Study finds link between family dog ownership and girls’ physical activity
Researchers have found a clear link between the acquisition or loss of a family dog and the level of physical activity undertaken by children in the family.
Parents
Supporting ECEC services to increase children’s energetic play throughout the day, every day in a safe and supported environment.
The importance of physical activity and energetic play
Did you know that young children aged 2 to 5 years need at least 3 hours per day in a variety of physical activities, including energetic play, spread throughout the day. More is better!
Five activities parents can do with their children at home!
Visit your local playground
Scoot, skate, ride, or walk to get from place to place, or to explore your neighborhood
Play with balloons, bubbles, or balls. Keep them off the ground!
Have a dance party. Put on your favourite songs and dance!
Play games together. Try hide-and-seek, obstacle courses, or follow the leader!
What is energetic play?
Children aged 3-5 should have at least 60 minutes of energetic play each day. More is better!
Energetic play is ‘huff and puff’ activity. Young children do it in bursts. It is important they have lots of opportunities to do it throughout the day.
Health and developmental benefits
Physical activity provides young children with many health and developmental benefits including:
What is Play Active?
ECEC services play an important role in encouraging young children to be physically active, healthy and developing well.
Backed by 10 years of research and co-created with educators, Play Active provides easy to use and evidence-informed support for ECEC services to boost children’s energetic play at their service.
It’s quick and easy to join.
What do parents say about Play Active?
"I have always been mindful of my children's health and it has been great to see a service like Play Active give parents the information we need to make an informed choice about the right early learning center for my children"
"I wanted to ensure that my children were in the right environment that actively promoted and encouraged active play"
Latest news
Happy International Day of Play
Today marks the first-ever International Day of Play, a day dedicated to the joy, creativity, and connection that play brings.
The Play Gap – Latest study finds only 1 in 10 children are getting enough energetic play in childcare
Our latest research has found that only 1 in 10 children are getting enough energetic play while in childcare.
Become a Play Active member today
Become a Play Active member today and learn ways to provide more opportunities and supportive environments for children’s physical activity
and energetic play.
