Is there a better time of year to get moving than spring? The weather is warm but not yet scorching, the evenings are longer, and the whole family feels that happy pull towards the great outdoors. After the cosy months indoors, spring is nature's nudge to shake off the cobwebs, stretch our legs and have a bit of active fun together.
Getting active as a family doesn't mean signing up for anything serious or spending a fortune. It's about movement, laughter and time spent together — and here's how to make it happen.
Children don't need a gym; they need a reason to run, jump and play. The secret is to make activity feel like a game rather than exercise. A game of tag in the park, an obstacle course made from cushions and hoops, a round of hopscotch on the footpath, or a simple "how many star jumps can you do?" challenge will have everyone moving without even realising it.
Join in yourself, too. When the grown-ups are part of the fun, the children stay keen for longer — and you'll feel all the better for it.
Spring is prime time to dust off the bikes and scooters. A gentle ride along a local shared path or around the park is a wonderful family outing that suits all ages — from little ones on balance bikes to confident older riders.
Pack a helmet for everyone, choose a flat, traffic-free route to start, and bring plenty of water. Make it an adventure by riding to a destination: a playground, a café for a babycino, or a scenic lookout to enjoy the view before you head home.
Spring is when many community sports and "come and try" sessions start up, making it the perfect moment to test something new. These are often listed in the What's On events section at letsgokids.com.au, so it's worth a quick browse to see what's happening in your area. Whether it's kicking a footy, having a hit of cricket in the backyard, or trying a family-friendly session of tennis or Auskick, giving a new sport a go together builds confidence and coordination — and often a few happy memories of the grown-ups being hopelessly out of practice.
Let the children lead on what they'd like to try. The aim is fun first; skills follow naturally.
For a guaranteed afternoon of fun, set up your own mini "Olympics" in the backyard or at the local park. Create a handful of simple events — a sack race, a long jump into a sandpit, a bean-bag toss, a three-legged race — and hand out home-made medals at the end.
It's low-cost, endlessly adaptable, and brilliant for mixed ages. Invite a few neighbouring families along and you've got a ready-made community get-together.
The best way to keep active as a family is to weave little bits of movement into ordinary days. Walk to school when you can, take the stairs, have a kick-about after dinner now the light lasts longer, or make a weekend bushwalk part of your routine. Small, regular doses of activity add up — and they're far easier to sustain than any grand plan.
So grab a ball, pump up the bike tyres, and head outdoors together. Your bodies, your minds and your family memories will all be better for it.
