Research has uncovered that South Australians aren’t active enough. Leading South Australian, not-for-profit organisation and authority in many facets of children’s lives, Nature Play SA, has launched a resource that is aimed at encouraging children to be more active.
Broken down into three separate lists, Nature Play SA collectively gathered 56 activities for children to try. This particular list cites 15 ways to get active outdoors to try before turning 14.
- Climb or hang from a tree – Strengthen your upper body and improve your balance by climbing or hanging from a tree.
- Build a cubby – Practice working with friends building a cubby or something else outdoors that suits your ability.
- Go for a bushwalk – Work on your perseverance and endurance by going on a bushwalk that challenges you.
- Explore a creek – Test your balance and coordination at your local creek by exploring banks, bridges and logs or stick to the trails and find a place to listen to the sounds of a creek.
- Try geocaching – Combine technology with walking and exploring by geocaching with a friend.
- Skim rocks – Improve your balance and coordination at the beach or a lake by skimming rocks or seeing how far you can throw.
- Explore the coast – Improve your balance and agility by exploring rock pools or stick to the jetty and see what you or a friend can spot in the water.
- Plant fruit trees or veggies – Work on your upper body strength by preparing your garden or a pot for planting veggies or fruit trees.
- Go camping – Get your whole body moving in the wild by going camping or having a backyard camp out.
- Go snorkelling – Activate different muscles by learning to snorkel or try other water activities that suit your ability.
- Hike to a waterfall – Improve your overall fitness by hiking to a waterfall or along an accessible path with a view.
- Pick up litter – Get your step count up and head to your local beach, creek, or park and pick up litter with a friend.
- Kayak, paddleboard or body surf – Improve your core strength by kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, body surfing, or a water activity that challenges you.
- Volunteer in nature – Use your hands in different ways by joining volunteers to plant trees, do some weeding or help a friend out in their garden.
- Try yoga or pilates – Improve your flexibility, balance, and overall health by doing yoga, pilates, or stretching outside.
For more information, visit the Nature Play SA website.
