Keeping Kids Active

If you live in Canada or the U.S., you’ll probably agree with me that this past winter was one of the longest, most extreme ones we’ve had in the past 20 years. (AccuWeather agrees!)

Now that we’ve turned a corner and the weather is getting nicer, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs. There’s nothing I love more than getting outside and being active, but after such a long winter, you may feel like your kids have atrophied! They’re used to holing up inside and may require a push in the right direction.

So, I’ve listed some ideas for getting active again… a few are things my kids love to do now, and others look really cool for when they’re older.  (Read: I want to do them.)


(Kick) Scooter

• For kids: my daughter received her Razor “A” scooter for Christmas two years ago and loves it. Her little brother saw her scootering to school a few weeks ago and felt left out… so we bought him one of his own, complete with a Spider-man helmet! He’s only 3.5 years old, but he seems to have gotten the hang of it. After having one for two years, I can say I like the quality of the Razor A – it’s constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and it folds up for easy storage.  Price is right, too!
• For kids and adults: I saw the Micro Sprite scooter at my local toy store and fell in love. Yes, I’m currently coveting one of my own – in pink! This one has a higher T-bar, which is perfect for Moms and makes it oh-so-comfy to ride.

Pogo Stick

• My daughter has asked for one but, for now, she can play with her friend’s pogo stick. I remember this classic toy from when I was a kid and, obviously, it hasn’t lost its luster… I’ve seen a few around the schoolyard lately. Here are two, from the original manufacturers of pogo sticks, that won’t break the bank: 
• Maverick Pogo for little kids
• Master Pogo for big kids

Skateboard

• I watch kids at the park navigate their skateboards like pros
  and think, “I’d love to do that!” But, alas, at the age of 40…
  ahem…29, I’m probably too old to take up this sport. This is something
  my little guy will want to try a few years from now and when he does,
  I’ll help him pick out his design. (Did I mention how much
  skateboard designs rock?!) I love the Baja skateboard from Penny Skateboards, but think my son would probably like the Tie Dye skateboard better (shown below). They are so cute… er, I mean… rad.

Active For Life website

• Active For Life is a not-for-profit enterprise whose mandate is to teach “physical literacy”. It’s a fantastic – and free – online resource that helps parents find unique, fun ways to keep the whole family active, throughout the year (which isn’t always easy!). Check out their site to get inspired!
  
  

I’m glad the nicer weather has finally arrived, and look forward to being more active with my kids. And, who knows…I might just have to splurge on that scooter so I can keep up with them! When I’m not scootering around town, I’ll just have to think of something else to do.

Does sitting on my porch drinking margaritas count? 😉