Family Activities to Keep You Fit

family fitness

As fall starts to set in and the days become much cooler – and shorter – we find ourselves as parents scaling back our activities during the week to cope with a busier schedule and a sleepier body.  So why not take advantage of those lovely autumn weekends and get out in the sunshine with the whole family.  You can make up for lost time in the gym over the course of the week and enjoy some great bonding time.  After all, the family that plays together…. you get the drift.  Here are just a handful of the ways you can mix fun and fitness.

1. Gardens & Gorges

OK, not exactly a gorge but a valley.  Load yourselves into the car and park (for free!) at Edwards Gardens where you can see the last of the year’s gorgeous flowers and head downhill, straight into the Don Valley trail system.  You can walk as far as the lake or turn back around whenever your littlest hiker starts to tire.  Why not be adventurous and hike uphill on one of the trails less taken?

Edwards Gardens

2. Backyard Soccer

There are few games as uncomplicated and requiring as little equipment as soccer.  Team up and designate nets on either side of the yard (or a quiet neighbourhood park).  A little fuzzy on the rules?  Check out this great Soccer for Parents free rulebook. Be sure to include a family warm-up; try jumping jacks and pushups or a quick game of tag!

3. Family TV Night

The next time you settle in for your Friday night TV and popcorn bonanza, add a little challenge to the mix and burn some calories while you’re at it!  Each commercial break, assign one family member to choose an exercise or activity (squats, pushups, jumping jacks, or a silly dance) and challenge everyone to do that movement continuously until the commercial break ends.

4. Run Away with Me

Charity runs are a great way to instill two crucial values in your children: the desire to care for their bodies and the desire to serve their communities.  Sign up for a family fun run such as the Toronto Zoo Run 5K or 1K Cub Run and share in the spirit of healthy competition.

5. Nature’s Jungle Gym

It’s worth the drive to the Scarborough Bluffs.  At the east end of Toronto’s magnificent Waterfront Trail, Bluffer’s Park is the perfect spot for a weekend picnic and hike, not to mention a great way to reinforce those gradeschool geography lessons.  Hike just a bit up the cliffs and enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake not seen in many other parts of the city.

Bluffers Park