As the weather warms up, it’s time to embrace the outdoors and make this summer one to remember for your family. Whether you’re diving into pool adventures, hiking through scenic trails, or enjoying backyard games, the opportunities for fun are endless. With the added bonus of staying active and healthy, these activities offer the perfect way to bond with your loved ones. Here are some exciting ideas for family fun this summer;
- Dive into Pool Adventures
One of the best ways to cool off and stay active in summer is to hit the pool. Swimming is a great full-body workout, and it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Your Fitness Passport membership gives you access to a range of pools, from leisure centres with splash zones for kids to lap pools for adults who want to swim for fitness.
For a fun family day at the pool, mix up your swimming routine with games like:
- Treasure Hunt: Hide toys or weighted objects in the pool and see who can retrieve the most.
- Relay Races: Set up different swimming styles for each leg of the race—freestyle, backstroke, or even a goofy walk through the shallow end!
- Pool Volleyball: Bring a light ball and set up an imaginary net for some competitive fun.
- Water Play: there is a lot of research to support the many benefits of water play for children. From developing motor skills, problem-solving to enhanced concentration and focus and, it introduces maths and science concepts. Some easy household items that you can use to create water play include different-sized cups and containers, sieves, paint brushes, funnels and spades and buckets. Now it’s about letting the child lead and encouraging them to be curious!
Pools aren’t just for fitness—they’re also a great way to bond, laugh, and play as a family. Plus, they offer a cool respite from the summer heat!
- Hit the Bike and Walking Trails
For families that love to explore the outdoors, hitting the trails on foot or by bike is an excellent way to combine adventure with fitness. Many trails across Australia and New Zealand are suitable for all fitness levels, whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or a more challenging bike ride. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Bushwalks: Explore scenic bushland trails where you can teach kids about local wildlife and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the city.
- Bike Rides: With the help of bike trails in national parks or along coastlines, the whole family can ride together. Many trails are flat and easy for kids, offering stunning views along the way. Or if the weather isn’t great, head into your local Fitness Passport facility to ride the stationary bikes or join a spin class.
Biking and hiking not only help build endurance and strength but also allow families to bond over shared adventures, fresh air, and beautiful scenery.
- Backyard Games That Keep the Fun Going
Sometimes the best adventures can be found in your own backyard. When time is short, or you’re looking for a low-key way to stay active, set up a backyard games day. Here are a few fun and energetic options to try:
- Obstacle Course: Use whatever you have around the house—buckets, cones, or pool noodles—to create an obstacle course for everyone to race through. Time each family member to see who can complete the course the fastest.
- Water Balloon Toss: A classic for summer, this game keeps everyone cool and requires coordination and teamwork.
- Tug of War: Divide the family into teams and see who’s the strongest! This game is simple but guarantees a lot of fun and excitement.
- Backyard Soccer: Set up makeshift goals using cones or garden chairs, and have a family soccer match. It’s a great way to encourage team spirit and friendly competition.
Backyard games are a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to get the whole family moving. Plus, they help improve coordination, balance, and even problem-solving skills.
- Beach and Lake Days
For a quintessential summer experience, pack up the car and head to the beach or a nearby lake. Australia and New Zealand offer endless stunning coastal and freshwater spots, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. You can:
- Go Kayaking: Many lakes and calm coastal areas offer kayak rentals, and it’s an activity that suits all ages. Paddling is great for upper body strength, and being on the water is incredibly calming.
- Play Beach Games: Bring along a volleyball or a frisbee for an active day by the water. Beach cricket is another popular game that’s easy to set up and play.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding: This is a fun way to test your balance and core strength, while enjoying time together as a family on the water. Most beaches offer rentals, and kids can give it a try, too!
Spending time near the water offers a wealth of physical and mental health benefits. It’s a great way to unplug and enjoy nature while giving everyone a chance to unwind.
Family bonding doesn’t just happen at the dinner table. It can occur in the middle of a game of backyard soccer, during a challenging bike ride, or as you’re laughing together at the pool. Summer activities provide a great way to connect, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.
Here’s why active play strengthens family bonds:
- Quality Time: By setting aside time for fun and fitness, you’re creating space to connect without distractions.
- Teamwork: Many outdoor activities, from soccer to relay races, require families to work together to succeed, building trust and communication.
- Shared Achievements: Tackling a new challenge, such as learning to ride a bike or scaling a climbing wall, gives families a sense of shared accomplishment and pride.
- Stress Relief: Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress, and doing it as a family helps everyone unwind together.
Being active as a family doesn’t just promote health—it creates opportunities for learning, growth, and deeper connections, so this summer, make the most of the warm weather and the incredible activities on offer. Whether it’s a day at the pool, an outdoor adventure, or a casual game in the backyard, there’s something for every family member to enjoy. With Fitness Passport, you have access to a range of facilities that can help keep everyone active, engaged, and excited for summer fun. So start planning your family’s next adventure today.
To view the full range of Fitness Passport facilities available on your program, access your program landing page via your intranet or speak to your HR team. You can also view them directly through the membership sign up page.
