It’s Time to Play (Part2)
Maybe you're looking outside right now and snow is falling on the ground. Or maybe you're in a place where people are sweating and wearing shorts. You might have a bunch of friends available for playing, or you could be all by yourself.
No matter what the weather is like or how many friends are around, there's always a way to be physically active and have fun. Here's how.
When It's Cold Outside
Brrr! It's a cold day and you're all bundled up, looking for some fun. Warm up fast and get those muscles moving by shoveling the snow off the driveway or the sidewalk. You might even offer to shovel the driveways or sidewalks for people in your neighborhood. Make some giant snow people or other snow creatures. Build an igloo or a fort, and store all your snowballs there.
If you live near an ice-skating rink or pond, strap on some skates and glide across the ice. If skiing is more your thing, put on those skis and go because both downhill and cross-country skiing are great ways to exercise.
Or see the snow rushing past you from a sled, snowboard, or toboggan. It helps to have a grown-up around to keep everyone safe. Be sure to steer clear of obstacles like trees and to stay off roads and streets.
More things to do when it's cold:
• Play tag in the snow.
• Take a nature hike and look for animal footprints.
• Pull a little kid around on a sled.
• Make snow angels.
When It's Hot, Hot, Hot
Yikes - it's hot outside, everyone is sweaty, and your legs are stuck to the seat of the car. What do you do? Swim, of course! Race your friends or show off your underwater skill by doing a handstand. But don't forget the safety rules. Make sure there's an adult around to watch you and no dunking!
On land, you can have a water balloon toss with friends. Catch that balloon, or you'll get soaked!
When you're exercising in the heat, it is very important to remember to drink lots of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Hot temperatures make you sweat more when you're exercising, so you must replace the water you lose to prevent heat exhaustion.
More things to do when it's hot:
• Take a nature walk on a shady trail.
• Wash your dog outside.
• Wash your parents' or neighbors' car.
• Turn on the sprinkler and cool off!
When You're Stuck at Home
Maybe you can't go out because the weather is rainy or too cold. But that doesn't mean you can't get some exercise while you're inside.
Turn on your favorite music and dance. Invite your dog or cat to join in the fun. Or grab a hula hoop and make up some hula-hoop dances. If there is enough room, you can jump rope and count how many times you jump without missing.
There are basketball hoops with over-the-door hooks and basketballs made from soft foam that are meant to be played with indoors. If you have them and there is enough room, set them up and shoot some hoops. Have a tournament with everyone in the house - may the best basketball player win!
More things to do when you're stuck at home:
• Do some tumbling if you have enough room to do it.
• Set up a scavenger hunt.
• Bat a balloon back and forth and try not to let it hit the floor.
And here's one thing not to do: Try not to say, ‘I'm bored. There's nothing to do.’ As you just found out, there's always something to do!
Other links:
Incredible Edible Veggie Bowls
Awesome Applesauce
The Boys and the Frogs
Sleepwalking in Children
Banana Bread
About Fit Kids
Fun and Frolics
