Physical activity is very important for the growth of children. It helps build a healthy body, stronger bones and muscles.

Children 3 to 5 years old should engage in at least two hours of physical activity a day. One of those two hours should be unstructured play.

What is unstructured play? It’s play that is not parent or instructor-led; no directions, no rules, just FUN! It’s free play like running, jumping rope, hopping, climbing, playing with balls, and playing with toys.

Here are some ideas for unstructured play:

-Turn up music and let children dance however way they feel.
-Play easy games like “tag” “catch” and “hide and seek.”
-Play games in the yard or park.
-Take a nature hike.
-Play with pets.
-Throw a frisbee, kick a ball.
-Ride a bike, tricycle, skate, scooter.

Children love to move! Try to help them do it every day.

Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Let's Keep Moving: Unstructured Play, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

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Associated Programs

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.

Eat Smart Be Active - Let's Keep Moving: Unstructured Play

Physical activity is very important for the growth of children. It helps build a healthy body, stronger bones and muscles.

Children 3 to 5 years old should engage in at least two hours of physical activity a day. One of those two hours should be unstructured play.

Here are some ideas for unstructured play:

-Turn up music and let children dance however way they feel.
-Play easy games like “tag” “catch” and “hide and seek.”
-Play games in the yard or park.
-Take a nature hike.
-Play with pets.
-Throw a frisbee, kick a ball.
-Ride a bike, tricycle, skate, scooter.

Children love to move! Try to help them do it every day.

Published by: Weigel, D., 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Let's Keep Moving: Unstructured Play, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno