Create Opportunities for Kids to Run, Play, and Exercise - Double the Fun by Getting Outdoors

 Celebrate being outdoors with a purpose, a little motivation, possible rewards, and mostly for fun.

At Fitness Finders, we believe that celebrating movement with meaningful rewards helps kids:

• Build consistency in physical activity.

• Feel proud of their efforts (not just results).

• Stay engaged through fun and play.

Why Rewards Work

When kids know there’s a goal to reach - or a cool token to earn - it gives them a sense of purpose. It’s not about competition; it’s about progress and participation.

Research shows that intrinsic motivation grows when kids associate physical activity with fun, accomplishment, and recognition - not pressure. And small, tangible rewards (like our colorful tokens) help reinforce that positive connection.

How to Use Tokens for Play Outside Day

Here are a few fun ways to use Fitness Finders tokens with your students or kids:

• Outdoor Bingo

Complete a row of outdoor activities (like hopscotch, nature walks, or jumping jacks) to earn a reward. Make things more interesting or challenging to see if you can get multiple bingos, or fill up the whole bingo card. Reward kids with a special Fitness Finders token for completing a Bingo, or reward them with a token that corresponds with each outdoor activity they complete - frog jumps, walking, jumping jacks, run like a rocket, etc…

Download a free printable bingo activity board. 

• Play Outside Pledge

Track 30 minutes of outdoor play for 5 days and reward with a star, flower, or sun token.

Download a free printable fitness tracker.

• Group Challenge

Get the whole class or family active and create a group goal - e.g. tally the total # minutes outside. Add a little twist and make it required for everyone to be outside at the time for the minutes to count and celebrate with a group reward.

• Kindness in the Outdoors

Recognize kids who help clean up a playground, invite a friend to play, or show great sportsmanship.

Why Does It Matter?

• Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day according to the CDC.

• Outdoor play improves mood, focus, and sleep - for kids and adults!

• Physical activity helps build strong muscles, bones, and confidence.

• Studies show that kids who play outside regularly have lower stress levels and do better in school.

Movement + Recognition = Motivation

Pairing physical activity with positive recognition helps kids feel seen, builds confidence, and encourages them to keep moving. National Play Outside and National Fitness Day is the perfect time to start - or refresh - that habit.

Fun + Fitness = Happy, Healthy Kids

Here’s how you can celebrate these two movement-filled days with your students or kids at home:

• Create a backyard or recess obstacle course

Use cones, jump ropes, or even sidewalk chalk!

• Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt

Add movement and mindfulness

• Launch a mini fitness challenge

10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 10 toe touches … repeat!

• Free play for the win

Sometimes the best fitness is unstructured. Let kids run, explore, and get messy!

Make Movement Stick with Rewards That Matter

At Fitness Finders, we make getting active fun and meaningful. Our colorful tokens and awards are perfect for recognizing effort, teamwork, or sticking with a new fitness goal. Try our outdoor-themed tokens to mark milestones and keep kids motivated.

Let’s Move Together

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or coach, National Play Outside Day and National Fitness Day are great reminders that movement doesn’t have to be complicated - it just needs to be consistent.

Fitness Finders Animal Tokens & A Hands-On Zoo Experience

 Celebrate National Zoo Day on April 8 with a hands-on approach.

National Zoo Day (April 8) is a fantastic opportunity to engage kids in learning about wildlife, conservation, and the importance of zoos in protecting animals. Instead of just reading about zoos, why not build your own in the classroom or at home using Fitness Finders’ Animal Tokens? This hands-on approach combines creativity, learning, and physical activity to make National Zoo Day a truly immersive experience!

Why Celebrate National Zoo Day?

Zoos play a vital role in:

• Protecting endangered species

• Educating people about wildlife

• Inspiring conservation efforts

By actively engaging in zoo-themed activities, students can gain a deeper appreciation for animals and their habitats while making learning fun.

