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Keep your kids moving and learning with games like these, and they’ll return to the classroom in the fall with happy memories and sharp minds.

A new free multisport program in Nova Scotia is helping more Cape Breton Island children develop physical literacy while learning how to play various sports. Capers in the Community launched this summer and is being offered at no cost in towns throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). The four-day camp gives children ages five to … Continued

If you’re anything like us, you want your family to live an active lifestyle. Maybe you have a workout routine at the gym, register your kids in a few sports, or take advantage of the summer by biking, swimming, and hiking. But when it’s vacation time, it’s all too easy for healthy habits to fall … Continued

Basketball united us for several weeks in May and June, leaving an indelible impact on people across the country. “We The North” was a rallying cry for every Canadian to celebrate an amazing sports story, an incredible story of teamwork, and an opportunity to showcase the diversity, not just of the Raptors, but of Canada. … Continued

Earlier this year, my wife and I wanted to plan an outdoor birthday party for our four-year-old. We decided to organize it at our local beach, Petrie Island, in Ottawa. We contacted Friends of Petrie Island, an organization responsible for educating the public about the importance of nature, preservation, and ecology. It also helps organize … Continued

Editor’s note: This article was updated on April 19, 2025. As parents, we want to give our children every opportunity to succeed and live a life that is healthy, happy, and active. Enrolling our children in sport and physical activity programs provides a multitude of mental, physical, and social benefits. But, on occasion, the benefits … Continued

At first, the concept doesn’t seem groundbreaking: Help kids play and enjoy sports. But, as a recent New York Times op-ed points out, Norway’s approach to youth and sport is different because it really puts children, and their priorities, at its centre. In the article, Tom Farrey explores how the country places value on kids’ … Continued

Research indicates that gross motor skills are a major predictor of a child’s school readiness. In essence they reflect “brain skills,” yet many parents and caregivers overlook their importance. When infants and toddlers move their arms, legs, and other large body parts with large muscle groups, they are developing their gross motor skills. However, studies … Continued

Here are some helpful ways to keep your budget in check and still have fun with your children over the summer months.

Risky play can be an intimidating concept for parents and caregivers to try to implement with their children. How much risk is too much? How can play remain safe? Dr. Mariana Brussoni recognizes the dilemma. In fact, she’s an expert on the subject. Her research focuses on caregivers’ perceptions of risk and safety when it … Continued

We don’t sell commercial ad space on Active for Life, but once in a while, we recognize advertising campaigns that promote important messages. This is the case with the Visa ad campaign developed for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which started earlier this month. The campaign video shows a series of female soccer players … Continued

Indigenous nations and groups have diverse histories, traditions, and cultures—as well as games. This is one way non-Indigenous children can learn more about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

With the Toronto Raptors’ deep run in the NBA playoffs, and now a franchise-first NBA championship, everyone in Canada is talking basketball. And as often happens when the “home” team finds success, kids everywhere want to start playing and emulating their heroes. Jr. NBA Basketball is now making it easier than ever to get the … Continued

Physical education (PE) and gym class are often used as synonyms. It’s an easy mistake to make because, stereotypically, many PE classes are all about playing sports in the gym. But the truth is the gymnasium is only one of the many locations used to teach physical education. Doing PE differently Sports are great and … Continued

Becoming a father is a life-changing event. Our children look up to us and part of our responsibility is to keep them safe and healthy. Almost four years ago, my wife gave me the best gift possible: a baby girl. Since then, it’s become my mission to raise a gutsy and brave girl. As a … Continued

But role models are not enough to change the lives of Canadian girls

If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or struggles with focus, you’ll be happy to hear that a simple walk in your local park might be beneficial. CBC News recently reported that a review of hundreds of studies found time spent outdoors can result in improved attention span, self-discipline, and stress reduction. “Researchers also … Continued

Our “groundhog maze” brings active learning to life I introduced the activity by reading the storybook Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook. We talked about the legend of Groundhog Day and looked at pictures of real groundhogs. The children learned about groundhog behaviour, such as living in a burrow and hibernating in … Continued

It’s changed my outlook as well. Children in my program get to run, laugh, and explore while developing their language and social skills. Through these experiences, they also develop their muscular strength and endurance. Outdoor programming in our pre-kindergarten classrooms At Edmonton Catholic Schools, physical literacy and outdoor programming are a priority for our 100 … Continued

Children today don’t get enough active play time. And that’s a health issue because it’s during active free play that children fill up on their daily requirement of daily physical activity. The problem is not that children have stopped playing, but that the nature of the games they play has changed. In this digital era … Continued

Parents can insist sports clubs train and screen all coaches

On a summer afternoon, you might find four-year-olds digging in the mud with sticks while six-year-olds toss stones into a creek and eight-year-olds climb trees or build a fort. Welcome to the Into the Wild nature camp at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta., where unstructured, child-led, risky play is the name of the … Continued

Editor’s note: This article was updated March 12, 2021. Every year, Canadians celebrate Bike to School Week. You can take part by encouraging your child or student to ride to school during this week and beyond. When done safely, cycling to and from school leads to children who are healthy, happy, and ready to study … Continued

We live in a world overflowing with technology. Cars talk to us, phones entertain us, houses are “smart,” and wristwatches monitor our vitals. Are we living in Brave New World or 1984? Whichever we imagine, one thing is certain: our attachment to technology strains our connection with nature. Staying connected to the natural world is … Continued