Getting Creative with Physical Education

Have pandemic times made physical education a bit more tricky for you? I know that the shut-downs and social distancing have removed a lot of our regularly scheduled activities like swimming and jujitsu, and I see a lot of families in the same boat. Aside from the basics of warm-weather like hiking, biking and swimming, there are a few other fun and creative ways to keep active with the family during a pandemic:

Geocaching

We have recently gotten into geocaching as a family. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, you basically use your phone’s GPS as a guide to find hidden “treasures” all throughout the world. Using geocaching.com you can find nearby caches hidden by other users and follow the coordinates and clues to find the stash! Sometimes it’s just a logbook, sometimes there are tiny treasures, but for us, it has always delivered on the fitness factor. I’ve seen the kids walk 5km at a time without complaint because they are in the midst of a Geocaching adventure! 

Axe Throwing

In normal times, we belong to an axe throwing league. It’s a great way for us adults to get out and socialize and also do something active. We also bring the kids with us, and they love it almost as much as we do. No, we don’t have our littles throwing axes, but it has given the opportunity to learn the safety procedures and rules of a game. They even have learned to score live games! I’ve always wished that there was a way to get them involved, but the age limit does not allow it, and hurling sharp objects is not exactly a kid’s activity. And then, late this spring, I came across an amazing little creation – an entirely plastic and foam axe throwing range! I bought it, hoping it would be awesome, but expecting that it may not work particularly well. Luckily, my dreams came true and it works incredibly well! What’s better, the kids absolutely love it! They are outside almost every day practicing and have even organized tournaments together. In the span of less than a week, I feel I have more than gotten my $40 worth out of it and I’m pretty confident that you would too. 

Niantic Games

Although it’s kind of old news, we love getting out to play PokemonGo or WizardsUnite by Niantic. Both can be downloaded onto any device and as long as you have a good data plan, it’s a great way to get out walking with the family. Catch cute (or magical) creatures, complete quests, battle at gyms, level up your characters, and rack up the miles as you go! 

So, don’t let the pandemic stop you! Get out with the family, have a new adventure, and get some exercise in at the same time!