Family Fitness Activities We Do Together
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Getting the whole family active together doesn't have to mean a gym membership or expensive classes. Some of our favourite ways to stay fit cost nothing at all, and the kids don't even think of them as exercise.
We live by the coast, and we're an outdoorsy family. Between bouldering, hiking, bike rides and the sea, there's usually something active on the calendar every week.
Here are the family fitness activities we actually do together, what they involve and what they cost, plus some more indoor and outdoor family activities to try.
Bouldering
Bouldering is our newest family activity, and it's quickly become a regular part of our week. We go to our local climbing centre twice a week, and everyone climbs together, whatever their level.
Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls without ropes, with thick crash mats underneath. The routes are graded by colour, so you can start on the easiest ones and work your way up.
It's a full-body workout, but it feels more like solving a puzzle than exercising. And it's really satisfying when you finally finish a route you've been stuck on.
It's also great for parents and kids to do at the same time. Nobody's waiting around on the side while the others have fun.
And as it's indoors, bouldering is a brilliant rainy day activity too.
How much does bouldering cost?
We pay £85 a month for a family peak membership. Off-peak is cheaper, but it doesn't suit us, as we go after school on weekdays and in the mornings at weekends.
We go twice a week, so it works out at around £10 for the four of us each time. And we usually stay for two to four hours, so it's really good value!
Climbing walls
As well as bouldering, we love the fun climbing walls at climbing centres. These are taller, themed walls with auto belays, so you're clipped in and lowered safely back down when you let go.
They're a brilliant way to try climbing if you're not sure about it yet. Lots of centres offer them as a one-off session, which makes them a great day out in the school holidays or on a rainy weekend.
Family hikes and walks
Hiking is one of the easiest ways to get the whole family moving, and it's completely free. We go on family hikes regularly, and there's always somewhere new to explore.
It's real quality time together too. Hikes are a great time to talk and catch up, without any distractions.
Pack some snacks and water, wear decent shoes and let the kids help choose the route. They're much more motivated when it's their idea!
I also walk every day, often for an hour or more. At the weekends, I'll take the kids with me on some of my walks, which is a lovely way to spend time together.
Coastal walks
Living by the sea, coastal walks are a big part of our life. We have 11 beaches within an hour's walk of our house, so we're very spoilt!
Coastal paths can be hilly, so they're a great workout without feeling like one. Just check the tide times and keep well back from cliff edges, especially with younger children.
Bike rides
We love family bike rides, and Cornwall has some brilliant places to go. One of our favourites is the Camel Trail near us, which is a mostly flat, traffic-free trail that's perfect for all ages.
We also go to Lanhydrock, where there are trails through the woods at different levels of difficulty. There's a pump track with jumps and ramps too, so there's something for everyone.
Cycling is great for fitness, and once you have bikes, most trails are free to ride. If you're a keen cyclist, here's why you should consider cycling insurance to protect your bikes.
Scooting at skate parks
Our kids also love scooting at local skate parks and pump tracks. It's a great way for them to burn off energy, build confidence and learn new tricks.
Most skate parks are free to use, so it's an easy one to fit in after school or at the weekend. Just make sure they wear a helmet, and pads if they're trying anything new.
Tennis
All four of us play tennis, and it's great for fitness, coordination and a bit of friendly competition. You can play doubles with four of you, so nobody's left out.
Honestly though, the kids often get bored after a while. They'll go off to play in the park or find something else to do, and my husband and I carry on once they've had enough!
We use free tennis courts locally, so it doesn't cost us anything. When it's raining, you could pay to play indoors at a tennis centre instead.
You don't need expensive kit either, just a racket each and some balls. Our local tennis centre once had a preloved racket sale, so we picked up some quality rackets for a fraction of their full price.
Basketball and rounders in the park
Some of our most fun family exercise doesn't need any booking at all. We like shooting hoops at the basketball court in our local park, and playing rounders on the playing field.
All you need is a ball, or a bat and ball for rounders, and you can play for as long as you like. It's simple, free and everyone can join in, whatever their age.
Paddleboarding and kayaking
In the summer, we're out on the water as much as we can be. We have SUPyaks, which work as both a paddleboard and a kayak, so we can switch between the two depending on how we feel.
Paddleboarding is brilliant for balance and core strength, and kayaking is a great upper-body workout. Both are a lovely way to explore the coast from a different view.
They're an upfront cost, but once you own them, every trip out is free if you use an estuary or the sea. Some rivers, waterways and lakes aren't free or you might need a licence. Check in your local vicinity. Always wear a buoyancy aid, and check the weather and conditions before you go - read these articles for more information:
Sea swimming
Sea swimming is another one of our summer favourites. It's free, it's refreshing, and it's an amazing full-body workout.
