Ideas for activities
Looking to try something new or mix it up a bit? Here are a few fun ideas.
Dayton Boat Club Intro to Rowing Camps focus on the basics of the sport for boys and girls — primarily those entering grades 8-10. Participants are taught the basics of boat safety and handling, coxswain commands and rowing. Information: www.daytonboatclub.org/.
Conservation Kids Five Rivers MetroParks program provides children and families inspiration and knowledge to get outside, play in and explore nature, and ultimately become stewards of the environment and advocates for conservation. Information: www.metroparks.org/.
Kids Bowl Free program provides two free games of bowling every day for all registered participants, ages 15 and younger, over the summer. Shoe rental is not included. Information: www.kidsbowlfree.com/.
Kids Skate Free program offers free skating passes for participants 12 and younger during eligible program hours. Skate rental is not included. Information: www.kidsskatefree.com/.
It won’t be long before the school bell rings for the last time and the kids are home for summer vacation.
Then what?
From structured weeklong camps to lazy afternoons at the pool, the options are plentiful, and whether it’s a fitness class, sports clinic, afternoon at the playground or a nightly family walk, experts agree that keeping children active is essential.
Dayton Children’s Hospital physical therapist Dana Gifford says the many benefits of activity include improved endurance, decreased risk for obesity, improved cardiovascular function and improved flexibility and strength.
“The best way to get your kids interested is to join in,” Gifford said. “Playing with your kids outside sets a great example and will provide you with the same benefits.”
Being active doesn’t mean kids need to be running sport-specific drills from dawn till dusk. In fact, many experts suggest just the opposite. Gifford and Dayton Children’s Hospital sports medicine manager Ashley Stanko weigh in on summer options that are about more than fitness, they’re fun.
Try something new
“If you want to test the waters with a new sport, or try an alternative sport, this is a perfect time to do that,” Stanko said.
Trying an individual activity such as martial arts, dance or yoga is an option. And cycling, swimming or hiking can be fun for the entire family.
With the growth of club and travel teams, sports are now rarely confined to a single high school season. With young athletes spending an increasing number of hours on the court or on the field, repetitive-use injuries can be a concern. Summer can be an ideal time to take a break from a primary sport and try something new.
“For kids who play soccer year-round, summer is a great time to try baseball or softball, or something individual like tennis, that focuses on the upper extremities,” Stanko said.
Rowing is also a good alternative, especially for those who are looking for a low-impact option.
“It’s a low impact, high intensity, fun alternative,” Stanko said.
Summer can also be an ideal time for individual athletes to try a team sport or team players to experiment with a more individual sport.
“What works for one kid, might not work for another, even in the same family,” Stanko said. “It’s a matter of finding the right balance.”
Time to play
Organized sports, clinics and classes however are not the only option.
Sidewalk chalk hopscotch, a backyard obstacle course, flying kites, playing catch, a water balloon toss, Frisbee, tag and, even, hide-and-seek are fun ways to get and stay active.
“Free play is a great way to ‘work’ on motor planning, coordination, and balance without the competition and time commitment many organized sports require,” Gifford said. “Just about anything you find at a playground, in your backyard, or in your driveway can be turned into a chance to enjoy time with your kids while strengthening muscles and improving gross motor skills.”
Both Gifford and Stanko also recognize the benefits of swimming, for kids and parents alike. And if you want to throw in some friendly competition, maybe a round of FootGolf or a friendly tennis match at the neighborhood courts will do the trick.
“As parents, get involved yourself and practice what you preach,” Stanko said. “If you want to get them outside to play, go out with them.”
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