Snow Day Safety

Snow days are the eagerly anticipated breaks from school children get in the winter to sled, build snowmen, and drink hot chocolate. Despite the chilly weather, children can work up a sweat as they play in the snow, making it a great opportunity for fun physical activity. While many children love snow days, it’s important … 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


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


Have a Family Parade

You don’t have to ride a float to have your own parade–it doesn’t even have to be a special occasion! Having your own parade can add fun and a physical boost to your walk. And if it’s raining outside, you can even have your parade inside–just make sure the floor is free of objects and … Read More


Take a Walk with Parents and Grandparents

Spending time with your children and having your children be with their grandparents is special and valuable. While physical distance may make it difficult for your children to spend time with their grandparents, it’s great to take every chance for them to be together. Your children can learn a lot from their grandparents, and your … Read More


Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light is a great way to get young children running! Simply jogging on a track can be boring for children, but Red Light, Green Light turns running into a fun game. It can also help children understand the meaning of the different colors on traffic lights. You’ll need at least 3 players, … Read More


Red Rover

Red Rover is a fun outdoors game for larger groups of children (at least 6). Children should divide into two equal teams (for example, with a group of 6, each team should have 3 players each) and stand about 30 feet apart. Since a lot of space is needed, children should play Red Rover outside. … Read More


Family Bike Riding

Riding bikes is fun exercise, especially as a family. No matter what age, children can enjoy riding a bike. Toddlers and preschoolers can ride tricycles, and children who haven’t learned how to ride a two-wheel bike can ride a bike with training wheels. You can also ride bikes in all kinds of settings–the driveway, bike … Read More


Jump Rope

Jumping rope is a great way to exercise and make your heart work hard. People in countries all over the world jump rope as a way to stay fit and healthy. There’s even an event at the Olympics for jump rope! It’s also a great activity for both children and adults, making it a fun … 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


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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)