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Family Activities

Families that do things together get healthy. Try these family activities to get your family eating healthy, moving more and feeling good!

EAT HEALTHY!

Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt

Sit down as a family and make a list of the meals you want to eat in the next week, and then list the items you will need for those meals. Make you sure you include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Then divide the list among family members. Once you get to the grocery store, see how long it takes your family to find all the items on your list.

For younger children, look at your store’s circular for that week. Circle the pictures of the foods your family needs. Ask your child to hold on to the circular and mark off the foods once you place them in your basket.

Once all the items are found, celebrate with a trip to the park or play your child’s favorite game after the groceries are put away.

Family Field Trip

Take your family on a family field trip to a local farmer’s market or your local grocery store’s produce section. Count how many colors you see in the fruit and vegetable section. Taste a new fruit or vegetable.

Check out this website to find a farmer’s market near you - http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/

MOVE MORE!

Build Your Own Obstacle Course

Ask each family member to set up one to two obstacles in your home using common household items. Here are a few ideas:
o    Set up soup cans or other canned foods in a zig zag. Family members will have to run around each can.
o    Place a couch cushion on the floor. Ask family members to jump over or roll over the cushion.
o    Place a couch cushion on the floor to use as a step. Ask family members to step up and down on the cushion 5 times.
o    Ask family members to crawl under a table.

Be creative with your obstacles. Once everyone has set up their obstacles and explained to other family members what they are to do, turn on music and have each family member run through the obstacle course at least twice. Time each person and see if you can get faster the more times you run through your obstacle course.

Dance Party

Turn on some music. Ask each family member to teach everyone else one of their favorite dance moves. Then combine all of these dance moves into one dance routine. If you do not have a favorite dance move, make one up. Have fun!

FEEL GOOD!

Family Meal

Sit down and have a meal together. Start the meal by going around the table and ask each person what they are thankful for and/or one positive thing that happened that day. Thinking about the positive things can help us feel better.

Practice Positive Thinking

Ask each family member to take a minute at the start of their day and visualize something positive they want to happen today. Thinking positively is a great way to feel good!

Family Activities

Articles and Tips for Good Health

External Resources