Our readers shared with us (on Facebook) how they get their children active without breaking the bank.
Bonnie L.
My son and I have a “dance [1]” party everyday. We turn on some oldies or children’s tunes and we dance away. He never tires of it, it’s fun, it’s free and gets us both off the couch. Shake that booty is his fav!
[2]
Ann D.
Out and About in the park playing the game “Who Can Find…”. Who can find a flower and then go onto the next thing etc.Have running races; just simple everyday things and reward with a choice of DVD when you all get home tired/dirty but happy having had lots of fun.
[3]
Kristy S.
My daughter does Special Olympics and also is in the TOPSoccer Program [4] in our area. Those are all free. With special olympics, regional and state events would require travel, but you do not have to have them compete at that level. TopSoccer is free and open for all ages…here it runs in the Spring for 6 weeks. If you have Little League you could see if they have a Challenger League.
Joann C.
I have heard swim team is a good activity because it is a group yet a single sport.
[5]
Jess S.
Get a trampoline for your garden my boys love it.
Yvonne M.
Museums [6]: one annual fee but at least in my state once you buy a membership you can visit all of them. Also, long walks, art days….
[7]
Patti W.
Special Olympics [8]: my kids are in swimming [9]. Both have autism. My daughter is non verbal. They have a “strokes” class that has a one on one with new swimmers which my daughter did and my son has been in it seems since he was 11 years old. He is 19 now and still competes. Gold medal winner in Florida several times. Special Olympics has all kinds of sports, find your local group and check it out.
Peggie N.
Running track teams or just with the three of them. Outside work; gardening is great and it’s not hard…all you need is dirt. Start a compost pile and let each child put stuff in it=free soil. Helping other people once a week and bike rides for the family
Christie G.
We have a lot of children in the spectrum in scouting! Not too expensive; many activities and all year long.
[10]
Kitty R.
I have heard swim team is a good activity because it is a group yet a single sport.
Natasha M.
My kids have push scooters and a trampoline. Also they are learning to skip with ropes and using hula hoops! A sandpit is also lots of fun!!!!.
[11]
Martha K.
Make a garden: flower, vegetable, whatever; you could even do pots. We do raised beds so my kids know where not to walk in the vegetable garden. Sidewalk chalk. Zoos [12], museum, library, park [13], nature trails, pool. Check for challenger teams in your area. Sand is good. Sprinklers. Build something: bird bath, chair, table..
Crystal O.
That really depends on their interests, but we got wrestling mats and balls and they create slides and all sorts of structures from those few basic things. Play dough is cheap and you can make it at home… In Winter it’s very hard because mostly when it’s nice out I take them outside to play. Me, I’m content to read a book inside most of the time, but my kids are so active.
Images courtesy our Facebook Friends
Learn More About Getting Active
- The Family Factor of Five: Making Time for Fitness (and Actually Doing It) [14]
- Encouraging Your Child to Stay Active Year Round [15]
- 6 Summer Success Steps for Getting Active [16]
- The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Fitness Programs [17]
- Get Your Heart Pumping with These Free and Easy Tips [18]
- Life as We Grow It: Fitness as a Life Skill for Special Needs Populations [19]
- 4 Exercise Progressions, 5W’s, and an H [20]
- The Folly of Fitness Focus a User’s Guide [21]
- Be Active and Healthy [22]
- Fitness Challenge [23]
- Waving Not Drowning: The Process of Making Fitness Fun [24]
- Five Fitness Facts for a Fitter Fall [25]
- Fitness Fun: Incorporating Fitness into the Classroom [26]
- Looking for a Fun Family Exercise? How About Parkour! [27]
- Turning Physical Fitness into Fun for Life [28]
This post originally appeared on our March/April 2015 Magazine [29]