How much play time do kids need?

Sixty minutes of physical activity each day is the recommended amount of play time for children and young adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Activities such as walking, running and playing basketball are a few ways for kids to decrease screen time and increase their physical activity intake. Encourage your child to participate in age appropriate activities for at least 60 minutes per day. Below are a few examples:
Aerobic exercises Aerobic exercises are very important in your child’s overall health and should take up the most of your child’s play time. Activities that increase your child’s heart rate such as walking or running are great ways to do this. These activities allow increased blood flow to get to the muscles and lungs. Children can add this type of exercise into their day by bicycling or playing basketball.
Muscle strengtheningMuscle strengthening activities include gymnastics, sit-ups and push- ups. If your child is enrolled in a physical education course at school, they may already be doing this. Just as aerobic exercise keeps your heart in good condition, regular strengthening exercises help keep your other muscles strong and healthy. Children and young adults should include these exercises at least three days per week.
Bone strengtheningBone strengthening activities such as running or jump roping should be included at least three days per week. These activities help to keep your child’s growing bones, healthy and strong.