Importance of Kids Playing Together

May 19, 2016

Family time is always challenging with the influx of electronic devices, age differentials and scheduling conflicts. Check out these active ideas to get some device-free bonding time that your 12 year old will enjoy as much as your 7 year old. 

"Kids can bond and cross age-barriers really well through sport and play," commented Craig Woodcock, Director of Camp, Chelsea Piers NY. "Interestingly children will make accommodations and make special rules for younger children within a physical game in order to have enough participants to make it fun. Physical play is a common denominator among children. Families need to recognize this more when they are looking for family time.  It is the same premise we use in a camp setting."

It is easy for a child to become sedentary with their games, phones, iPads, etc. Playing with others strengthens friendships, social skills and helps them to discover the joys of physical activity.

Rock climbing, ice skating, golf, and bowling are all examples of games that can be done together with each person participating at their own level. Everyone has fun! Many of these are also lifelong sports that your children are likely to come across in various settings later in life — and can be done year round.