8 ways to get your kids active on a budget

Finding ways to keep our kids healthy and active is worth every effort. What better gift could we give our children than to help them feel energized, healthy, strong and mentally stimulated? And yet organized sports and activities can be costly! Getting kids active shouldn’t—and doesn’t—have to be expensive.

Need some ideas for how to get your kids moving on a budget? Here are eight fun low-cost or no-cost activities to help get you started.

1. Take the kids with you

My husband runs regularly, while I’m the power-walker in the family. Rather than heading out solo, we invite our kids to hop on their bicycles and come with us. We come back energized and connected knowing we’ve set a great example—and we’ve spent quality time together. It’s an all-around win!

2. Find free activities in your community

Almost every community has sponsored skating or swimming, allowing you to enjoy these activities at little or no cost. You’ll usually find these advertised in your local paper but if not, search for them online or call your local rec centre or sports arena. If your community has an outdoor skating rink be sure to take advantage of it. There’s something special about skating out in the open, breathing in the fresh air, and having fun. You can also check out your local library to see if it offers free equipment rentals.

3. Kids Bowl Free program

Bowling develops strength and motor skills, builds coordination, and develops self-esteem. Kids Bowl Free is a program available across Canada during the summer months. It allows children to have two free games of bowling every day all summer long. How great is that? More information can be found here. Simply locate the bowling lanes in your area, sign up, and they’ll let you know once registration is open.

4. Take a hike

Kids love to explore and a hike is a perfect way to do this, no matter the time of year. One snowy day, my son and I suited up and went for a hike in a valley near our home. It was a great workout and along the way we examined trees, cool plants, and animal tracks. Here are some fun games you can try on your next hike with your kids, some tips for hiking with toddlers, and here’s a guide to great winter walking trails across Canada.

5. Be a little crazy

Think outside the box! Who says badminton can only be played in the summer? A Frisbee or hula hoop can be enjoyed any time of year, not just in the warmer months. Take a look at what equipment you already have on hand and encourage your kids to use them in new ways or at times they wouldn’t normally think of. They’ll be excited by the novelty of the idea and the fun factor will keep them active and inspired for hours. Here are some creative takes—scolf or floor ninja, anyone?—to get you started.

6.  Leave the car at home

Depending on the distance and safety factor, consider letting your children walk to school, the library, their friend’s house, or any other place you would normally drive them to. If you’re out shopping, park a little farther away and have fun by counting the steps to your destination. Some kids may be inspired by tracking their steps with a pedometer. Pedometers are relatively inexpensive, but many libraries have them available on loan. All you have to do is ask!

7. Encourage outdoor play

When children are indoors, it’s all too easy to gravitate to sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games. Once they get outside (even if it does take some prodding), it’s unlikely they’re going to sit still. And often children will come up with ideas that will surprise you! If this isn’t something they’re used to, be prepared for a little resistance but rest assured it’ll be well worth it in the end. If your child needs a nudge, print off this sensory scavenger hunt and send them outside with it.

8. Olympic fever

The Olympics are a great opportunity to introduce your child to new sports. Watching these elite athletes on TV may get your kids excited about trying new things! To DIY Olympics sports at home, check out our simple versions of some of the Winter Olympic sports. Or try these Olympic-inspired activities and crafts to get kids active at home!

Check out these other ideas for getting active on a budget:

• 6 budget-friendly winter activities for families
• How to make a DIY indoor active play space on a budget
• How to find sports equipment on a budget

We all benefit from a booster shot of inspiration now and then. We hope these ideas will help get you started on your quest to build a little more activity into your children’s lives—in a budget-friendly way.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on March 27, 2014.