


Fall activities scavenger hunt + free printable
This fall activities scavenger hunt is a fun way for kids to explore autumn changes and practice fundamental movement skills along the way.

How grandparents can share physical literacy with grandkids
Grandparents who babysit or take care of their grandkids have a great opportunity to play together and boost physical literacy.

Kin-Ball: The amazingly fun sport you’ve probably never heard of
Kin-Ball is a fast-paced, interactive sport that engages a wide range of skills, while promoting physical activity, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Introducing your child to the sport of cricket
Cricket is gaining momentum as a fun physical activity option in schools across Canada. Learn more about why the sport is so great for kids.

Ball hockey: An affordable alternative for families
Ball hockey is versatile, fun, affordable—what’s not to love? Here’s how you can help your kids give it a try.

Revisiting the discussion: Teaching kids to sprint correctly
Here’s some advice for parents who have questions and concerns about their kids’ running, from their form to their enjoyment.

24 activities to keep your non-sporty kids moving
Moving everyday is good for all kids. So how do you get your non-sporty kid to be active? Try these fun activities!

Free and fun challenge inspires kids to get outside and running
Olympian Andre De Grasse teamed up with a Montreal teen to start the RACE WITH ME! Virtual Challenge, an initiative to encourage kids to run.

PE in the forest: Group activities to develop movement skills in the woods
Does your school have a nearby wooded area or forest? Use this space as an outdoor classroom during PE to build fundamental movement skills.

Switch up your screen time with these 4 active Nintendo games
The latest version of the Nintendo console offers many fun exergames—active games that incorporate body movements into gameplay.

Running with kids: The right way at the right time
Parents who love running often wonder whether their kids can join them. It depends on the age of the kids—and the parents’ expectations.

Three kinds of prompts to inspire children to play
One way to encourage kids to play is to prompt rather than suggest. Often, the activities they find the most engaging are the ones they invent themselves.

39 fun ways kids can play outside this spring
The snow is gone, the birds are singing, and my kids are full of energy. Thankfully, spring offers many opportunities for children to get moving outdoors.

A printable recipe for an active day (at home)
If you or your kids are trying to figure out ways to be active each day during this time of isolation, turn to the Recipe for an Active Day for ideas.

“Window walks” and other ways to jazz up your neighbourhood stroll
Even while social distancing, families can get out for walks in their neighbourhood. Here are some ideas to keep things fun and fresh.

Why natural playgrounds are essential for young children
These spaces offer valuable opportunities for the development of physical literacy and for experimentation.

Why free play outside should be a part of every PE program
Physical education doesn’t just happen in a gymnasium. I’m a big proponent of active free play outside during physical education (PE) class. In my PE classes, I plan for quite a lot of it when the weather allows. There are so many benefits of free play outside that cannot be replicated in the gymnasium. In most … Continued

Local athlete excelling thanks to multisport background
Caleigh MacPherson, a soccer player for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers, fell in love with the sport from a very young age. She was just four years old when she first started playing soccer, but she said the fact that she spent time spent playing other sports too is what helped her become the high-performing athlete … Continued

Coaching girls? Here are three ways to help them get more out of the game
“Any questions?” This well-meaning phrase, when posed to a group of young female athletes, often results in 10 or more hands shooting up, and you as a coach end up standing there fielding questions like you’ve just entered your own personal press conference. You may be thinking to yourself, “Well that’s just how kids are.” … Continued

How playgrounds helped my special-needs son develop physical literacy
My youngest son, Cam, has always been full of surprises. With a flair for the dramatic, Cam decided that he would make his grand entrance into the world more than 12 weeks early. With the ensuing medical issues, including collapsed lungs, chronic lung disease, infections, viruses, heart concerns, and prolonged gastrointestinal and feeding issues, his … Continued

6 ways kids should engage in “risky” play
Your child gets ready to jump from the monkey bars and you get ready for a trip to the hospital. Is this a reasonable reaction? Unless there’s a pit of poisonous serpents or a bed of nails below, probably not. As Dr. Mariana Brussoni of the University of British Columbia points out, statistics show that … Continued

5 fun and active trampoline games
With some creativity, trampolines can be used for a lot more than just jumping. Children love to leap, but when you add a variety of activities to the usual jump routine, kids will bounce their way to even more fun. Safety should always come first, so before your child gets hopping, keep these safety tips … Continued

How to throw an active birthday beach party
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

CBRM Recreation and Cape Breton Road Runners bring free Youth Running Series to the Community
“It’s never too early to build confidence and motivation that lasts a lifetime.” -Rising New York Road Runners Runners know the secret to why running is good for our minds and bodies. There is plenty of research and science to back it up. Running makes us happy, it can help us lose or maintain weight, … Continued