With the summer holidays upon us, are you worried about your kids becoming couch potatoes? If so, don't panic, we've got some great ideas to keep them fit and active!
Wet and wild
You don’t need to live near the coast for your kids to dip their toe into some watersports activities this summer. There are plenty of kids’ courses and activity days at watersports centres as well as beaches around the UK which could lead to a new hobby for life.
Nottingham – The National Watersports Centre has waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, sailing and more for kids aged 8 and up; www.nwscnotts.com
Anglesey, north Wales – Plas Menai has beginners courses in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, yachting or powerboating for kids aged 8-16; www.plasmenai.co.uk
East Sussex – 2XS runs windsurfing and kitesurfing courses for 5-15-year-olds at West Wittering beach, www.2xs.co.uk
Scotland – National Centre Cumbrae has junior sailing courses for 9-14-year-olds and windsurfing days for kids aged 12+; www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk
Cornwall – Activ-8 Cornwall has surf lessons at Harlyn Bay, Poldhu and Portreath for ages 8 and up; www.activecornwall.co.uk
Mind gym
Take care of your child’s mental fitness by enrolling them in some of the Wild Child events being run by The National Trust all over the country. Activities include wildlife trails, mini beast safaris and wild craft activities to keep your child busy and their brains engaged. www.wild-child.org.uk
Two wheels good
Cycling is an activity all the family can enjoy – and it’s free! Why not go on one of the free family-friendly Fresh Air Miles bike rides organised by Sustrans. The following rides are scheduled over the summer holiday period.
25 July 2010: Newark – High Marnam Circular, Nottinghamshire
31 July 2010: Worcester to Droitwich Circular, Worcestershire
1 August 2010: NCN Anniversary Ride on route 45 and 46, Droitwich
29 August 2010: Collingham – excursion into the north, Nottinghamshire
4 September 2010: "Dust off your bike" ride, Leicestershire
5 September 2010: Cycle-friendly routes around Plymouth
Just bounce!
Trampolining is not only fun but it’s a great way for kids to get fit and burn off any puppy fat. It also helps develop balance and coordination. Find a local club at www.trampolining-online.co.uk
Walking
Walking is free and helps develop kids’ bones. Make it fun by getting them to see how many objects they can spot – for instance red buses or dogs – on the journey. You can also give them a list of natural items to find during the walk – for instance a type of leaf or pine cone. Alternatively, go on an organised walk. Don’t know where to walk? The Ramblers website has a facility where you can search for family-friendly walks around the country.