How to Get Kids Moving
Children need at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Try these ideas to help get kids moving and start healthy, lifelong habits.
How to Get Kids Moving
Don’t Forget Water
It’s important to stay hydrated while you play. Make sure you and your kids drink water before, during, and after play.
Play Exercises Lungs
Active play makes you breathe faster. Children need 60 minutes of active play every day.
Moderate Aerobic Play Includes:
  • Walking
  • Riding a bike on level ground
  • Playing in a swimming pool
  • Playing catch
Click the dots on the timeline to show each exercise. Tap the dots or swipe on the timeline to show each exercise.
  • Walking

  • Riding a bike on level ground

  • Playing in a swimming pool

  • Playing catch

Vigorous Aerobic Play Includes:
  • Running
  • Riding a bike uphill
  • Swimming in a pool
  • Playground games or team sports
Click the dots on the timeline to show each exercise. Tap the dots or swipe on the timeline to show each exercise.
  • Running

  • Riding a bike uphill

  • Swimming in a pool

  • Playground games or team sports

Play Builds Bones
Kids build bones during active play that supports body weight. Strong bones keep them healthy and prevent injuries.
Bone-Building Play Includes:
  • Going up or down a slope or climbing
  • Dancing
  • Jumping rope
  • Running or jogging
  • Soccer
Click the dots on the timeline to show each exercise. Tap the dots or swipe on the timeline to show each exercise.
  • Going up or down a slope or climbing

  • Dancing

  • Jumping rope

  • Running or jogging

  • Soccer

Play Builds Muscles
Strong muscles help with your kid’s posture and balance. Any active play where kids use muscles to move their body weight will help keep their muscles strong.
Muscle-Building Play Includes:
  • Bike riding uphill
  • Baseball or softball
  • Climbing
  • Taking stairs
  • Running
Click the dots on the timeline to show each exercise. Tap the dots or swipe on the timeline to show each exercise.
  • Bike riding uphill

  • Baseball or softball

  • Climbing

  • Taking stairs

  • Running

Create Safe and Open Spaces
It isn’t always easy to find safe places to play. Here are some things you can do to create more spaces where kids can play in your community.
Number 1
Form a Group

Talk about what you would like to do with friends and neighbors. Consider adding or repairing bike lanes, keeping school gyms or green spaces open for everyone after hours or weekends, creating safe and well-lit sidewalks, or improving water stations in schools or parks.
Number 2
Get Help From
Community Leaders
Team up with local community and faith leaders. Local non-profits or youth groups are also good candidates for joining your cause.
Number 3
Take Your Issues
to Decision Makers
Talk to City Parks staff about needed repairs. Encourage your group to talk to local police and traffic safety officials about your concerns. Talk with school staff or your local school district about keeping school yards open longer with Joint Use agreements. Get on the agenda of the City Council or Board of Supervisors meeting to talk about your concerns and explain what you’d like to see done.