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eNEWSLETTERS

Spring Activities for the Whole Family

Family Well Spring has finally arrived! Now there is no excuse…get the family away from the TV and computer and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Spring is such a great time to get outside, get active, and get in shape! Health is such an important part of daily living and that is why now is a good time to get the family interested in health and fitness.

Family Medical Walk-In Clinics wanted to provide you with a few different outdoor family activities that you can experiment with this spring season.

10 Playful, Physical Activities for the Whole Family

Provided by: About.com

Take a walk
- This is great for family bonding. Try playing a game with the kids as you walk to keep them interested and active.
Go rollerblading
- Adding wheels to an outdoor activity is almost always appealing to kids. Make sure you teach them why it is important to wear knee pads, arm pads, and a helmet when rollerblading. You can even jog next to squeeze in a workout for yourself!
Ride a bike
- Teaching your little ones how to ride a bike or even riding next to them is a great way to interact with your kids. Find a bike trail in your area!
  i. Local trails:
  http://www.trails.com/city-trails.aspx?keyword=Springfield&state=MO
Play catch
- There are so many options; baseball, football, volleyball, Frisbees, etc.
Shoot some hoops
- A simple game of horse is a great way to get the kids interested and excited. They will be working out and not even know it!
Fly a kite
- Who knew running with the wind could burn calories? To get the kids interested, help them build their own kite before taking it to the wind!
  i. Simple steps in building your own kite:
  http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/make.html
Plant a garden
- This is not only fun but also educational. Get the kids a little garden kit of their own, so they can feel involved. Educate them on the fruits and vegetables you are planting and why they are healthy for you to eat.
Play soccer
- This can be a competitive sport, but you can turn it into a non-competitive family fun weekly activity. Maybe pick a certain day during the week to have a family soccer match.
Play some putt-putt
- Golf is a perfect outdoor activity; start your kids out at a local putt-putt course to give them an idea of the game and then you can move them up to the driving range and someday on to 9 holes.
  i. Local putt-putt facilities:
  http://www.golflink.com/miniature-golf/city.aspx?dest=Springfield+MO
Go to the park
- From the swing set to the open field, there are so many fun outdoor activities to keep you kids interested at the park. Maybe bring a list of activities for them, so you can stay involved but will also keep them moving!

Hopefully your family will find some of these spring activities intriguing!

Sources:
http://familyfitness.about.com/od/waystoplay/tp/outdoor_activities_kids.htm

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