Keeping Kids Active Can be a Challenge

If you’re like me, you’re wondering how to keep your kids busy and active this summer. If my kids had their way, they would probably want to spend a good part of the summer watching television and playing "Super Mario." 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that obesity has become an epidemic and even the White House thinks we should get our kids active. In February, first lady Michelle Obama launched the “Let’s Move”  initiative to fight childhood obesity, encourage physical activity and teach children how to make healthier choices.

The CDC says kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Here are some of the ideas they have for how to keep kids active:

• Leading an active lifestyle yourself sets a positive example for your kids.
• Take family walks and bike rides and take children to playgrounds and other places where they can be active.
• Encourage children to try new activities.
• Activities can be organized team sports or recreational activities such as swimming, running, skating, biking and free-play.
• Always have children wear helmets, wrist pads or knee pads when needed.

Here are some of my ideas for things to do around Brecksville:

• Take your kids on a river walk in the . Bring a net, a bucket and pack a lunch, just make sure there’s an adult present.
• Participate in the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s program.
• Visit the Brecksville playground behind the .
• Take them swimming or sign your kids up for swim lessons at the Community Center.
• Martial Arts lessons are offered at the Community Center and . 
• The City of Brecksville Recreation Department offers golf, tennis, baseball, softball, tee-ball and more.
• The Cleveland Metroparks has dozens of family-friendly activities every week including canoeing, river walks, nature camps, kite-flying and much more. Some of these events are held at the .
• The 

As my kids get bigger, we can do more things together and I look forward to having fun with them this summer. But I can use all the ideas I can get to help keep us active and I’d love to hear yours. Feel free to share your ideas for summer activities in the comments.