Build Your Own Zoo Using Fitness Finders’ Animal Tokens

Step 1: Assign Animal Roles

Distribute Fitness Finder’s Animal Tokens to students and have them “become” the animals. Each student can research and present fun facts about their assigned species, including:

• Where it lives

• What it eats

• Why it’s important to the ecosystem

For an extra challenge, students can act out their animals, mimicking movement and sounds!

Step 2: Design Zoo Exhibits

Turn your classroom or outdoor space into a mini-zoo!

• Use cardboard boxes, posters, or drawings to create animal habitats.

• Assign different areas for jungle animals, desert creatures, ocean life, and more.

• Label each exhibit with fun facts about the species.

Students can work in teams to design and present their zoo sections.

Step 3: Animal-Themed Fitness Stations

Set up fitness stations inspired by different animals to encourage movement. When students visit an exhibit, they must complete a zoo-themed challenge:

• Giraffe Stretch: Reach as high as you can for # seconds.

• Frog Jumps: Hop forward # times.

• Penguin Waddle: Walk across the room with a ball between your knees.

• Bear Crawl: Move on all fours from one point to another.

Each completed challenge earns students a new Animal Token to add to their zoo collection!

Step 4: Conservation Awareness Discussion

Once the zoo is built, discuss why real zoos matter and how students can help protect animals. Topics can include:

• Endangered species and how zoos help save them.

• The importance of keeping habitats clean and safe.

• Ways students can support wildlife conservation (e.g. recycling, reducing plastic use, and supporting wildlife organizations).

Step 5: Host a Zoo Tour & Storytelling Session

To wrap up the event, students can:

• Act as zookeepers and give “tours” of their exhibits to other students or parents.

• Share short stories or skits featuring the animals they researched.

• Reflect on their favorite parts of the activity and what they learned.

Conclusion: More Than Just Reading - A Zoo Adventure

National Zoo Day is the perfect time to go beyond reading and bring wildlife education to life! By using Fitness Finders’ Animal Tokens and building a zoo, students can experience an interactive, educational, and fun-filled adventure that encourages creativity, movement, and a deeper love for animals.

National Walking Day: Teach Kids How Easy It Is To Step Into a Healthier Life

National Walking Day, celebrated on April 2, is a great opportunity to teach kids the joy and benefits of walking.

As parents and educators, we are always looking for ways to encourage kids to live healthier, more active lifestyles. National Walking Day, celebrated on the first Wednesday of April, provides the perfect opportunity to teach children about the importance of movement and how something as simple as walking can contribute to their overall well-being.

Walking isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B - it’s an easy, fun, and healthy habit that kids can enjoy throughout their lives. Let’s explore how people across the United States lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement to celebrate National Walking Day. 

What Is National Walking Day

This annual event, founded by the American Heart Association (AHA), aims to promote the many benefits of walking and encourage people to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

Why Walking is Important for Kids

Kids are naturally active, but in today’s world, where screen time often replaces outdoor play, it’s crucial to encourage habits that keep them moving. Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment, can be done anywhere, and provides numerous physical and mental health benefits, including:

1. Heart Health

Walking regularly helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and a daily walk is an easy way to meet that goal.

2. Weight Management

A brisk 30-minute walk can burn calories and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Combined with a balanced diet, walking can support long-term weight loss and fitness goals.

3. Mental Well-Being

Walking isn’t just for the body; it’s great for the mind too! A walk can be a great stress reliever. It helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, boost overall mental clarity, and help kids focus better in school. Walking outdoors, especially in nature, can further enhance these benefits by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

4. Joint and Bone Health

Unlike high-impact exercises, walking is gentle on the joints, helps build strong bones (reduces the risk of osteoporosis) and muscles, and improves coordination, making it an excellent activity for people of all ages.

5. Boosted Energy and Productivity

Feeling sluggish? A quick walk can enhance focus, creativity, and energy levels, making it an excellent midday pick-me-up. Many workplaces encourage walking meetings to promote both health and productivity.

6. Social Connection

Walking with family, friends, or classmates fosters social skills, teamwork, and meaningful conversations. A simple walk together strengthens relationships and encourages kids to interact beyond screens.

