Kids today spend more time indoors than ever before. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids now spend an average of 7 hours per day in front of a screen, a vast increase from the 5 hours per day they spent in 2000. If your kids are spending their summer days inside, you must find ways to get them active and reduce the risk of obesity and other health concerns. As the school year draws to a close and summer vacation begins, parents have to quickly transition from carpools and afternoons at the library to sports practice, camps, and lazy afternoons at home. Here are some ways to have active kids in the summer.

1. Enroll your kids in a summer sports program

Enrolling your kids in a summer sports program can be a great way to keep them active and engaged. Programs like soccer, softball, swimming, and basketball are great for keeping kids busy and in shape during the summer. Many programs offer scholarships for low-income families, so you may also want to look into those. If your kids are not interested in participating in a program, it’s also a good idea to find out if there are any local community leagues they can join.

2. Keep outdoor toys on hand

Kids will be less likely to get bored if they have many toys. When it comes to summer toys, it’s essential that you keep them in the shade and away from the sun. Kids tend to get burned more quickly when playing with toys outdoors. Even though you’re worried about your kids getting burned, it’s also crucial that they stay active and burn calories. If you can’t keep all their toys inside, try keeping a few in the car for those days when your kids run around outside playing make-believe. Le-Vel manufactures a line of outdoor toys designed to withstand the elements and be safe for kids.

3. Go hiking as a family

Hiking as a family is a great way to get everyone moving and active. There are many hiking trails in the mountains, near your home, or even at the local park. Hiking is a great way to spend time together and pack in some physical activity while spending time outdoors. Many parks have hikes that are designed for families with strollers and dogs.

4. Encourage your kids to participate in a charity 5k kids event

This is a great way to get your kids active and involved in some physical activity while helping out a charity. Many 5k’s are also run by local community organizations and can be a great way to help out your community. According to recent research, kids who participate in a charity 5k are more likely to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

5. Set the example.

If you are not active and engaged, your kids will likely become inactive and sedentary. Idle and lethargic kids risk developing obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. The good news is that many ways help children stay active and healthy.

The best way to prevent obesity in kids is to raise them healthy and active. If you want your kids to be healthy, you must take the time to get them engaged. It’s also a great idea to take the time to get your kids involved in physical and sports activities. There are many different options for kids of all ages, from running around in the backyard playing with their friends, learning new sports skills, or joining a community team.