How to get fit as a family

Step 1: Take a hike!

If your family loves to hike, Trails.com is a great resource to finding the best trails in your area. Hiking is a great activity for families with a wide range of ages because it is something that everyone can easily do and enjoy. Babies can be packed into a sling or backpack style carrier where they will love to ride along while snuggling with Mommy or Daddy. Toddlers will get a kick out of looking at every leaf, rock and branch on the path. Older children will enjoy seeing all the different sights and playing fun trail games like I Spy, Guess the Animal or even just singing songs. Be sure to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks, or better yet, take a break mid-hike and enjoy the scenery while eating a tasty picnic lunch.

Step 2: Get on a bike

Biking is another fabulous family-friendly activity that lends itself well to families with children of all ages. If you have babies or toddlers, you might want to invest in a bike trailer where your little ones can ride securely behind your bicycle. This way, your older children won't get too far ahead while you push your toddler on his Big Wheel. When using a bike trailer, make sure you drive to a safe biking location like a local park, forest preserve or bike trail before you load your kids up in the trailer. And don't forget to get helmets for everyone in the family!

Step 3: Go ice skating

Weather too cold to get out and play at the park? Kids climbing the walls? How about taking the family to a fun, indoor ice skating rink where everyone can burn off some of that cabin fever (and not to mention calories!) and have a great time? Most skating rinks have ice skates small enough for even agile two-year-olds to wear. If you have a baby in the family, this might be an activity to skip for now, unless one parent is content with sitting on the sidelines.

Step 4: Put on your roller skates

Even very young children can put on a pair of roller skates and wobble around the rink with the help of a watchful grown-up nearby. Some roller rinks even have family skate sessions where strollers are allowed on the rink. Just imagine the squeals of delight as your baby whizzes around the rink. Older children might be brave enough to try rollerblades and before you know it they will probably be dancing circles around you. This is another great activity that you can also do outdoors on a smooth rollerblade-friendly path. Make sure to get knee pads, elbow pads and helmets for everyone, just in case someone takes a tumble.

Step 5: Set up camp

Pack up your things and head out to your favorite campground for a weekend of fun and adventure. Most campgrounds have a huge variety of activities available to campers such as hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing, just to name a few. Visit US National Forest Campground and get all the information you need to plan your next camping trip. Your kids will love being out in the wilderness and your whole family will enjoy getting fit while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

More healthy family tips

15 Ways to raise a healthy child
10 Tricks to get kids to eat more fruits and veggies
10 Ways to keep your family energized all day
5 Exercises kids love

For more ways to get your family moving, check this out:
10 Ways to encourage an active family lifestyle