Getting Children Walking

Getting your children out walking is a great way of helping make sure they get the physical activity they need to stay healthy, and encouraging habits that will help ensure a long and healthy life. It’s also an excellent way to spend quality time together as a family.

However it’s not always easy to drag children away from their TVs, computers and games consoles. So follow our tips to help get your kids out and about.

Read top tips for getting children walking

Read about walks with child appeal

Read about walking to school

How much physical activity should children do?

Under 5s who can walk on their own should be active for at least three hours a day including through walking. Infants who can’t yet walk should be encouraged to be active through floor- and water-based activities.
Children and young people 5-11 should be active for at least an hour and up to three hours a day. Walking contributes to this but they should also include some vigorous and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities.
All children and young people should reduce the time they spend sitting, such as watching TV, reading or travelling by car or bus.

Regular walking as part of an active lifestyle is great for:

General health
Weight control
Preventing problems like heart disease and diabetes later in life
Development – changes in their surroundings can improve their sensory development and stimulate the mind
Sleeping patterns
Mood and wellbeing
Concentration
Spending quality time with friends and family

It’s harder to change your habits as you get older so childhood is a great opportunity to get into good habits for the rest of your life.

Unlike many other activities for children such as play centres, walking is completely free, accessible to people of all abilities and fun for adults as well as children. You can even take toddlers – encourage them to walk as much as they can and push them the rest of the way in a pushchair. And of course you’ll be getting out and enjoying all the benefits of walking too.

Filed under: Walking for Children and Families
Tagged: Children, health, obesity, Ramblers, walk, Walking
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