Don’t worry. We’re not here to lecture you on how much screen time your kids do or don’t need. Instead, we’re sharing five free apps (available for both iOS & Android) that make fitness fun and turn your childs screen time into play time.
1. Sworkit Kids
With customizable workouts for strength, agility, and flexibility, this app generates random exercises to get kids moving as they follow along with video tutorials. If your kids’ enthusiasm has you feeling inspired, join in the fun and download the original Sworkit fitness app, designed for teens and adults!
2. NFL PLAY 60
The American Heart Association and National Football League are on a mission to get your kids moving for 60 minutes or more every day, and this app is a great place to start. It features virtual experience challenges to get hearts pumping. Plus, users receive extra points for fun activities like going on a family walk, playing in the park, or riding their bike. They can then use those points to unlock NFL gear and customize their in-app avatar—a great incentive to keep users engaged and active.
Maybe you’ve seen the popular Just Dance game in arcades. Now, your kids can play it anytime and without a video game console. All you need is a smartphone and internet-connected screen to follow along with the choreography and dance to tons of popular music. Just be aware: Although the app is free, the number of free songs is limited, so your kids may ask to make some in-app purchases to keep the party going.
This next app is sure to be a hit with your older, zombie-loving kids and teens. Just pop in your headphones to turn any run (or walk) into an epic storytelling adventure and race to escape the living dead breathing down your neck. Encourage your kid to run for fun or even set a goal to participate in their first 5K! If you’re worried about your children running with headphones, consider taking them to a local track where you can watch or even join in to make memories as you sweat.
5. Geocaching
Are you tired of reminding your kids to put down the screens and explore the great outdoors? With this app, you can both have your way. Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt where people hide small treasures, called “geocaches”, and share the coordinates in this app. Use the app to choose a local geocache, then embark on a fun adventure to find it as a family.
These apps are a great way to get your kids moving, but without high speed internet, you may find downloading them is more of an exercise in frustration. Call S&T today to make sure you have the fastest, most reliable internet available in your area. Find out more at stayconnected.life.
