We all know that it’s better to get kids to play outside than play on their computers. However, if it’s a rainy day and your kid wants to surf the net, what are some good websites to encourage for them to learn more about physical activity? Below is a list of websites that I have found interesting:

• Eat Smart. Play Hard from the United States Department of Agriculture. This website has printable activity books, clip art, recipes, games, and grocery store and yard treasure hunts. Check it out!
• VERB from Center for Disease Control. There are games to play online and a blog from many teenagers about their physical activity. As well, teens can create a virtual character (ViRTS) that “plays when you play” by enticing your kid to log their physical activity online. Kids can also create a game (I created “yard hula hopping”, in which you have to hula hoop while hopping around your yard. The one who can hula and hop the longest wins) and then try it out with their friends–this was so cool I wanted to be a kid again!
• Get Active Stay Active is an older website from PepsiCo and the President’s Challenge for Physical Activity and Fitness . It allows kids to create an account to log physical activity and pedometer steps and be awarded a President’s Physical Activity award. These logs can also be done as a class, which is pretty cool (your child’s 6th grade class and her friend’s class can compete to see who logs more activity).
• Kidnetic is a website from the International Food Information Council. This website also has games kids can make up online and play outside/inside, scavenger hunts, dances (you can make on up online and then practice it in your house), recipes, and even a section to learn about the human body.
• BAM is also from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It discusses Body and Mind that lists recipes, and you child can play a “what’s best for your in your school cafeteria” game. Your child can also log his/her physical activity, talk to website staff, and take a quiz to find out what type of physical activity is best for him/her. Not only does it have information regarding food and physical activity, but it discusses diseases, proper gear and safety (sun smarts, helmets), bullies, magazine ads, puberty, and food safety. What a comprehensive website!
• The President’s Challenge is a website from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. There is a section to log your child’s physical activity and participate in the President’s Challenge. Unfortunately, the website’s design doesn’t really look like it would appeal to kids, so it might be good to sit down with your child and work through the site.
• Get Kids in Action is a website designed by Gatorade and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Similar to other websites, your child can create a new game, make a new recipe, and dare to try a new food. She or he can also learn about sports superstars and log in to their physical activity site (to see what different things they can do in 60 minutes–and get an activity coach). Another great website!

There are so many other physical activity websites for kids to go–these are just a few. Share your kid’s favorite activity websites by commenting on this post!