We are all spending more time online than ever before. While this allows us to stay connected with friends around the world, it can sometimes limit how we connect with the people sitting across the dinner table. If you want to keep your family active while creating lasting memories, swapping screen time for playtime is an easy trade-off — and those simple swaps start as small as 15 minutes a day.
Starting Active Traditions: After-Dinner Walks
One of the biggest hurdles in developing more active habits is making movement a routine. By starting a “tradition” of daily activity, becoming a more active family will feel more natural.
After clearing the dinner table, step outside for a short 15 minute family walk. Walking after a meal has been shown to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and lead to an improved mood. By creating a routine of leaving the house around the same time each day, you’re building a healthy habit that benefits your body and brings your family closer.
Whether you choose a new path every day, listen to music, or play games along the way, there are countless ways to make these walks fun for everyone.
Hobbies That Get the Whole Family Moving
Making physical activity feel less like a chore can be challenging, but it’s possible. It starts with finding an active hobby that fits your family, so every member feels included.
If your family enjoys competitive and athletic atmospheres, pickleball is a great option for all ages. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country, and its low impact, high energy gameplay makes it perfect for your family’s next hobby. With new indoor and outdoor courts popping up regularly, pickleball could become your family’s new obsession.
If your family is less competitive, geocaching might be a better fit. Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt using an app to locate hidden “geocaches.” These containers may hold small trinkets or a logbook signed by previous visitors. Most caches are hidden in nature, making the hunt an adventure that gets you outside and moving.
Going the Same Place, but Getting There Differently
One of the simplest ways to move more as a family is to make small changes to the most normal things. Heading out to a new local dinner spot? Consider making it a family bike ride. Cooking at home but want a change of scenery? Pack your meal and head to a park for a spontaneous picnic. Shopping online for back-to-school clothes? Take the family to the mall instead — you might be surprised by how much walking you do in just an hour at your shopping center.
There are endless simple swaps you can make daily that won’t reduce your productivity. These small changes help your family connect intentionally and create memories filled with new sights and plenty of laughter.
Being active as a family is only as challenging as you make it. What’s your favorite active hobby that gets the whole family moving?
