Get Fit (and Fun)

Om Sweet Om
You have to live under Hazard Rock to not know about the health and mind benefits of yoga. What you might not know, however, is that young yogis reap the same whole body benefits while strengthening their coordination and flexibility. Focus Yoga puts the fun in staying fit with a variety of classes suitable for kids aged three to teen. 

Run Around on a Rainy Day
April showers will bring some much-needed flowers… and also wet and muddy playgrounds. KidZone in the Lafayette Mill Complex packs the same punch as a playground yet in a dry and clean setting. Room to run, bouncy houses and slides give your kids the gross motor action they crave, all the while keeping them sweaty and silly. 

Horsing Around
Sneak in some physical and mental exercise with horseback trail riding at Stepping Stone Ranch. With the lush surroundings of Arcadia State Park and a beautiful and friendly riding partner, kids won’t even realize they are strengthening their muscles, balance and coordination. Giddy up. 

Lace ‘Em Up
Gliding with grace is just a few lessons away at the South County Skating School. Eight week sessions, designed by the United States Figure Skating Association, teach children as young as four the ins and outs of ice skating. And with classes offered indoors year-round, it’s the most reliable way to get on the ice. Lessons are helt at URI’s Boss Arena.

Just Keep Swimming
After the grayest winter ever, we’re all counting down the days till our toes touch sand. But before you get those tootsies in the water, be sure your beach babes know at least the basic swimming skills. The YMCA has a range of lessons that will keep your kids paddling, floating and diving. Consider it beach boot camp. 

Eat Fresh and Local
What better way to get your kids to eat healthier than to have them shop healthier? The South Kingstown Farmers Market is a great place to start, what with all of the locally sourced fruits, veggies, artisan breads and locally raised meat available. Kids will have a blast picking out their own food, talking to those who grew it, and hopefully trying it at home. You’ll never get – or want, for that matter – such a dynamic interaction with Velveeta. 

Sneak in Some Exercise
Kids love to burn off energy, but if you tell them it’s exercise they might be less than excited to. At Olympic Jr., a new initiative at Olympic Physical Therapy, your secret is safe. A colorful room brimming with balance beams, yoga mats, monkey bars and an eight foot rock wall makes it look like all fun and games, but they’ll be working major muscle groups and gaining confidence in coordination. If only our exercise could be that fun.