ExerciseExplorer

Categories / Family & kids

Family & kids

Active play, bike rides, clubs and games for children and families. Children need about an hour of activity a day, so make it fun.

Family and kids exercise is about active play, games and time outdoors together. Our 7 exercises include family bike rides, active play, youth sports clubs, kids gymnastics, the Daily Mile and Scouts and Guides. Children need about an hour of activity a day, and play counts.

Making movement fun builds habits that can last a lifetime. Each guide explains how to start, how to keep it fun for all ages and the safety points to know. Compare the options to find activities your family will enjoy.

Which family activity option suits you?

Answer what you can. We pick the best match from the 7 below. Your answers are saved on this device only, so the rest of the site can use them.

Where can you play? (tick all that apply)
Anything we should allow for? (optional)

7 regimes

Family & kids

Active Play (Kids)

Unstructured running, climbing and games.

60 min × 7/wkEffort ●●○○○Free
Family & kids

Family Bike Rides

Weekend rides for all ages.

90 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost
Family & kids

Youth Sports Clubs

Club-based football, hockey, swimming and more.

60 min × 2/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Family & kids

Kids Gymnastics

Tumbling, balance and strength classes.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●●○○Low cost
Family & kids

The Daily Mile

15-minute walk or run at school.

15 min × 5/wkEffort ●●○○○Free
Family & kids

Trampoline Parks

Indoor park with trampolines and obstacles.

60 min × 1/wkEffort ●●●○○Moderate cost
Family & kids

Scouts and Guides

Outdoor youth programmes with hikes and camps.

90 min × 1/wkEffort ●●○○○Low cost

Family & kids: pros and cons

What to like and what to watch for, so you can decide whether this type of exercise is right for you.

Best for: Parents and carers who want active time with children, and children who need to move more.

Pros

  • Fun, and it builds active habits that can last a lifetime
  • Good for family time as well as fitness
  • Often cheap or free, with parks and play at the centre
  • Children need about an hour of activity a day, and play counts

Cons

  • Needs adult time and organisation
  • Mixed ages make it hard to pitch the effort for everyone
  • Adults may not get much of a workout themselves
Compare with the other 18 categories →