Increase physical activity
Provide all children with at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
Create an environment where children are able to participate in physical activity every day.
Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and they should participate in vigorous activity on at least 3 days per week. To help children meet this goal, out-of-school programs should provide all children with at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Offer at least 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity on 3 or more days per week. See our Tip Sheet for some examples.
When regular activity is not part of their lifestyle, children are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis when they grow up.
Physical activity tends to decline as children enter the adolescent years, and inactive children and teens are more likely to grow into sedentary adults.
The goal is to engage all children in regular physical activity, regardless of physical or mental abilities, and for them to have fun being active.
Many schools have reduced physical education and recess times so children come to out-of-school-time programs ready to move!
GET STARTED
Create an account, assess your program & create an action plan
Create an account for your program–it’s quick and easy–then assess how closely your program environment and practices align to the OSNAP goals, and create a customized plan for healthier physical activity practices and policies at your program.
Tip Sheet and Fast Map
Find ideas on how to engage staff and children in physical activity at your program every day.
Write policies
Write the policies necessary to clearly lay out your program rules for physical activity.
Afterschool curriculum, Unit 2
Learn about activities to keep kids moving!
Parent materials
Communicate with families about physical activity.
