Play centres offer ideas for kids to play their own way
For many children in early-years programs, learning happens at play centres, themed play areas with a specific focus.
How to use a fortune teller
The Active for Life fortune teller inspires movement, from balancing on one foot to catching a ball to crab-walking.
Safety hacks for kids’ active play
From parking lots to playgrounds, children will play anywhere they get the chance. They can’t help it—play is part of kids’ DNA. It’s important for parents to keep kids safe and coach them on how to assess the risks around them. This challenge is made easier by sharing little “hacks” that set age-appropriate limits for children … Continued
Investigation Unit established to address abuse and harassment allegations in sport
Through its commitment to ensuring an abuse-free workplace and sporting environment, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) has launched an Investigation Unit to assist federally funded sport organizations in handling complaints and allegations. As part of the pilot project, independent and qualified professionals are available on a voluntary and fee-for-service basis to provide third-party … Continued
Nike’s FIFA Women’s World Cup ad encourages girls to dream big
Don’t change your dream. Change the world. That’s the messaging behind Nike’s newest ad, highlighting girls and the game of soccer. In the three-minute video, a young female player realizes her potential by running alongside the game’s biggest names. From shooting a video game cover with Brazil’s Andressa Alves to coaching alongside former English … Continued
World Health Organization releases new guidelines on screen time and sedentary behaviour for children under five
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines on “physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.” Specifically, it provides recommendations for sedentary screen time, suggesting no more than one hour per day for children ages two to four. The guidelines were developed by a WHO panel of experts … Continued
New abuse-reporting hotline promotes safe sport
The Canadian Sport Helpline is a new initiative to ensure that all Canadians participating in sport can do so in a safe and welcoming environment, regardless of the role they play. Safe sport is everyone’s responsibility, and the national toll-free helpline offers assistance to victims and witnesses of harassment, abuse, discrimination, and bullying. In its … Continued
How to bring adventure to your local park
“Back when we were kids…” Do you ever catch yourself telling stories to children about how play used to be? The freedom and friendships of the outdoors, and playing all day until the lights came on, were staples of childhood. It seems like forever since that kind of free play lived in neighbourhoods, and according … Continued
Why I wish I’d played more than one sport as a kid
About once a year a sharp pang of regret hits me. It’s most likely to strike on one of two occasions: in the winter after a big snowfall or out on the lake at a summer cottage. The two situations are vastly different, yet both stir up similar feelings of regret, embarrassment, and frustration. So, … Continued
Groundbreaking study shows the effects of screen time on kids’ brains
Early results from groundbreaking research hoping to understand the effects of screen time on kids’ brains are now available. The verdict? Children’s brains are growing older, faster. Basically, MRI scans of kids “who use smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day” (Cooper, 2018) show premature thinning of the brain’s cortex, according … Continued
Why it matters that women competed in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition
Fast is fast. And Kendall Coyne Schofield is certainly fast. Making history as the first woman to ever compete at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition, Coyne Schofield demonstrated her speed and skating ability in the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater event. She placed seventh of eight skaters, which included event champion Connor McDavid, who edged her … Continued
What’s in a cardboard box? 12 new play ideas for kids
Unbox your child’s imagination
Learning to love ourselves: Vince Luciani on the legacy of coaching
Learn to love your mind, body, and spirit
Football alternatives make the game fun and safe for kids
Try one of this fun football alternatives
How Australia is successfully bringing risk back to recess
Risky and loose parts play has improved students overall achievement and development
Canadian elite athletes promote physical literacy for kids
Some of Canada’s top athletes share why it’s important to be physically active with your kids.
6 ideas for an active family picnic
Picnic play ideas for the whole family
Play Sports Alberta combines multi-sport and summer fun
Multi-sport camps keep the focus on fun
The benefits of running a mile a day
Just 15 minutes a day makes a difference
Our top sun safety tips for active families
Here are some sun safety tips to remember: Pay attention to the UV index. Sun protection is necessary when the UV Index is 3 or higher, and even when it’s cloudy. When playing outdoors, pick a place with shaded areas or a cooling centre nearby. If you can’t find a shady spot, use a sun … Continued
Iceland is Active for Life’s favourite World Cup team
How Iceland beat the odds and made history
Making use of loose parts
Use loose parts to unleash your child’s creativity
Make orienteering your next family activity
Explore your neighbourhood as a family
Study finds year-round school leads kids to university by 16, med school by 20
Forget summer plans, keep kids in school instead