Fun Cardiovascular Activities for Kids

Fun cardiovascular activities are a great way to improve kids fitness. And don't worry...

Getting a good cardio workout doesn't have to mean running grueling sprints on a track! 

It can mean a fun fitness challenge game, a new kind of tag, a ball-kicking game, a dodging game, or a variety of other aerobic sports.

In addition to all the free sports games you will find throughout this site, try some of these exciting options for heart-healthy exercise.

These physical activities and games are so much fun, your kids will forget they're working hard.

The possibilities are endless!

Kids Aerobic Sports Ideas

Cardiovascular Activities
How about some fun on wheels?

Rollerblades

Rollerblades provide endless ideas for heart-pumping fun! Cruise with friends in your neighborhood, find a local skating rink or park, or try a pick up game of street hockey. If one row of wheels is a bit daunting, try roller skates for a little more stability.  Trade in the wheels for some blades and give ice skates a try.

Scooters have come a long way since I was a kid!

To get your hear pumping, I recommend avoiding ones that are motorized. After all, that defeats the whole purpose of building up a good sweat!

Try one with 2 wheels or the super popular 3-wheeled variety.

2-wheel scooters

3-wheel scooters

Skateboards

Skateboards not only make great fun while giving your legs a good workout, but they also provide a cool mode of transportation to school and around the block.  Skate parks are very popular in many neighborhoods, so you can test your skills on ramps, jumps, rails, bowls, etc. Before going too crazy, I would definitely recommend protective head, knee, and elbow gear!

Pedal cars are a fun, unique way for both kids and adults to increase their heart rates!  My brother has a fleet of Berg pedal cars. Our entire family (from my 6'3" baby brother to my 12-year old daughter) rode around for hours together at our last family reunion. We not only burned tons of calories but also turned lots of heads!

Pedal cars

Bikes are a classic way to get cardio exercise. You can start your kids super young with bikes that transform from rockers to small trikes. When they get a little older, they can move up to balance bikes without pedals. These bikes are really popular and highly rated. They allow kids to push off the ground with their feet while learning to balance. 

Then when they're ready they can progress to pedal bikes with training wheels. It won't be long until the training wheels are ready to come off!

Trikes

Balance bikes

Kids bikes

Cardio Exercise for Kids
Is jumping more your style?

Jump roping is a well-known and incredibly popular cardio exercise activity, but why not give some other jumping and hopping activities a try?

Trampolines

Pogo sticks

Hippity hops

Skippers

Double dutch jump ropes

Cardiovascular Activities
Build your own obstacle course

Use your imagination and any items you have around your house or in your backyard that can be jumped over, crawled through, walked across, balanced on, climbed up, run around, etc. We have spent so many fun hours at home creating different courses and timing ourselves on our way to achieving new records! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Cardiovascular Activities
Get out & experience nature

There's nothing better than getting outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer. There are kids fitness opportunities galore in both hot and cold climates.

Physical Activities for Kids
How about climbing?

Climbing rocks has always been a favorite activity of ours. I fondly remember spending half a day climbing the boulders in New York's Central Park.

Have you ever climbed a rock wall? Definitely more challenging than it looks, you can get a great workout in a short amount of time. And if you're afraid of heights, no problem! You can get plenty of cardio exercise only a few inches off the ground. 

Physical Activities for Kids
Cool off in the water

Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular activities there is. Moving around in the water increases the heart rate without the body overheating or enduring the pounding that comes from running and jumping. Chasing after some diving toys or playing tag games in the pool are fun ways to get exercise. 

Aerobic Activity
Run & play with your dog

One of the best ways to wear out your youngster is to throw him out back with the family dog! Dogs love to run and chase and fetch. Take your dog for a walk or jog. Whatever activity you choose you will reap the added benefit of bonding with your furry friend and providing them the exercise they need as well.

Cardiovascular Activities
Are you stuck indoors?

I know for a lot of kids it's not possible to go outside and play. And though I am a strong believer in the benefits that come from participating in real sports activities, the age of technology has given us some great indoor alternatives.

As long as you get up off the couch and on your feet, these video games can provide a good deal of aerobic exercise as well!

Wii Fit

Kinect Sports

Kinect Sports

Related kids fitness articles:

What is aerobic exercise?
Try Zumba fitness classes for a fun and exhilarating cardio exercise workout!
Health benefits of physical activities for kids

More fun calorie-burning aerobic sports ideas!

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