12 fun activities to get your family moving

Games to get kids moving
These fun and funky games are designed to get kids moving in a variety of ways. Keep in mind that any game that encourages motion, even one in which the motion is limited, is better for maintaining health and fitness than a more sedentary pursuit.

For most of these outdoor activities, you'll need a large, dry outdoor space that's free of obstacles. A typical backyard will do just fine. And, if memory serves me, many can also be done in an indoor rec room. Allow kids to modify these games to suit their preferences. This will help them maintain interest in the activity for a longer period of time. Just keep an eye out to make sure the play does not become too rough or involve any dangerous innovations.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf?
Suitable for: Ages three and up
You'll need: Just the kids
Method:
1. Choose one child to be the wolf and the other children to be the "piggies."
2. The wolf goes to one side of the yard with his back to the piggies. The piggies stay on the other side.
3. The pigs shout out, "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?"
4. The wolf answers with a time of day; for example, "12 o'clock." The piggies, counting each step out loud, take 12 steps toward Mr. Wolf. If he answers "one o'clock," they take one step toward Mr. Wolf, etc.
5. The game continues with the piggies asking the time and the wolf responding. The pigs get nearer and nearer to the wolf.
6. At last, when the pigs shout, "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" the wolf responds, "Lunchtime!" He turns and chases the pigs back to the start line.
7. The first pig the wolf touches becomes the next Mr. Wolf.

Roll the Easter Egg Race
Suitable for: Ages three and up
You'll need: Something -- a chair or a rock -- to mark off start and finish lines
Method:
1. In this Easter egg race, the kids are the eggs, and you're the bunny.
2. Mark off a start line and a finish line. The distance will depend on the size of your yard and the ages of your eggs. For younger kids, make a race course about four metres long, but make it longer or curvier for older contestants.
3. Have kids lie down on the start line and crunch themselves into an egg shape by holding their knees to their chests with their arms and tucking in their heads.
4. On your marks, get set, roll! Kids must roll themselves to the finish line without "cracking" (bumping into) another egg.
5. The bunny -- you or an older child who wants to act as the safety monitor -- stays on foot to help younger children roll in a straight line.

Elbow-Toe Race
Suitable for: Ages six and up
You'll need: Something to mark start and finish lines (Note: If you're leery of grass stains, have kids roll up their sleeves and pant legs or, weather permitting, have them wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts.)
Method:
1. Mark off a start line and a finish line. The distance will depend on the size of your yard and the ages of the racers. For younger children, make the race course about four metres long, but make it longer for older contestants.
2. Have kids lie down on their stomachs at the start line.
3. Instruct children to prop themselves up on their toes and elbows.
4. On your marks, get set, go! Kids slither across the course in a slinky race to the finish line. If any part of their bodies other than elbows or toes touches the ground, they're out.
5. Encourage younger children or kids with less physical strength or coordination to participate by modifying the game to allow hands or knees to touch the ground. Remind kids that their skill and strength will increase with practice.