Jump Into Fall

Fall weather is like the story of the Three Bears. The temperatures are �not too hot, not too cold, but just right!� It�s a great time for families to enjoy the out of doors, especially after school, before supper and on the weekends. Being physically active will help to keep your immune system strong. It just may help you avoid the cold that often accompanies the return to school or the weather changes. Here are some ideas for keeping active during this wonderful time of year.

Children

• Be a helper. Rake leaves into a huge pile, then jump in them!
• Play hide and seek and use the leaf pile to hide in!
• Find 8 different kinds of leaves and then draw their shapes in the air using a pretend gigantic paintbrush.
• Using a watch, see how long it takes to run around the outside of the house or to your favorite neighbor�s house.
• Make up a new jump rope jingle or rap about fall.
• How many walking steps, giant steps, scissor steps or running steps does it take to go around the block or your house (remember to choose the same route each time)?

Families

• Get with friends and play a game of charades acting out ways you enjoyed being active during the summer (swimming, playing ball, etc.)
• Go to the park you visited in the summer and make a list of the changes you notice from summer to fall.
• Borrow a bike and a helmet and ride along a greenway.
• Fall is a time some dress up to look like someone or something different. Practice the moves this other person or creature would make, so you can be convincing. (Mom and Dad, you�re not too old to make a few faces and walk like an Egyptian or Frankenstein.)
• Play outdoor games such as Mother May I or Simon Says.
• Plant a fall and winter garden or plant some spring bulbs in the ground or a clay pot or plastic container and watch what happens.
• Talk about activities you enjoy and make up a triathlon using those activities. Keep a chart of your activities until you complete the event. (For example, your triathlon might include walking, biking and ball tossing. Determine the length of your activities � walk one mile each time you walk, bike 20 � 30 minutes, toss or kick a ball for 20-30 minutes.) Upon completion of your triathlon give awards to each member of the family who participated.
• Play Twister!
• Have a prom in your living room. Play music from your era and demonstrate the dances you danced. Then your children play their music and show you the dances they dance. Everybody�s sure to laugh (laughing is great exercise!)