How Busy Moms Can Stay Active: 6 Fun Ways to Get Moving with Kids
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Discover how busy moms can stay active with 6 fun and creative ways to get moving with kids. From dance parties to family sports games, these fun little activities make fitness enjoyable!
Being a mom is a full-time job, and for many of us, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to prioritize our health and fitness. Between school runs, meal prepping, playdates, and running errands, it can be difficult to carve out any time for exercise.
However, we all know how important staying active is for physical and mental health so instead of worrying about when you’re going to make it ot the gym, change it up by getting active with your kids!
Turn everyday activities into fun workout opportunities (bonus, you get extra bonding time).
Here are 6 fun family-friendly activities that will get everyone moving!
1. Dance Parties in the Living Room
What kid doesn’t love a dance party? Plus, I love to do a little dance party over on my Instagram on Friday!
Turn up your favorite tunes and host a family dance party right in your living room! Have your kids pick the songs or the stations and get to moving.
Not only is dancing a fun way to bond with your kids, but it’s also a great form of cardio!
Why It Works:
Dancing doesn’t feel like exercise, just fun! This is why it’s such a great way to sneak in a fun little workout. Plus, you can involve everyone in the family. Toddlers will love spinning around, and older kids can show off their best moves, while you get in some cardio.
How to Make It Fun:
Create a Playlist: Let your kids help you choose songs or make a fun playlist together. Mix in upbeat and trending songs that get everyone moving, and throw in a few slow songs for a relaxed moment.
Dance Challenges: Try fun dance challenges like freeze dance, shake your sillies out, or the floor is lava, where everyone has to stop moving when the music pauses. You can also make up silly dances together and see who can do the silliest moves.
Make It a Routine: Set aside time each day or week for a family dance session.
2. Go for a Walk or Bike/Scooter Ride
Taking a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood is one of the easiest ways to get moving. My kids love their Micro Kickboard Mini Scooter and they are often found outside scooting along!
Why It Works:
These activities are a gentle form of exercise that still gives you a solid workout. When my kids are on their scooter, I am jogging closely behind them (helloooo workout). Make it even more of a workout by adding some hills.
How to Make It Fun:
Choose Scenic Routes: Explore new neighborhoods, parks, or nature trails for a change of scenery.
Make It a Scavenger Hunt: Turn your walk into a fun scavenger hunt by having your kids look for certain items, like a red flower, a bird, or a rock of a specific shape.
Bring Snacks and Hydrate: Pack a small snack, some water bottles, and maybe even a blanket for a spontaneous picnic break. It’s a great way to rest and recharge in the middle of your walk or bike ride.
3. Family Sports Games
Playing sports together is one of the best ways to stay active as a family.
Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or a fun game of catch, sports bring everyone together (it’s also very good at getting your heart rate up).
Oh, and it’s fun!
Why It Works:
Sports get everyone moving and provide a structured way to get a good workout in.
Whether you’re running around the yard or playing basketball in your playroom, it’s such a fun way to build strength, endurance, and coordination.
How to Make It Fun:
Set Up a Mini Tournament: Create your own little tournament in the backyard or playroom. Keep track of scores and have prizes for the winners like stickers or a little touy. You could play games like “family volleyball” or a shooting competition for basketball.
Adapt the Game for All Ages: Modify the rules to make it fun for everyone, whether they’re 2 years old or 12.
Try a New Sport: If your family enjoys a specific sport, try mixing it up with something new, like frisbee, badminton, or even pickleball. Introducing variety keeps the games interesting.
4. Family Yoga or Stretching Routine
If you’re looking for a calmer, low-impact way to get moving together, family yoga or stretching is a great option. It’s perfect for winding down after a busy day, but it also helps improve flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Plus, kids love pretending to be animals in poses like “downward dog” or “cobra.”
Cosmic Kids Yoga does amazing yoga/stretching routines on YouTube!
Why It Works:
Yoga and stretching are great for improving flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. It can also help your kids focus and relax at the end of the day or to help them wind down before bed.
How to Make It Fun:
Use Fun Poses: Introduce your kids to poses like “tree,” “butterfly,” and “cat-cow.”
Create a Routine: Put together a short, family-friendly yoga routine that everyone can follow. Start with simple stretches and end with a relaxing breathwork.
Make It Silly: Incorporate some fun, silly poses or sounds to keep things lighthearted. Pretend to be animals, trees, or flowers to make yoga feel more like play.
5. Obstacle Course Challenges
We love a good obstacle course challenge!
Creating an obstacle course in your backyard or living room can turn into a fun family fitness challenge.
You can use pillows, chairs, cones, or even jump ropes to create a course that everyone can race through.
Why It Works:
You can have your kids use their creative minds to come up with a fun obstacle course all on their own!
They are versatile and can be customized to fit different age groups. Plus, they’re a great way to engage your kids’ imaginations as they race through the course.
How to Make It Fun:
Set Up a Course: Use items you have around the house—like furniture, cushions, or a playground to create a course that involves crawling, jumping, running, and climbing.
Time Trials: Turn it into a competition by timing each family member as they complete the course.
Theme the Course: Make the obstacle course even more exciting by giving it a theme, like an “animal safari,” “space adventure,” or “superhero training.”
6. Family Hiking Adventures
Hiking is another fantastic way to stay active with your kids while connecting with nature. Whether you’re taking a hike through a local park or exploring a nearby mountain trail, hiking give you the chance to bond with your kids outside.
Why It Works:
Hiking is a great workout for all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent family activity. It gives kids the chance to explore nature, spot wildlife, and appreciate the outdoors.
How to Make It Fun:
Find a Local Trail: Look for kid-friendly trails or nature walks with minimal elevation. Many trails are designed for families and feature educational signs or benches where you can rest along the way.
Make It an Adventure: Turn your hike into an adventure by encouraging your kids to look for animals, plants, or interesting rock formations. Bring a small journal for them to write or draw about what they see.
Bring a Picnic: Pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot along the trail. This will give everyone a chance to refuel and enjoy a peaceful break in nature.
Staying Active and Having Fun!
Staying active as a busy mom doesn’t have to mean creating a workout schedule at the gym.
It’s all about finding fun, family-friendly activities that get everyone moving while creating fun memories. Whether you’re dancing, playing sports, or hiking together, these activities provide a perfect opportunity to stay healthy and bond with your kids at the same time!
Let’s make fitness a fun family adventure and turn every day into an opportunity for fun and movement!
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