Our local beaches are lifeguarded in the summer, so we use those whenever we can. There are also several beaches a short drive away with tidal pools, which are great for swimming.
The sea can be much colder than you expect, even in summer, so get in slowly. Swim between the flags and never swim alone.
Bodyboarding
Bodyboarding is one of the most fun ways to stay active by the sea. All you need is a board and some waves!
We stick to lifeguarded beaches when it's busy in the summer, but we also sometimes go early before the crowds arrive for a bodyboard. We know which beaches and spots to avoid, with regular rip currents or dangerous waves, so we're always careful.
But you can never be 100% safe in the sea. If you don't know a beach, always choose a lifeguarded one and ask the lifeguards about conditions.
It's a great one for kids, as they can start in the shallows and build up their confidence. It's worth spending a bit more on a decent board, though. The cheap polystyrene ones are bad and break apart in the sea!
I use a wooden bellyboard, which lasts years, if not forever. And we've also invested in some better quality bendable, unbreakable bodyboards.
In Cornwall, many surf shops lend out wooden boards for free, or you can hire better quality bodyboards. And once you have good kit, it's another activity that's free.
Surfing
My husband and our son surf together. Surfing is hard work, with lots of paddling, but it's brilliant for fitness and confidence.
I've had a go at surfing too, but I prefer my wooden bellyboard. Our daughter has also surfed at fun surf days with school, but she prefers swimming or bodyboarding too.
If you're new to it, surf lessons are the best way to start. A good surf school will teach you the basics safely and help you choose the right board.
Golf
My husband and son also play golf together, mainly at the driving range. It's an easy way to try golf without committing to a full round, and you can just turn up and hit a bucket of balls.
Golf is more active than people think, especially if you walk the course rather than using a buggy. There are some great mental health benefits of playing golf too.
Most driving ranges let you borrow or hire clubs, so you don't need to buy any to start. Our son has his own kid-sized set of golf clubs, which my husband got second-hand on eBay.
If you are buying clubs for the family, you can find Mizuno golf here.
Swimming
We all go swimming together every now and then. We used to go a lot when we were members of a health club, but we've had to stop that for now, so we go less often.
Swimming is such a good time to talk and catch up. My daughter used to love swimming with me once a week, and she'd tell me about her whole school day from start to finish!
Public swimming pools are a much cheaper option, and many have family sessions with inflatables and slides that kids love. If your children are still learning, here's whether private swimming lessons are worth the cost.
If you fancy something different, a beginners aqua aerobics class is another great way to stay active in the pool.
Yoga
I do yoga at home most days, using YouTube videos on a mat in the kitchen. It's free, and you can do it whenever suits you.
When the kids were younger, they sometimes joined in with kids' yoga videos. They're not so interested now, but it's a lovely, calm family activity if your children enjoy it.
More family fitness ideas to try
If you want to try something new, here are some more ideas for active family activities:
- Rollerblading or roller skating: great for balance, and lots of fun on a smooth path or at a skate park.
- Skateboarding: another skate park favourite, and brilliant for building confidence.
- Badminton: our son plays badminton at an after-school club, but we haven't played it as a family yet.
- Padel: a mix of tennis and squash that's growing really quickly in the UK, and easy for beginners to pick up.
- Pickleball: a slower, easier racket sport that's great for all ages.
- Volleyball: perfect for the beach or the park in summer.
- Cricket: a classic for the park or the beach, and everyone can have a go.
How to keep family fitness affordable
Staying active as a family doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what works for us:
- Make the most of free activities. Hikes, coastal walks, bike trails, skate parks, park courts, sea swimming and bodyboarding cost nothing once you're there.
- Buy kit once and use it lots. Once you've bought a couple of rackets or a ball, lots of these activities are free.
- Choose the membership you'll actually use. Off-peak bouldering is cheaper, but peak suits when we go, and going twice a week makes it great value.
- Look for cheaper alternatives. Public pools and park tennis courts cost much less than a health club membership.
- Try before you commit. Driving ranges and taster sessions are a cheap way to see if everyone enjoys something.
If you're struggling to find the time, here's how to incorporate exercise into daily life without it feeling like a chore.
Final thoughts
Family fitness activities are great for making memories and staying fit and healthy together. And many of them are free or cheap, so they count as family entertainment too!
For us, it's bouldering, hiking, bike rides and time in the sea, and none of it feels like a workout. Try a few different things and see what sticks, and you might find your new favourite family hobby.
If you're planning a trip, these things to do on a family break to Cornwall might help you plan it.
