We all know that kids need exercise, but how much exercise should kids be getting and how do we ensure they are getting enough when those too cold (or too hot) to play outside days come around? Dr. Julie Boman, a pediatrician here at Children's, has some tips and ideas to share on making sure kids are getting the full 60 minutes a day of the exercise they need.
It's important to note that while all kids need 60 minutes of exercise, the way that looks for your preschooler and the way that looks for your middle-schooler might be different.
"Younger kids need frequent bursts of activity versus an hour of activity straight, where an older child can get their exercise by being active for an hour," said Dr. Boman.
So what about those days – those miserably, cold days – where it's deemed unsafe for kids to play outside? Or, as we dream of warmer days, those hot, summer days where the heat index is so high, it's dangerously hot for kids to be outside?
Well, according to Dr. Boman, it's time to get creative.
Some of the more obvious options to get your kids active would be indoor parks, community centers, YMCAs, parks and recreation centers. Most of which will offer special extended hours on the days that outside play might be limited.
"Younger kids just need a space to run," Dr. Boman mentioned, noting that this is when an unfinished basement can come in handy.
You don't have to get too crazy to get kids active though – games like hide and seek, building forts and even cleaning the house can get kids active and exercising.
