Active swap, brighter future

One active swap for the whole family

Children don’t need formal 'exercise' to benefit - play is power. Scooting to school, dancing in the kitchen, a kickabout at the park - it all helps build strong bones, better sleep, and brighter moods. The Public Health Annual Report champions activity across the life course and focuses on realistic, fun ways to build it into busy family life. Better still, when you move with your kids, you’re spending time making memories and building good habits that benefit the whole family.

Start with one active swap: Walk the last 10 minutes of a regular journey (the school run, clubs, popping to the shops) - and do it together.

It’s small enough to be doable, but powerful because it adds extra movement to a routine you already have. Over a week, those short walks can add up - and they create a positive, shared habit children can carry forward.

Family ideas for this week (to support your active swap):

• Walk the last 10 minutes' of the school journey

• Try a music on, screens off dance session after homework

• Explore a new local green space at the weekend

• Why not try Cosmic Kids Yoga (opens YouTube) in the comfort of your home

• Take an interest in their sports such and why not try and do it with them

For schools and clubs, the campaign will share packs and ideas during the year to make activity the easy choice before, during and after the school day.

Challenge: Choose one active swap in your family routine (start with 'walk the last 10 minutes') and give it a go for seven days.