Embarking on a road trip with kids is unique and unforgettable – to say the least – and I’m sure a lot of parents can agree on that.
It is practically a tradition in many families – at least once a year, a family packs up the bags, starts the engine, and goes on a road trip – be it a one-day excursion or camping for a few days.
The most common reasons for these family and kid-friendly trips are, of course, spending quality time with family, enjoying the weather, and just having fun.
Although relaxing and taking a well-deserved break on these road trips are definitely a priority for all included, it wouldn’t hurt to take some time aside and engage in exercises that will help us stay fit to counterbalance all that sitting involved, especially on a long road trip.
Sounds good? Terrific.
Here are 6 easy ways to stay active and fit while traveling with your kids.
1. Visiting Playgrounds and Parks
It’s like killing two birds with one stone, and here’s the thing.
If you’re making a stop on your road trip and there’s a playground near your parking spot, go ahead and snoop around. These areas aren’t just made for kids. These ‘outdoor fitness parks’ do wonders for the parents as well.
Any larger park that you come across will surely provide you with an opportunity to start your timer and enjoy a 15-minute exercise. As I’ve mentioned, most of these parks have outdoor gym equipment that’ll help you make the most of your time.
So, besides the regular swings and slides that will be the focus of your children, if you look closely enough, you might as well spot stationary bikes, climbing walls, or even basketball courts.
My guess is as good as yours. Find what suits you best and take the shot.
Oh, and before you take a shot at the stationary bike, make sure to bring your best greens powder to shake up a drink as well. You’ll need the extra energy after all.
2. Swimming
Swimming is a no-brainer when it comes to family road trips. Whether you’re planning to hit the beach, go to the lake, or check in a hotel that has a massive pool – swimming time should definitely be on your and your kids’ agenda.
It’s a full-body workout, and it doesn’t require any special ‘props.’ You just need your swimsuits, and you’re good to go.
Swimming with your kids is not only fun (especially during hot summer days), but it’s an excellent way to keep you fit and healthy during your road trip. Basically, swimming contributes to cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation – but chances are you already knew that.
It’s also a flexibility exercise. So, if you’ve got teenagers in your family trip gang, encourage them to take a swim with you. This fun and refreshing activity will do wonders for their bones and joints.
On top of all that, swimming has proven to reduce stress levels. It actually produces serotonin and endorphins.
Isn’t that great? By having fun in the water and splashing around, you’re working on your heart, joints, and mental health.
3. Games
Whether you are going to the park or the beach as proposed above, or a camping trip think about taking some active games with you. You cannot control the weather and sometimes when you plan fun in the water it may be too cold, so some active fun on the shore will be a great substitute.
Of course. it all depends on how much you can pack in your car for a road trip but I am sure you could always find space for a soccer ball or a volley ball or a flying saucer.
If you have a little more room in the car here are some great family games to consider taking with you:
Toss and Catch
Spikeball
Badminton
4. Jumping Ropes
Here’s a wild idea that’s not wild at all, and it probably didn’t even cross your mind until now – jumping ropes.
Yup, you read that right. Jumping ropes is third on the list and another excellent alternative to ‘take the gym with you’ and still have fun. What’s even better is that you can include your kids in this exercise as well.
If you’ve got a lot planned for this road trip, but in your head, you’re determined to stay fit and exercise even the slightest bit – bring a jumping rope with you.
First of all, it’s beneficial for a number of reasons. Jumping ropes for even 10 minutes contributes to muscle strength. It even burns calories – if your goal is to burn some holiday food.
You can jump rope on your own – with two legs or one – if you want to work on your stability. You can even include your kids and take turns. There are dozens of ways to use this exercise idea to your advantage.
5. Jogging
Take this as a heartfelt recommendation. If you’re traveling to the mountains and you want to take full advantage of the fresh air that’s surrounding you, bring your jogging sneakers.
The absolute best way to stay fit and really soak up the energy and fresh mountain air is to get up early in the morning and go for a 15-30-minute jog.
You’re not racing, though. Take the morning time to enjoy this simple yet very beneficial lung and cardiovascular exercise. If your kid loves to run as well, that’s a bonus.
6. Eating Smart
Going on a road trip definitely means letting loose, but let’s not turn that into complete chaos.
My last recommendation doesn’t really have to do with exercising. Sure, working out, swimming, running, jogging, and jumping ropes all clearly have their benefits – but there’s one thing that you can’t forget – eating healthy.
Packing for a road trip with the kids involves a stash of candy, their favorite snacks, and sodas – but don’t let that be your only source of energy. Meal prepping and carefully choosing your food helps you stay fit on your road trip.
Out of ideas? Here are a couple of easy ones:
- Healthy muffins
- Oatmeal
- Chicken salad wraps
- Granola bars (home-made or store-bought)
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, etc.)
- Baby carrots (for snacks) and you can also add hummus for dipping
- Home-made healthy chocolate chip cookies
My personal favorite is salmon jerky – it is full of protein, healthy fats, Vitamin D, Potassium and super easy to handle in the car:
There are also tons of recipes that you can make with your kids at home before you take off, and replace fast food or hotel food with these healthy alternatives.
And don’t forget to take lots of water for your road trip, and not just for the desert adventures. Studies show that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. When you plan to hike, jog, jump the rope, and generally be active proper hydration becomes even more vital. Know dehydration symptoms and how to address them before you start your road trip!
Final Thoughts
So far, I’ve guided you through 6 easy-peasy ways to stay fit and active while you’re traveling with your kids. Do you have any favorites of your own that we haven’t touched upon in this article? Let me know in the comments below!
The moral of the story is that you may be sitting in a car for a long time on a road trip but don’t have to bring the entire gym with you to counterbalance the sitting hours – working out in the open air, swimming, jogging, jumping rope, or just eating healthy will practically give you the same results.
If you found this article useful, please, share it with others as it may help them in their travel plans too.
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