According to Healthy Kids, only about a quarter of kids between the ages of 5 and 15 get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.¹ This fact is concerning, as establishing healthy and active habits at a young age is important for helping children develop the skills they need to maintain good habits throughout their lives. If you're a parent, you can encourage your children to get fit by partaking in physical activities with them. Below are a few family activities to inspire you.

Take family bike rides

If the weather is cooperative, have your kids wear their helmets instead of their seatbelts and take a bike ride to the local farmers market, ice-cream parlor or community park. Even if you don't have anywhere to go, make it a point to take a family bike ride a few times a week, as cycling may lower the risk of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or cancer.² Plus, it's fun for everyone.

Play in the backyard

You don't have to go far to get fit as a family. Head to the backyard with a ball and mitt and play a game of catch. If baseball isn't your thing, challenge your kids to a game of two-hand touch. If you have outdoor chores to do, enlist the help of your little ones to teach them the value of hard work while encouraging them to get active.

Host a dance party

If the weather is dreary and the kids are bored, turn off the TV and put on some tunes. Dancing is a great way to work up a sweat, blow off some steam and induce laughter. Best of all, it's an activity you can do from the comfort of your own home.

You don't have to invest in a gym membership to get healthy and active with your kids. You just need an imagination. Use any of the above family activities to help you get started on your new healthy lifestyle.