How to stay active once kids are back in school

It can be a shock, to both kids and parents, in making the switch from long summer days spent adventuring in the mountains, swimming in the river, and climbing at the playground, to full days sitting in classrooms. But being active doesn’t have to slow down once September rolls around. It may just take a bit more planning to fit activity into the more structured school year.

Here are some suggestions to help you and your family stay active once the back to school routine begins.

1. Leave the car at home

Many elementary schools are within walking distance and walking can be done in all weather if you wear the right clothes. Aim to walk or bike at least one direction every day and make it your family’s habit. Look here for more motivation to take up active transportation and read this for tips on how to get started.

If you have to pick a direction, aim for an active morning commute so that you can check it off your list, plus starting the day active has been shown to help improve school metrics. Consider reading this book for more ideas on getting out in all sorts of weather.

2. Make the most of before and after school play

Get to school early so that your kids can burn off some steam at the playground before they head into school. Linger after school so they can master the monkey bars and free play with other children on the playground, inventing their own games and moving their bodies after a long day at school.

3. Go for a family walk

Head out for a family walk before or after dinner, even if it’s just for 20 minutes—you might end up engaging in a fun game of tag or hide-and-go-seek. Or meet neighbourhood families at a park for an old-fashioned game of pick-up soccer or basketball. Bring a skipping rope or get your kids to set up a game of hopscotch with sidewalk chalk.

4. Find a multi-sport program for younger kids

Consider signing your child up for organized activities for one or two nights per week. For younger kids, see if you can find a program that introduces them to multiple sports and activities. If these programs don’t already exist where you live, advocate for one with your local community centre. Being introduced to multiple sports and activities is a great way to give your kids more opportunities to develop physical literacy and to find out what they enjoy. Try to find activities close to home so that you can actively transport yourself there with your kids.

5. Help kids develop active habits

Try walking for small errands with a member of your family next time you need to pick up some milk, for example. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. And choose the farthest parking spot from your destination to get some extra steps in. These are simple ideas that can really be a positive way to model active living for your children, ingraining healthy habits from the start.

6. Plan active weekend outings

Weekends provide many families with the time required to go further afield. Consider using this time to explore a new area to make movement more fun and interesting. Go for a hike in a park that’s a bit farther away, go for a longer bike ride, or try skiing. Use this unstructured part of your week to rekindle the feeling of summer, spending longer days outside, and as a good time to tire out every member of your family so that you can start the school and work week off fresh.

7. Advocate for more activity at school

If your children eat lunch inside at their school, consider advocating for year-round outside lunch. This way your children can move their bodies even more and enjoy the fresh air. Give your child’s teacher the Active for Life Lesson Plan Builder and other resources so that they can include more physical activity into the school day.

Although there’s a transition from the unstructured days of summer to the more structured school year, it’s still possible to find ways to be active as a family. Active transportation, before/after school play, and weekend outings work well for our family. What has worked for you?