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Active Parents, Active Kids
Toddlers need at least an hour
a day of unstructured (free play)
activities like:
• using push and pull toys
• playing with shape sorters
and building blocks
• pretending to be like Mommy or Daddy (vacuuming,
using tools, cooking, etc.)
• using their imaginations (taking care of dolls, zooming
cars, etc.)
• drawing with crayons
Preschoolers need some
independent play time (about an
hour) to choose their own activities like painting and drawing,
playing dress-up, etc., and they
also require at least an hour of
organized play and exercise to
help them develop and learn
how to master important motor
skills through activities like:
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As well as at least half
an hour of adult-led
physical activity:
listening to music and dancing or jumping
exploring and playing in
the backyard or playground
together
climbing stairs and using
climbing equipment
playing ball
taking a toddler movement
or tumbling class together
playing games like “Follow
the Leader”
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kicking, catching and throwing a ball at home rather
than in organized sports,
where they might not understand the rules and may lack
the attention span, skills, and
coordination needed
hopping or balancing on
one foot
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pedaling a tricycle or bike
tumbling, skipping, or freeze
dancing
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doing obstacle courses
playing games like “Tag,”
“Hide and Seek,” “Follow
the Leader,” “Duck, Duck,
Goose,” and “Simon Says”
School-age kids need about
an hour of physical activity per
day, which can include activities
like recess play and brisk walking, in addition to higher-intensity
activities like running. Letting
kids explore a variety of physical
activities, games, and sports can
help them find one they like best
and that they can focus on into
adolescence. You can help them
transition from small-child play to
organized sports by:
• combining skills such a