Ah, the good old days. Remember summer in the Dark Ages? Before the advent of video games and the Internet? For most of us, summer was one long physical education class. From sandlot football, to soccer camp to the swimming pool, we spent three solid months playing outside. If football to your kids means Madden 2008 and the only muscle they build playing basketball is in their thumb, this summer is the perfect time to introduce some novel, fun, non-virtual activities into their lives.
Ultimate Frisbee
Frisbee may have a slacker reputation, but Ultimate Frisbee can be as physical and fun as a game of soccer. Start out slow by practicing tossing the disk back and forth and work your way up to a neighborhood game. Or, to find a league in your area, visit www.upa.org.
Getting soaked
What summer would be complete without a good, old-fashioned water gun fight? Without even realizing it, kids burn tons of energy racing after their friends — or running away from them. If money is no object, invest in the $25 Super Soaker Transformers Water Shooter — it holds almost a gallon of water. If money is an object, there’s nothing wrong with the hose and a couple of buckets.
Hit the playground
School may be out, but playgrounds are still accessible. Pumping your legs and soaring high on the swing set burns as many calories per minute as walking. Climbing up the ladder to go down the slide will help build muscles in the calves, thighs and glutes. And if the kids need a break, push them on the merry-go-round. You’ll burn as many calories per minute as you would ballroom dancing while building your upper body strength. To find a playground or to get involved in supporting your local playground, visit planner.kaboom.org.
Double Dutch
Get your kids a couple of long jump ropes (at least 16 feet) and gather some of their friends. Double Dutch can burn as many calories per minute as running. For instructions and more information, visit the United States Amateur Jump Rope Federation: www.usajrf.org
Capture the flag
An oldie but a goodie. On a big enough field with enough kids, a game of capture the flag can burn as many calories as a long hike. If it’s a new game to you and your kids, find rules for play (along with loads of other games) at www.usscouts.org/games.
Flashlight tag
One of the great things about playing a game after dark is that it keeps those nighttime munchies at bay. Get the whole neighborhood together — if kids younger than 10 are playing have them pair up with a parent. And make sure to put on some bug spray. Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellant keeps the critters away without harsh chemicals, visit www.burtsbees.com.
Beautify the neighborhood
Yard work is a real calorie burner. Raking, weeding, pushing the lawnmower and tending to a small garden all involve strength and endurance. Once you’ve got your own lawn taken care of, volunteer to help neighbors with their’s — an elderly neighbor might not have the ability to take care of his own yard. And planting vegetables not only takes hard work, it gives you something healthy to eat. For ideas on planting a vegetable garden, visit www.bhg.com.
Sue Saunders is a registered dietitian in the Washington, D.C. area.
E-mail her at [email protected].
