The key to an active family is finding fun things to do in every season. Aim for a daily activity goal of 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for kids — no matter the weather. If you don’t currently have a workout routine, there is no time like the present to get started.

Winter workouts

Once the weather turns cold, snow and ice can make jogging and cycling difficult — and even unsafe. Don’t use the cold months of winter as an excuse to cut back on your physical activity. Consider these indoor activities:

• Walk inside your local mall.
• Take the stairs whenever possible instead of an elevator or escalator.
• Walk around your building’s hallways during your lunch or coffee break.
• Don’t wait for spring for a thorough house cleaning. Wash the inside of your windows, vacuum or shampoo the carpet, or clean out your closets.
• Watch and follow an exercise video.
• Exercise indoors at a nearby gym.

Spring into action

Spring weather makes it easy to get outdoors, making physical activity more enjoyable. These activities are great this time of year:

• Go for a brisk walk during your lunch hour or after dinner.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible.
• Skip the drive-thru car wash and wash the car yourself.
• Stretch your green thumb by doing some gardening. Consider growing your own fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
• Go for a leisurely bike ride.
• Plan an active family vacation or a weekend outing.

Summer activity is crucial for children

Don’t let your child spend their summer sitting on the couch. Teach them to enjoy the benefits of being physically active. Help your child stay moving in summertime with these ideas:

• Sign your child up for a local sports camp or swimming lessons.
• Make going for a walk, run, or bike ride together a scheduled event.
• Take up a new hobby together, such as inline skating, tennis, or hiking.
• Run through the sprinkler when it’s hot outside.
• When it’s raining, stay inside, turn on some music, and have a dance party.
• Set up neighborhood contests, including jump rope, hula hoop, or hopscotch.
• Organize community kickball, soccer, or softball games or relay races.

Enjoy autumn activities

Get outside and enjoy the fall colors during autumn with these activities:

• Take a brisk run.
• Go for a nature hike.
• Gather the family and go apple-picking.
• Find your way out of a corn maze.
• Enjoy a scenic bike ride to see the leaves changing colors.
• Play a game of football.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics