by Jo Linsdell

Created on: February 25, 2010   Last Updated: February 26, 2010

Not all children enjoy team sports. Some parents have their own reasons for their child not being able to take part in team sports. For example, they might not have the time or money available to let their children participate in team activities. That doesn't mean that the children can't keep fit though.

The easiest way to keep kids fit is to make sure they spend time outdoors everyday. The fresh air will do them good, as will spending time in the company of others. Here's a few ideas for how to spend outdoors time that will keep your kids in good shape:

- WALK THE DOG Man's best friend is a great excuse to get out of the house and stretch their legs. They will have fun running around with their furry playmate, throwing sticks or a ball. Great for both child and dog.

- A TRIP TO THE PARK. Lots of parks have play areas set up for children. Some even have more than one to appeal to different age groups. Kids will have great fun on the climbing frames, slides and swings. All that stretching, pulling, climbing etc will give them a great work out.

Should your park not be equipped with such an area, don't worry; there are lots of ways to get them moving.

Frisbee or catch- will get them running, stretching and help their co-ordination.

Hide and seek- Walking whilst searching or a variety of positions as the hide.

Games with bubbles- Blow the bubbles and give them a point for each one they manage to pop (great for younger kids). Get the kids to make their own bubble wands in different shapes to add to the fun as they run blowing them around the park.

Make a nature book- Get your child to find interesting leaves and stones from around the park to use to make a nature book when they get home. This will have them searching high and low all over the park to find the best bits to include.

Boating- Larger parks sometimes have a boating service where you can rent a row boat to use on the lake. Older children will love this.

- MINIATURE GOLF- Gently work on their muscles and get them walking with a game of miniature golf.

- GARDENING- Encourage your kids to have green fingers by giving them some space in the garden or a pot on the balcony. Sweeping leaves, planting seeds, watering etc... will give them a good workout.

- BIKE RIDE- great for working out their leg muscles and also for cardio.

- ROLLERSKATES/ SKATE BOARDS- Get them to work out whilst learning balancing skills.

- OBSTACLE COURSE- Set them a course with highs and lows and time them using your watch. Each time see if they can beat their last time to complete it.

There are of course also many sports that can be done individually. The type will depend on the age of the child.

- Canoe

- Tennis

- Ping Pong

- Gymnastics

- Swimming

- Dance

- Running

- Hurdles

- Boxing

- Yoga

- Pilates

- Ice skating

- Skiing

Use your imagination. The important thing is to get them moving. Just make sure that the activity is suited to the age of the child.

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