7. Academic Benefits

Studies show that physical activity, including walking, can boost brain function, memory, and concentration. A short walk before or during school can help kids stay engaged and ready to learn.

8. Building Healthy Habits

When kids develop a habit of walking early on, they are more likely to continue making physical activity a priority as they grow. Walking is a lifelong skill that promotes long-term health and independence.

A Guide to Spring: Info, History, and Spring Outdoor Activities for Kids

 The first day of spring is determined by the vernal equinox, an astronomical event that marks the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

As the chill of winter fades and the flowers begin to bloom, spring is the perfect time for kids to embrace the outdoors. The warmer temperatures and longer days provide countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Spring officially begins on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 19th, 20th, or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Vernal Equinox

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, resulting in nearly equal daylight and nighttime hours across the globe. This event typically happens on March 19, 20, or 21 each year. The exact date varies due to the Earth's elliptical orbit and leap years.

Why Does the Date Change?

The shifting date of the spring equinox is influenced by:

• Leap Years: the addition of an extra day in February every four years helps realign the calendar with the Earth's orbit.
• Earth's Orbit: the planet's slightly irregular orbit around the Sun leads to small variations in seasonal timing.
• Time Zones: the equinox may occur on different dates depending on the observer's location and time zone.

The Importance of Spring

Spring represents renewal, growth, and longer daylight hours. It brings blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and increased outdoor activities. Farmers prepare for planting, and wildlife emerges from hibernation, making it a season of vibrant change.

Whether you celebrate with traditions or simply enjoy the changing scenery, the arrival of spring is a moment to appreciate the beauty and renewal of nature.

  

10 Outdoor Activities

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Spring brings an explosion of new life, making it an ideal season for a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for kids to find, such as blooming flowers, budding trees, insects, birds, and even different shades of green. This activity encourages exploration, observation, and appreciation of nature.

2. Flying Kites

The breezy spring weather is perfect for kite flying. Kids can have a blast watching their colorful kites soar in the sky while running around in open spaces. It's a great way to get them moving while enjoying the fresh air.

3. Gardening Fun

Spring is planting season! Involve kids in gardening by letting them plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Watching their plants grow over time can be a rewarding experience that teaches patience, responsibility, and the basic of caring for living things.

4. Bike Rides

Dust off the bikes and head out for a family bike ride. Spring's mild weather makes cycling an enjoyable activity that promotes exercise and adventure. Choose a scenic trail or a park path, or simply explore the neighborhood.

5. Outdoor Picnics

Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to a park or even your backyard for a delightful picnic. Kids can enjoy their meal in the fresh air and have space to play afterward.

6. Bubble Play

Nothing excites kids more than bubbles! Set up a bubble station with wands and let them chase, pop, and create giant bubbles. It's a simple yet magical activity that brings joy to all ages.

7. Hiking and Exploring Trails

Take advantage of the beautiful spring scenery by going on a family-friendly hike. Choose trails with easy terrain and interesting sights like waterfalls, wildflowers, or small wildlife. It's an excellent way to bond as a family while enjoying the beauty of nature.

8. Sidewalk Chalk Art

Give kids a bucket of colorful chalk and let their creativity shine on sidewalks or driveways. They can draw pictures, create hopscotch games, or even design their own obstacle courses.

9. Visiting a Petting Zoo or Farm

Spring is an exciting time to visit a petting zoo or farm, as many animals have newborns during this season. Kids can interact with and learn about farm animals in a fun and educational environment.

10. Rainy Day Puddle Jumping

Spring showers shouldn't stop the fun! Dress kids in rain boots and let them splash around in puddles. It's a fantastic way for them to enjoy the rain while staying active.

Conclusion

Spring is a season of renewal and adventure, making it the perfect time for kids to engage in outdoor play. These activities not only provide fun but also encourage physical movement, creativity, and an appreciation for nature. So, step outside, breathe in the fresh spring air, and make unforgettable memories.

National Backyard Day - Fun & Easy Stretches For Kids to do Outside

 Celebrate National Backyard Day on March 19th with some fun and easy stretches.

