Get a Little Active with Your Kids in Austin

The challenge: In a time when there are so many dual working-parent families meshed with homework, the work commmute, video games and all-day cartoon availabliltiy, it's often hard to find the time, inclination and/or money to get my family to put in any kind of physical workout during the week. While our schools certainly help with P.E. and some outdoor activities, it just doesn't seem enough. During the work week, when everyone gets home from school or jobs, there's still dinner to fix and eat, homework to conquer and baths to be taken. What else CAN you do?

I have many friends that do the gym workout during the work day -- but between the drive getting there and back (which requires gas and time both ways), I'm already down a few bucks and have overtaxed my lunch "hour." Exercise is supposed to relieve stress, but in this case -- I'm worried that I was gone too long and I haven't even had lunch yet! -- not so much. And, this alone would still leave the kids with no physical outlet.

So, for the kids, many parents sign them up for a local sport (which I've actually done with my son this year -- maybe that will be another story) but what if your schedule or pocketbook just doesn't permit? Then what?

And then there are the weekends. They are filled with some wonderful things, but not necessarily exercise -- church activities, birthday parties, sleeping late (if you're lucky), house chores, grocery shopping, football, date nights and more. And, living in Texas, once it's past Noon there's a good chance it's too hot to try anything outdoors. You blink an eye and the opportunities have past.

The answer:
So, here's what I've found that works for me (and the exercise is completely FREE!)

During the weekdays, my son goes to school. In the past, that meant packing up in the car and heading out. Now, that means being ready about 30 minutes before school doors open, grabbing a road-ready bite to eat and a couple of bottles of water and getting some quality exercise in the form of a walk. The great thing about it -- I get one-on-one time with my son with little distraction. As a bonus, I save a little gas AND I feel better about how much C02 I'm NOT putting in the ozone -- so I may even be saving a little stress too.

As for the weekends, I just love Austin. As such. I've found you can pick at least one day that you are committed to getting up a little early -- either Saturday or Sunday depending on your overall plans -- to enjoy it. Lately, we've packed up the whole clan (including Grandma) and gone out to the newly named Lady Bird Lake. It's a moderate drive for us, so I like to make it worthy. The entire family goes for a walk around the lake. While there I recommend checking out the new Town Lake Park (soon to be renamed). It's a great place to stop and let the kids cool off after stretching their legs. The water section has water jets that come out of the ground. They aren't as powerful as you might imagine, but certainly good enough to get everyone wet and refreshed (you may want to pack a bag and bring towels).

If you go on a Saturday, before or after your walk, you can get in a little grocery shopping or grab a snack at the Farmer's Market at Republic Square (it's close). It features local farmers and vendors with some GREAT stuff. There's even live music after 10 AM.

If it's Sunday, you can add to your morning by catching the FREE kid's show at Ruta Maya at 10:30 AM. The kid's will appreciate it after "putting up" with the walk and you can relax and enjoy a flavorful coffee, cold smoothie or other refreshing drink.

So, there you have it. Seems simple, but works great. We're spending more family time and being at least a little healthy doing it. Hope this helps you too -- even if it just bring a new idea to life.