How much physical activity should children get daily?
Kids need to be even more active than adults. They need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day – at home, at school, at play – to get their heart going and to get the best possible health benefit.
It’s good for kids’ bodies to get a variety of exercise. Encourage children to be active in many different ways. Learn more about how to inspire an active lifestyle in your child.
Moderate aerobic activity
These activities are good fun and good exercise:
- walking quickly
- skating
- cycling
- skateboarding
Vigorous aerobic activity
These are great activities that get hearts working hard:
- running or jogging
- jumping rope
- sports like basketball or hockey
- active games like tag
Strengthening activity
These activities build up muscles:
- push-ups and sit-ups
- swinging on playground equipment
- climbing trees
These activities help make bones stronger:
- hopping
- skipping
- jumping
For Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, visit the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
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