Keep active with the kids this summer in Reading
The summer holidays are here and for those of us with children, it can be hard to maintain those healthy exercise routines once the school break up. I have 3 active young boys and the 6 weeks holidays are a really busy time for me, particularly as I have to keep working too. But I do try to make the time I spend with my sons not just fun but also active. So I’d thought I’d share some of the things I’ve loved doing with my children in the past that has kept me fit and active during the long summer breaks and which might give you some ideas of what to do with the kids this summer in Reading.
The park
It seems no matter how old the boys get, they still love going to the park. And in Reading we have such great outdoor play areas to choose from. There are great playparks at Dinton Pastures, Sol Jol or Palmer Park to name just a few. Go along and turn the equipment into an assault course for the whole family – can the kids beat mum or dad? Or take a football and replicate the best games from the world cup!
Walks
Why not go for a walk in the summer holidays, particularly in the evening time when the weather is cooler and there is golden gleam to everything! There are some great places to walk in the Reading area. Have you tried California Country Park, the Lookout in Bracknell, Christchurch Meadows, Windsor Great Park or Virginia Water. Also we have lots of riverside walks which can be great with children. Why not try walking along the Thames Path from Kings Meadow past Caversham Lock and beyond? Or go the other way from Thames Valley Park, past Sonning Lock to Sonning and even Henley.
Outdoor exercise equipment
Outdoor gyms have sprung up in many of our parks and the often have the same kinds of machines as you’d find in a gym. There is one at Cintra Park in Reading, and one at Winnersh park and I believe Bracknell also have their fair share with ones in Jocks Lane, Calfridus Way and The Elms. You can get a really good workout on the different machines and the children will love challenging you to do more reps!
Try out a new sport
Trying something new as a family can be really fun in the holidays. Why not book a session at Reading Climbing Centre or go Skiing at Woodley’s dry ski slope. You could hire a boat and row up the Thames or climb the dizzying heights of Go Ape in Bracknell. If that is all a little too adventurous, why not commit as a family to go swimming once a week if you don’t already, or have a knock around on one of Reading’s many tennis courts?
Bring them along to class!
Rather than doing something new, why not involve the kids into your regular fitness routine? If you run, take them with you! If you swim or cycle, get them involved too. And remember, all children over the age of 10 can attend my fitness classes, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. I’d love to see some of your families enjoying my classes together!