My 2-year-old daughter’s attention span is a short one, so I have to come up with ways to keep her healthy AND entertained. It’s important to help our children be active at any age, but young kids might not be huge fans of exercise. Why not try a few activities that are simple and fun, but are actually exercise in disguise?!
You can get creative by turning regular activities into fun ones that will help toddlers get excited about having a healthy lifestyle. Think about things like running through the sprinklers and jumping on the trampoline! I’ve rounded up some fun activities that we as parents can do with our kids to double the fun, and they’re all toddler appropriate. Check them out…
More for Toddler Moms:
- Indoor Energy-Burning Toddler Activities That Won’t Wreck Your House
- Kid-Approved Ways to Tone up with Your Toddler
- Best Activity Centers for Toddlers
Exercises For Moms & Toddlers That Are Disguised As Play
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Play tag together.
Get your heart rate up, and have lots of fun. Play with your child alone, or round up a few of her friends (and their moms and dads) and let them have a great time chasing each other around.
Photo: Lexy Ward -
Jump on a trampoline.
If you're lucky enough to have a trampoline or know somebody with one, this is an easy way to sneak in some exercise, and it’s a blast. Bonus: It will wear your kid out!
Photo: Lexy Ward
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Go on a bike ride together.
Whether your toddler can ride a bike or a trike, this exercise in disguise can help with gross motor skills. Break out the Big Wheel and help them practice a large range of motion with their legs. Of course, you can also tuck her into a seat on the back of your bike and let her enjoy the ride while you pedal.
Photo: Getty -
Go roller skating (or blading).
Give your tot a lesson on roller skates or blades (they make them for littles!) and wheel around your neighborhood. Your driveway or the sidewalk is an excellent space to practice (don’t forget the helmet and knee pads).
Photo: Getty -
Go swimming together.
Cool off and burn energy with this one. Toddlers can practice kicking. If you have older kids who know how to swim on their own, have a little race.
Photo: Getty -
Take a trip to the fair (or amusement park).
Our county fair was a few months ago and our daughter could not get enough. There are plenty of activities and games like rope climbs and ring toss for the young ones to try, and they might even head home with a prize or two.
Photo: Getty -
Play a family game of soccer.
Have fun kicking a ball around the beach, backyard, or park. Your child will learn to work on his hand/eye/foot coordination and get his heart rate up while he’s at it.
Photo: Getty -
Run through a sprinkler.
Keep cool all summer long by donning those swimsuits and running through a sprinkler (whether it's your own or the one at the playground)! Your heart rate will rise and your toddler can practice jumping over and running under the water.
Photo: Getty -
Tackle the jungle gym together.
The playground is always a good time, and there are easily a few exercises you can sneak in. Chase your kid up and down the stairs or lift him while he tries the monkey bars. It's a great way tone your arms while getting some QT with your little.
Photo: Getty
