Summer Activities for Active, Healthy Kids

We thrive on social, active, sunny, summer energy—especially children. But this year’s summer activities list may look a little different. While many of your plans are probably canceled, there are still a lot of fun and exciting ways to keep your kids healthy and active this summer.

Keep moving with these great summer activities to entertain your kids while practicing social distancing and good hygiene habits.

Take a Hike

Nothing feels better than spending a few hours out in the fresh air. Climbing and trekking outdoors lets kids burn tons of energy. Hikes are a fantastic way to reconnect with nature, appreciate the beautiful planet we live on, and teach your youngsters about protecting our environment. Try plogging the next time you hit up a local trail. If you’re new to the area, or not sure where to lace up your hiking boots, check out apps like All Trails, Carin, or Yonder. Remember to obey trail signs, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated while you embark on a new adventure. And don’t forget your sunglasses.

Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course

Sidewalk chalk art is quintessential to childhood. And people are unleashing their creativity as they spend this summer close to home. Blend artistry and exercise by creating a chalk obstacle course on your driveway or walkway, then test it out. Draw the iconic hopscotch, a spiral for spinning, a ladder to practice bear crawls or sprints on—the possibilities are endless. When kids are encouraged to play, exercising stays fun.

Grow Gardening Muscles

Kids love to get dirty, and your garden is a great place for them to learn and play. Pass on your green thumb or botany knowledge to your kids by talking about where nutritious food comes from, how photosynthesis works, or why bees are so important. Pulling weeds, raking leaves, and shoveling all build muscle strength. Mowing the grass earns a good chunk of change by the end of summertime. And these summer activities could even transform into service project opportunities around your neighborhood.

Sports: Canceled or Not

With many clubs, recs, and team sports canceled this summer, your kiddos are probably missing their favorite hobbies. Don’t let this stop them from practicing and having fun. Turn your yard or local park into an arena, field, or stage. Go back to basics by focusing on practice drills, skills, and technique. Maybe you can visit the grandparents (masks on and at a distance) for a special yard performance. When parents take a real interest in their children’s love of sports—like baseball, dance, gymnastics, tennis—it fosters healthy family connections. Kids love showing off what they’ve learned and, sometimes, Mom or Dad can encourage them in a different way than their coach. You are your children’s biggest cheerleader this summer—on the court, or in the backyard.

Throwback Summer Activities

A quick list of honorable mentions that are too classic not to mention:

• Paddle boarding
• Swimming
• Volleyball
• Ultimate frisbee
• Pickleball
• Hide and seek
• Capture the flag
• Water balloon fights
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Kayaking
• Flashlight tag
• Kite flying
• Eye Spy on walks
• Bike rides
• Roller skating

Reclaim Summer Fun with Healthy Habits

Keeping your kids healthy and active this summer doesn’t only mean running out their energy. It’s also important to focus on their nutritional health—and USANA’s kid-friendly products step up to the plate. Usanimals is a complete multivitamin for kids 2­–12 years old. In fun animal shapes, Usanimals provides an excellent range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy immune function, energy levels, bone support, and brain development.*

Get creative with your summer calendar and embrace fun, healthy activities to keep your kids happy and active.