![A young boy laughs as bubbles float around him outside.](https://activeforlife.com/content/uploads/2024/07/child-laughing-bubbles-989x660.jpg)
![A young boy laughs as bubbles float around him outside.](https://activeforlife.com/content/uploads/2024/07/child-laughing-bubbles-989x660.jpg)
![7 ways for your kids to have an unscheduled summer](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/07/child-laughing-bubbles.jpg)
7 ways for your kids to have an unscheduled summer
In the summer, kids have many weeks of freedom from school. Here’s how to help them nix boredom while encouraging unplanned, unscheduled fun!
![Canadian Paediatric Society recommends risky play for kids](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/01/girl-climbing-playground-risky.jpg)
Canadian Paediatric Society recommends risky play for kids
Risky and unstructured play have a crucial role in the physical, mental, and social development of children, says the Canadian Paediatric Society.
![Why unstructured free play is important](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2023/08/kids-playing-outside.jpg)
Why unstructured free play is important
Learn what unstructured free play is and why it’s so important our kids take part in it at every age.
![How to create a “movement room” in your home](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2022/03/child-climbing-wall.jpg)
How to create a “movement room” in your home
It’s easy to create a movement space or room in the house where kids can move freely without worrying about breaking something.
![How to make a DIY mud kitchen](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2021/04/painting-mud-kitchen-scaled.jpg)
How to make a DIY mud kitchen
A mud kitchen—an outdoor play kitchen and sand table accessorized with dirt, twigs, and flowers—is messy, wet, and gloriously fun.
![Why I love watching my kids engage in risky play outdoors](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2020/10/boy-climbing-tree.jpg)
Why I love watching my kids engage in risky play outdoors
There’s a steep hill in our local forest that my kids (ages one, four, and six) love to scale. It’s muddy, slippery, and full of tree roots, with ample opportunities to fall, get up, and fall again. I absolutely love watching them challenge themselves to do this, because I can see how it builds their … Continued
![Risk in play – possibilities and opportunities](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2019/01/girl-climbs-tree.jpg)
Risk in play – possibilities and opportunities
The problem is that making things too safe can starve children of the very experiences that best help them learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. As rising numbers of children and teenagers struggle with emotional and social problems, it is all the more important to get this balance right. In the end, the … Continued
![Easy ideas for an active year + free printable](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2019/01/kids-smiling-winter.jpg)
Easy ideas for an active year + free printable
Editor’s note: This article was updated on December 8, 2022 Run, jump, swing, glide. When it comes to physical literacy, these essential skills open up a lifetime of fun and activities. And to make the most of an active lifestyle, it’s important to become proficient in these movement skills in every season, in all sorts … Continued
![What’s in a cardboard box? 12 new play ideas for kids](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/12/cardboard-play.jpg)
What’s in a cardboard box? 12 new play ideas for kids
With these creative ideas, a cardboard box will become so much more than that to your kids! It’ll serve as a play prompt for hours of fun.
![Why recess is as valuable as any subject in school](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/10/active-recess.jpg)
Why recess is as valuable as any subject in school
Kids need movement throughout the day
![“Thrive by Five”: Why the early years are so important](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/09/young-kids-cheer.jpg)
“Thrive by Five”: Why the early years are so important
Find out how you can help your child to “thrive by five”
![A prescription for play: Making playtime a medical necessity](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/09/chasing-bubblies-212x1414.jpg)
A prescription for play: Making playtime a medical necessity
Let kids play is simple but powerful advice
![Tips for sport and play from Canadian soccer star Amy Walsh](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/09/fall-family-play-2121x1414.jpg)
Tips for sport and play from Canadian soccer star Amy Walsh
AfL Role Model Amy Walsh shares her message of the importance of movement
![How playground design delivers play “nutrition”](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/08/monkey-bars-girls-2121x1414.jpg)
How playground design delivers play “nutrition”
Kids need all kinds of play nutrition at the playground
![Decluttering clears the way for more movement](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/08/decluttering-2121x1414.jpg)
Decluttering clears the way for more movement
Creating space opens us up to more activity
![Transforming city sidewalks to get kids moving](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/AnnaBruder-OutdoorGames-London.jpg)
Transforming city sidewalks to get kids moving
Guess what Lacombe and London have in common
![How to create a “risky play” backyard playground](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/backyard-rope-swing-2121x1414.jpg)
How to create a “risky play” backyard playground
Use your backyard, and imagination, to explore
![10 international skill-building games](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/international-games-2121x1414.jpg)
10 international skill-building games
10 international games for kids to play
![How active are young Canadians? Read this year’s ParticipACTION report card](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/six-kids-running-2123x1417.jpg)
How active are young Canadians? Read this year’s ParticipACTION report card
Find out how active we are as a country
![Executive function is the key to success in school](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/stacking-blocks-2123x1416.jpg)
Executive function is the key to success in school
Learn how children develop executive function
![How to get kids ready for school before September](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/06/kids-hold-hands-2124x1417.jpg)
How to get kids ready for school before September
School readiness is child’s play
![Encouraging risky play is becoming more common worldwide](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/03/risky-playground-1024x683.jpg)
Encouraging risky play is becoming more common worldwide
More are recognizing the benefits of risky play
![Study finds year-round school leads kids to university by 16, med school by 20](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2018/03/girl-writing-test-1024x683.jpg)
Study finds year-round school leads kids to university by 16, med school by 20
Forget summer plans, keep kids in school instead
![Could you take the one-year Vitamin N challenge?](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2017/12/family-winter-hike-612x300.jpg)
Could you take the one-year Vitamin N challenge?
The benefits of increasing your daily outdoor time