Make Up a Story and Act it Out

Imagination is an important part of childhood development. As children imagine new possibilities, they learn to think outside the box and solve problems in unique ways. This kind of thinking is critical to their cognitive development. While some adults struggle with creative thinking, children usually don’t! Children often have wild and active imaginations, so why … Read More


Child Development

Recent research shows that our brains don’t finish developing until around age 25.¹ Children’s emotional, physical, mental, and social skills develop tremendously as they get older. Many developmental skills can be improved through physical activity. Find your child’s age below and try the corresponding activities with your child. These activities can help your child grow … Read More


Where Can You and Your Family be Active?

With the New Year upon us, it’s a great time to start thinking about making physical activity a regular part of your family’s life. It can get boring exercising at the same places day after day. Children especially need variety in their play to hold their interest. If you dig deep enough, you may be … Read More


Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is a fun game for all ages. Toddlers can learn object permanence (the concept that objects are still there even if we can’t observe them with our senses), while teens may enjoy Hide and Seek for the challenge of finding the best place to hide. As with any physical activity, safety is … Read More


Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs is an exciting game you can play inside, and running to get to a chair counts towards your children’s 60 minutes of physical activity! You can play with as many people as you’d like, but you’ll need at least 4 people–1 person to control the music and 3 players. Set out chairs in a circle, … Read More


Movin’ and Groovin’

Children of all ages should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity. This can come in many forms, from swimming to a game of “Duck, Duck, Goose.” It may seem like toddlers and younger children don’t need as much exercise, but toddlers should get 30 minutes of structured and 60 minutes of unstructured activity daily. … Read More


Simon Says

Simon Says is a great game for kids of all ages because you can include easier or more difficult movements as appropriate. Also, there’s no minimum or maximum number of participants, so no matter how big your family is, everyone can play! You can even play inside or outside–whichever your children prefer. Choose one person … Read More


Roller Skating

Roller skating and roller blading (also called inline skating) are fun activities for children to learn when they’re old enough. Roller skates have 4 wheels arranged in two side-by-side pairs, while roller blades/inline skates have 4 wheels in a row. Roller skates are usually used on an indoor rink and roller blades outside, though you … Read More


Child’s Play

Spending time with your children is a great way to show them you love them and care about their interests. Sometimes, children may have a hard time expressing themselves through conversations and answering questions like “how was your day?” Participating in your children’s activities and hobbies with your children can help you connect with and relate … Read More


Bowling

Did you know that National Bowling Day is every year on the second Saturday in August? This year, National Bowling Day falls on August 12, which is tomorrow! Bowling is a unique sport that you can comfortably play on hot summer days or chilly winter days since you play inside at a bowling alley. It … Read More


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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

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