Encouraging kids to stretch and move their bodies is essential for their physical development and overall well-being. Outdoor stretching promotes flexibility and mobility and allows children to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air. Here are some fun and easy stretches that kids can do outside to stay active and energized.

Celebrate National Backyard Day

National Backyard Day is a special day dedicated to enjoying outdoor activities in your own backyard. Celebrated annually, it encourages families to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and make the most of their outdoor spaces. It's the perfect occasion to engage kids in fun outdoor stretches while appreciating the beauty of nature right at home.

#NationalBackyardDay

Backyards offer a peaceful solitude, a restful escape for reading, napping, exploring, gardening friends and family, and taking time to stretch.

8 Stretches to do in Your Backyard

1. Sun Reach Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Raise both arms towards the sky, reaching as high as possible without arching your back.
• Feel a stretch in the arms, shoulders, and upper back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then gently lower the arms.
• Repeat this motion 5 - 6 times.

2. Butterfly Stretch

How to do it:

• Sit on the grass with feet together and knees bent outward.
• Hold the feet with both hands and gently flap the knees up and down.
• Feel a stretch in the inner thighs and hips.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds while taking deep breaths.

3. Side Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Raise one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side, keeping your hips square (facing forward).
• Feel a stretch along the side of your body (torso and obliques).
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds, then switch sides.

4. Tree Pose Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand on one foot and place the other foot against the inner thigh or calf.
• Bring hands together at chest level or reach them towards the sky.
• Feel a stretch in the standing leg for balance and in the hips.
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds and switch legs.

5. Toe Touch Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly bend forward and try to touch the toes.
• Feel a stretch in the hamstrings (back of the legs) and lower back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then return to standing.

6. Shoulder Roll Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand or sit with a straight back.
• Roll the shoulders forward in circular motions, then roll them backward.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper back.
• Repeat 10 times in each direction.

7. Frog Stretch

How to do it:

• Squat down with feet wide apart and hands on the ground.
• Gently press the knees outward to stretch the inner thighs and groin area.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds.

8. Arm Circles

How to do it:

• Stand with arms extended to the sides.
• Make small circles forward for 10 seconds, then backward for 10 seconds.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper arms.

Conclusion

Outdoor stretching is a fantastic way to keep kids active, flexible, and engaged with their surroundings. These simple stretches can be incorporated into playtime, sports, or warm-up routines before other outdoor activities. Encourage kids to have fun while stretching and make it a regular part of their outdoor adventures!

15 Winter Wonderland Adventures: Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities for Kids

Wintertime may be chilly, but it also transforms the outdoors into a magical playground! Don't let the cold keep you cooped up indoors. With the right activities and warm clothes, wintertime can be the perfect season for kids to stay active, burn energy, explore science, and make lasting memories.

1. Snowy Obstacle Course

Transform your backyard into a winter obstacle course! Use snow piles for climbing, avoid flying snowballs, set up tunnels with large cardboard boxes, and mark out zig-zag running paths with sticks. Add a challenge to see who completes the course the fastest.

Pro Tip: Ensure kids wear sturdy boots to prevent slipping and avoid wearing all black clothes or wear reflective apparel or reflective tape if it's getting dark.

2. Create a Snow Volcano

Create a volcano using the snow around a plastic water bottle (don't put the cap on). Pour some baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar into the plastic bottle, then watch it erupt!

The Science: The baking soda (a base) reacts with the vinegar (an acid) producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbly eruption.

3. Build a Snow Fortress

Go beyond the classic snowman and construct a snow fortress. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and a bit of engineering. For some extra fun use the fortress as a snowball target. 

Safety Tip: Don't pack the snowballs too much, encourage soft, loose-packed snowballs to prevent injury and avoid throwing them at faces.

4. Ice Lanterns

Fill balloons with water, add a few drops of food coloring, and leave them outside overnight to freeze. Once solid, peel off the balloon and place an LED tea light inside for a glowing ice lantern.

The Science: Freezing traps the food coloring in the ice, creating beautiful colorful patterns. This experiment also demonstrates how water changes state from a liquid to a solid.

