September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

As a foundation that promotes healthy active lifestyles for kids, this month is especially important and meaningful to us. We want to issue a challenge to all adults and children to get off the couch, out of the house and get active! Here are some fun, indoor and outdoor games and activities for parents to do with their children.

1. Family Olympics

With the 2012 Summer Olympics fresh in their minds, encourage your mini-Olympians to “go for the gold” in your own family Olympics. Select sports the whole family can participate in like ring toss, running relay races, hula hoop, the basketball game H-O-R-S-E, swimming races at the local pool, even a dance contest. Host your own opening ceremonies and make medals out of spray painted restaurant drink coasters with ribbon.

2. Go on a Bike Ride

Most kids today don’t get to ride their bike for miles without parent supervision like children of previous generations. So instead of confining your kids to the cul-de-sac, put on your helmet and get out there with them. Ride to the local frozen yogurt shop, or movie theater for an Eco-friendly, health conscious outing.

3. Take a Nature Walk

Kids love to explore. Encourage their inner zoologist and take a walk around your neighborhood, documenting all the wildlife you see. Split into teams and see who can spot the most interesting animals. Make a few laps to burn extra calories and make sure you don’t miss any of the elusive wildlife.

4. Indoor Obstacle Course

Perfect for those rainy days, when kids can’t go outside but you don’t want them to just watch TV all day. Clear out the family room and gather obstacle course materials: chairs to crawl under, wooden spoons to jump over, and pillows to crash land on. Set up your obstacle course and challenge the kids to complete the obstacles a certain way. Instead of just walking to the next object, maybe they have to walk like a crab with their bellies to the ceiling and their hands and feet on the floor supporting them. Time the competitors and have them complete the course several times to beat their previous time. For rambunctious kids, helmets and other protective gear may be required.

5. Play Putt-Putt

Another part of our mission is to inspire junior golfers to reach their dreams. Why not see if your little one has the potential or desire to be the next Annika, or at least let them have fun trying it out. Putt-Putt golf courses are always nearby and never a large expense. Spend some time teaching your child the concentration it takes to line up and sink a putt, all the while spending time outdoors and walking the course.

These are just a few of the hundreds of ways parents can get active with their children. Take this month to focus on ways to improve your child’s lifestyle, and teach them ways to stay active, healthy, and happy.