If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to work on fitness goals, we’re with you! Of course, getting healthier is an important ambition for all of us, and as parents, it’s up to us to model healthy habits for our kiddos. Hitting the gym isn’t the only way to fit in those workouts. We’ve got some other enjoyable suggestions for staying active with the whole family.
–> Fun on (and in) the water:
- Kayak/SUP/Canoe: Have you tried Stand Up Paddle on Lady Bird Lake? Maybe you want to work out those arm and core muscles in a kayak or canoe? Here’s a round-up of where to rent watercraft in Austin.
- Swimming: No doubt, swimming is really a fun way to work off those calories. With plenty of warm winter days in Austin, you can visit Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool, open year-round. Or swim indoors at one of the area YMCA locations. You can also sign up for swim lessons (for you, the kids, or parent/baby classes) at Tom’s Dive & Swim, The Swim School or Emler Swim School of Austin.
–> Hit the Trails:
- Hiking: Going for a hike is great for the body and mind. Spending some time on nature trails is a great way to decompress from day-to-day stress and focus on time with the family. Check out our list of the Best 10 Hikes for Families in Austin.
- Biking: Put on those helmets and go for a ride! Here’s some of our suggestions for Where to Bike with Kids in Austin.
–> Classes with Kids: Try something new with your little ones! At The Little Yoga House, you can sign up for Mommy & Me yoga classes or enjoy Family Yoga Saturdays (as well as pre- & post-natal classes, kids yoga or aerial arts). You could try a Tinkergarten class with your toddlers and preschoolers where you can explore nature & play together outdoors. Ballet Austin also offers a fun variety of parent/child dance and fitness classes. You could also try aerial arts at Blue Lapis Light or Sky Candy — either with your older kids or give it a go on your own. And for your sports-loving kiddos, you can also sign up for a parent/child class at Sportball or the Little Gym.
–> Climbing Around: If your kids can climb like little monkeys, take them with you to one of the area indoor rock climbing facilities such as Austin Bouldering Project (click here for our review) or CRUX Climbing Center. Climbing is definitely a workout that doesn’t feel like a drag!
–> Jump & Play: If you’ve spent any recent time in a bouncy house or on a trampoline, you know that jumping can actually get pretty exhausting, all while staying totally fun. So, why not make a habit of taking the kids to an indoor play center and promising to jump and play WITH them? For suggestions of where to go, you can check out:
We also suggest taking walks to your nearest public park and running round with the kids. Throw a ball, play a game of tag, and have some active fun together.
Have other suggestions to share? We’d love to hear it! Please feel free to add your ideas in the comments below.
