling sun. Apply for a membership at a local pool.

Do a Long-Term Summer Project

While children don’t love chores, they do like feeling handy. Let them know how appreciated their assistance would be in a summer project you are going to work on. Whether it be gardening, putting together some furniture, or improving on old recipes, you can share an activity that keeps you both active.

If you need to keep your child occupied over summer break, Carrier Learning Center has the answer. This child care facility offers an exciting summer program called “Carrier Explorers,” where kids explore topics like amphibians and robotics, then take a weekly trip off-site. Early childhood education is key to development, so they focus on imparting critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and fitness into every young mind. Ask a staff member about enrollment by calling (860) 589-3000. Visit their website for more information.