YMCA March Break Activities

March break is the perfect opportunity to get your kids off their screens and moving! Children are spending less time being active and only seven per cent of Canadian kids get enough exercise. Health Canada recommends children and youth get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Getting our daily dose of exercise not only helps to prevent health risks, it builds strong muscles and bones, develops positive body image and supports mental health. Here are five ideas to get you and your kids moving this March break:

Get Outside

Breathe in some fresh winter air as you explore your local trails, parks and toboggan hills. Or, simply build a snowman or fort on your front lawn. The opportunities are endless!

Make a Splash

Make a splash at a local community pool like the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. Day passes are available for families to take advantage of recreational swimming. And, for the older kids, March break is the perfect time to enrol in aquatic leadership programs such as Bronze Medallion or National Lifeguard training. For more information on aquatic leadership programs being offered at the Y over the March break, visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/lifeguarding-certification.

Train as a family

The YMCA’s Move to Give fundraising event is happening on April 7. Challenge the whole family to start training for a 5k run, indoor cycling or a triathlon and continue training together until the event. It will keep the entire family focused on a goal and it’s all for a great cause – supporting your community! For more information visit www.movetogive.ca.

Go Skating

Skating is a great sport for all ages – it’s low impact and helps improve co-ordination and balance. Check your local public arenas for family skate times over the March break.

March break is the perfect time to create healthy daily habits for your children and the entire family. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers many opportunities to get fit as a family over the March break. For more information please visit your local YMCA or www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.