5. Snow Race

Get some fresh air and a good workout running in the snow! Create short or long-distance races to see who can cross the finish line first. For more of a challenge make it a multi-day challenge and see who can accrue the most snow miles during the winter time. Keep a chart to track all participants' miles and whoever has the most is the winner!

Fun Idea:  Participate in a virtual run - run the Iditarod and race with the sled dogs.

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Bundle up and head to the local park or trail for a winter scavenger hunt. Make a list of items like pinecones, animal tracks, icicles, snowmen, and unique leaves. Kids will love searching for these treasures while getting some exercise.

Fun Idea: Bring along a magnifying glass and inspect the various snowflake designs up close.

7. Ice Skating

If there's a local rink or frozen pond nearby (that's deemed safe), Ice skating is a wonderful way to stay active. For beginners, bring a chair or cone to help with balance.

Safety Tip: Always check the ice thickness with a professional if skating on a natural surface and ensure kids wear helmets and/or pads to protect against falls.

8. Sledding and Tobogganing

Sledding is a classic winter activity that never gets old! Find a safe hill away from roads, and let the kids zoom down the hill. Try organizing a sled race or building small ramps for an extra thrill.

Safety Tip: Avoid steep hills and make sure the area is clear of trees, rocks, or other hazards. If it's a chilly day some Vaseline on the cheeks and nose can help protect against the cold.

9. Make Frost on a Can

Fill a can halfway with ice and add a good amount of salt and some water. Wait a few minutes and watch the frost form on the outside of the can.

The Science: The salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing it to absorb heat from the can, making the surface cold enough for frost to form.

10. Winter Hiking and Wildlife Spotting

Many animals leave tracks in the snow, making it a perfect time to observe nature. Take a family hike and look for signs of deer, rabbits, squirrels, or birds. Bring binoculars to spot animals from a distance.

Safety Tip: Layer clothing and pack warm drinks like hot cocoa to enjoy the trail and stay warm.

11. Melting Race

Pack snowballs and place them on different materials (salt, sugar, cinnamon, black pepper) to see which one melts the fastest. Turn it into a game if you have a group of kids where each person picks one material and whoever snowball melts first is the winner!

The Science: Materials like salt lower the freezing point of snow, while darker materials absorb heat faster, speeding up the melting process.

12. Snow Painting

Bring some color to the white landscape with snow painting! Fill Spray bottles with water and food coloring and let the kids create colorful masterpieces in the snow.

Pro Tip: Create stencils out of cardboard for fun and unique designs

13. Frozen Bubble Fun

Blowing bubbles isn't just a summer activity! On especially cold days when the temperatures are below freezing, bubble solution freezes into icy orbs. Watch as the bubbles land and crystallize. Sometimes you might even see them crystallize as they float.

14. Cross-Country Skiing or Snowboarding

If you have access to the equipment, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore snowy trails while staying active. Many parks rent gear, making it accessible for beginners.

Pro Tip: Choose an appropriate slope or trail for your skill level. For younger kids choose the shorter trails to avoid fatigue or bunny hills to build up confidence to tackle the bigger skiing hills.

15. Winter Stargazing

On clear nights, the winter sky offers a stunning view of stars and constellations. Grab blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and a star chart or phone app to identify celestial wonders.

Winter Safety Tips

1. Dress in Layers

Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating layers, and top with a waterproof jacket. Don't forget hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks.

2. Stay Visible

Nightfall starts early, so add reflective gear, avoid dark clothing, and carry flashlights if you are out past dark.

3. Hydration

Kids still need plenty of water, even in cold weather. Keep water bottles handy.

4. Know When to Head Inside

Watch for signs of frostbite (red or pale skin, numb or tingling feeling) or hypothermia (shivering or fatigue) and head indoors to warm up.

5. Use Safe Areas

Conduct experiments away from icy patches or roads.

6. Leave No Trace

Leave the area as you found it to protect the environment.

Winter is a season full of opportunities for adventure and discovery. With these activities and precautions, your kids will stay active, healthy, and entertained all season long.