Boost your family’s health with active play and outdoor fun
In today's fast-paced world, where screens often take centre stage, encouraging active play and exercise for the whole family has never been more important. Physical activity isn't just about fitness - it's about connection, wellbeing, and creating positive habits that last a lifetime. Luckily, here in Australia, the great outdoors, mild climate, and wealth of community resources provide the perfect backdrop to make active living both fun and achievable.
Here are some practical ways to get the whole family moving — and enjoying it!
1. Lead by example
Children learn by watching, and parents are their first role models. If your kids see you being active, whether it's heading out for a morning walk, riding your bike, or joining a local netball team, they're more likely to see exercise as a normal and enjoyable part of daily life.
It doesn't mean you need to train for a marathon. Even small choices, like walking to the local shops instead of driving or taking the dog for a run at the park, demonstrate to your kids the importance of staying active.
2. Make it fun, not a chore
The key to keeping kids (and adults!) engaged in physical activity is making it enjoyable. Instead of telling your children they "have to exercise," focus on activities they naturally love. For younger kids, activities such as playing tag, dancing in the living room, or riding scooters can be enjoyable and engaging. Older kids might enjoy team sports, swimming at the local pool, surfing, or even joining you for a gym session.
Try gamifying exercise. For example, set up a backyard obstacle course, have a family step-count challenge, or create a "fitness treasure hunt" around the neighbourhood. When it's fun, it won't feel like exercise at all.
3. Use our great outdoors
One of the best aspects of living in Australia is our incredible natural environment. From beaches to bushwalking trails, and sports ovals to bike paths, there's no shortage of outdoor spaces to keep the family active.
Take advantage of weekends to plan family outings. Go for a hike in the Blue Mountains, paddleboard on the Gold Coast, or kick a footy at your local park. Outdoor activities are not only great for fitness; they also boost mental well-being and help families bond without the distraction of technology.
4. Incorporate movement into daily routines
Not every family has hours to dedicate to structured exercise, but small changes add up. Encourage walking or cycling to school instead of driving, park the car a little further away from the shops, or do some quick stretches together before dinner.
Household chores can also serve as a form of exercise. Gardening, washing the car, or even a Saturday morning backyard clean-up can burn calories while teaching kids the value of teamwork and responsibility.
5. Get involved in community activities
Local councils and sports clubs across Australia often run family-friendly programs, including activities such as park fitness bootcamps, junior cricket, Auskick, or surf lifesaving clubs. These not only provide structured exercise but also teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Many community centres also offer affordable options for families who want to try out new activities, such as martial arts, yoga, or dance. Signing up together can give kids a sense of belonging while parents get to meet other families.
6. Limit screen time and encourage active alternatives
It's no secret that screen time is one of the biggest obstacles to active play. While it's unrealistic to cut it out completely, you can set boundaries and encourage healthier alternatives.
Try setting "tech-free times" where the family goes outside for a bike ride, walk, or game of backyard cricket. You might even introduce a family rule: for every hour of screen time, there should be at least 30 minutes of physical activity.
7. Make it a family affair
Exercising together helps families connect and creates lasting memories. Whether it's a weekend bushwalk or geocaching, a family bike ride, or a lounge room dance-off, shared activities strengthen relationships while keeping everyone healthy.
You can also rotate who gets to choose the family activity each week. This way, everyone feels included, and you'll discover new interests as a family.
8. Celebrate achievements
Motivation thrives on recognition. Celebrate your family's efforts by setting achievable goals and rewarding milestones. Did everyone complete a week of daily walks? Celebrate with a family picnic. Did your child learn to swim a full lap? Acknowledge their hard work and progress.
The rewards don't need to be big - even a high five, a chart of achievements on the fridge, or simply words of encouragement go a long way.
9. Be flexible and realistic
Finally, remember that every family is different. What works for one household may not work for another. Some weeks will be busier than others, and that's okay. The goal isn't perfection, it's consistency. Even 15 to 20 minutes of daily movement makes a difference.
The bottom line
Encouraging active play and exercise as a family is about more than physical fitness. It's about building resilience, reducing stress, improving mental health, and spending quality time together. Our climate, lifestyle, and abundance of outdoor spaces make it easy to get started - all it takes is a little creativity and commitment.
Getting active as a family doesn't have to be expensive - in fact, many of the best activities are free or low-cost. However, if you're planning something special, such as new bikes, a backyard trampoline, or even a family camping trip to explore the great outdoors, the upfront cost can add up. That's where a little financial help can make things easier.
Our cash loans of up to $5,000 can give your family the boost you need to get moving and build healthy habits together - without putting your plans on hold. It's quick and easy to borrow some extra funds, and once a loan is approved, the cash is typically deposited into your bank account within a few hours.