Fun Activities for Kids Who Hate to Exercise

• Promote physical fitness with fun activities.kids playing football image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
  
  It's the middle of July. You arrive home from work to find your child sitting in front of the television, playing the same video game he's been glued to for the entire summer. You spoke to him before about going outside to play, but he informed you that he hates exercise. Instead of allowing your child to shun fitness, introduce him to activities that don't appear to be physical exercise.
  
  

Bowling

• Take your child to your town's bowling alley. Invite the rest of your family, and encourage her to bring one or two of her friends. Participating in an afternoon of bowling gives your child a chance to be active without her feeling as if you are forcing her to exercise. It is important to make physical activity fun, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• Make a list of stores in your local mall, with kid-friendly items that are specific to each one. Create a scavenger hunt for your child so he has to find each item on the list in the order it's written. Walk around the mall with your child, and have him check off each object as he discovers it. Offer your child a prize, such as a new toy or 15 minutes at the mall arcade, for completing the scavenger hunt.
  
  

Video Games

• You don't have to completely eliminate video games to help your child become active. Some games offer your child exercise. The Wii game console makes your child move in a variety of sports games like golf and tennis. In addition, "Wii Fit" is an exercise video game that challenges your child while she plays. If your child enjoys dancing, purchase "Dance Dance Revolution." Some schools even use the video game to promote physical education, according to the "New York Times."
  
  

Plant a Garden

• Adults often do yard work to stay in shape; therefore, children can also benefit from planting a garden. Go to a home improvement store with your child, and visit the gardening center. Select flowers or vegetables in addition to soil and a watering can. Plant a garden in your yard with your child, and give him the responsibility of tending the plants. If you selected a vegetable garden, let your child distribute the produce among your neighbors after the vegetables grow.
  
  

Pool Activities

• Most kids enjoy going to the pool in the summer. If you don't have a personal pool at your home, purchase a membership at your local community center or YMCA. Take your child to the pool often, as he will receive a workout while he plays in the water, according to the PBS Kids website.