Many parents are concerned about the obesity epidemic and want to know how they can help get their children more physically active.  Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or running laps. Your child can work in daily physical activity while at soccer practice, dancing, riding bikes, walking to school, or by playing with friends.  All kids 2 years and older should be physically active for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week. Toddlers and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time — no more than 1 hour unless they're sleeping.

Ways to get moving as a family: 

• Be active together. Use physical activity as family bonding time.

• Talk with your kids while walking the dog or shooting hoops.

• Insert physical activity into the things you already do. Park further away from store entrances. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Set up a safe area in your home where active play is okay. Nasty weather is no excuse to sit on the couch all day!

• Set your weekend in motion by planning active family fun. Try a hike, a walk through the zoo, a dip in the local pool, or a frisbee toss in the park.

• Choose activities at different levels of intensity, like slow walking and skating.

Other websites/resources provide families with ideas and activities they can do together to get fit and have fun as well!  

• Let's Move: Make Physical Activity a Part of Your Family's Routine

• Fun Activities for Children of all Ages

• The Role of Families in Youth Physical Activity

• Move Your Way

• Movement Activities for Pre-K Learners

• Movement Videos and Games for Early Learners

• OPEN Phys Ed - Active Home Resources

Check out recreation opportunities available through the City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department as well.