|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Healthy Games for Children

Children should be doing at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kids can get much of this exercise just by playing healthy games. Kids should be doing aerobic exercise three to four times a week, so games that involve running and jumping will do the trick.

  1. Team Games

    • Team games and sports are really healthy for children. Games such as soccer, basketball or football involve plenty of running, which is aerobic exercise. Running also helps to strengthen children's bones, and the CDC recommends children should do bone strengthening exercise at least three times a week to stay healthy. In addition, team games promote a healthy attitude and help children learn to work with others.

    Indoor Games

    • Playing healthy games indoors is a way for your child to keep healthy when the weather is bad outside. Jumping rope is a game children can play inside, either individually or in groups with a longer rope. Ball games are also good to play inside, as long as you move any fragile objects out of the way. You could play catch with your children or get them to bounce a ball against the wall and catch it when it returns.

    Playground Games

    • Games that kids play on the playground can often be healthy, and it is likely that your child already plays these games. Games such as chase, kickball or hopscotch are active and healthy. Younger children might enjoy make believe games that involve running and chasing, such as "cowboys and Indians" or "cops and robbers."

    Skating and Skateboarding

    • Skateboarding and inline or roller skating are fun and healthy activities for children. Children who skate can get involved in games such as roller hockey. Skateboarders can play in teams or individually, performing tricks on ramps and half-pipes. Both are aerobic activities. Children who aren't interested in traditional team games and sports often find skating an enjoyable alternative, and will help to keep such children healthy and active. Remind them, though, to wear helmets and other protective gear.

Childrens Health - Related Articles