It is important for children and young people to be physically active. This page shares information and ideas of how to get children and young people more active, why it is so important, and the support available.
Benefits of moving more
Physical activity is central to children’s/young people’s normal growth and development and its importance continues through their school years and into adulthood and older age, ensuring:
- healthy bones, muscles and joints
- a healthy heart and lungs
- good coordination and movement control
- a healthy body weight
- reduced risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers
- helps to improve mood and help children and young people to feel happier
Children and young people need to be physically active for at least 60 minutes per day, ideally 30 minute in school and 30 minutes outside of school.
This activity needs to be moderate to vigorous physical activity, and does not need to be all at once. Examples are riding bikes and scooters, playing football or basketball, martial arts and swimming.
It should also include bone and muscle strengthening activities 3 times a week. These are things like climbing on playground equipment, jumping and hoping.
Being active isn’t just about feeling stronger, fitter, more energetic and sleeping better. It’s also about having fun!
For an overview of the benefits of physical activity for children and young people and ideas of how children can be active explore the Physical Activity guidelines.
Ideas of how to encourage physical activity
Active Together Parks – a great way to explore your local parks and earn points for your school at the same time. Pop down to your local park and scan the QR code found on banners and posters. Launching again Summer 2024 – 26th June – 9th July 2024.
Better Health, Healthier Families has lots of fun ideas to get children and young people active and healthy recipes.
Would you like to know more about local activities or sports clubs within Solihull? Visit My Solihull Maps where you can search for local clubs.
Solihull Family Information Service – a webpage where you can find the Family Information Service Directory (which allows you to search for activities and support services) and other resources such as information on HAF (Holiday Activities and Food), how to find childcare, and useful information for childcare providers.
Marathon Kids UK is facilitated across two parks within Solihull – Solihull North (North Solihull Sports Centre) and Solihull Olton. These sessions are a free running event and encourage all the family to participate. Suitable for children all ages and abilities welcome.
Malvern Park -Junior Parkrun A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds).
ParkPlay Building healthier and happier communities through the life changing power of play. Coming to Solihull in July 2023.
Cycling in Solihull check one of the four bike hub’s where you can hire a bike and also learn how to ride a bike. Lots of free sessions to book onto during the summer.
Family Play Fun free inclusive summer holiday activities for children and young people aged 6-16 years or young adults up to 25 with additional needs.
Disability Sports
There are a variety of opportunities across Solihull, to explore what’s on offer look through our Solihull Get’s Active programme. This programme has information regarding sessions and organisations that provide inclusive physical activities and sports for children and young people.
The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity is The Activity Alliance.
Local Services
Eat Well Move More
Eat Well Move More is a healthy lifestyles programme for families with children and young people aged 4-16 years who have concerns over their child’s health, and would like support and guidance to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Parenting Support
Solihull Parenting team offers a range of supportive groups and workshops for parents and carers in Solihull, taking place both face-to-face and virtually, and all free of charge.
Solihull School Nursing
Each school within Solihull has a named school nurse to help children and young people (from school entry to 19 years old) to take responsibility for their own health and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Solihull Health Visiting Service
Solihull Health Visitors provide expert information, developmental assessments and interventions for babies, children and families along the parenthood journey – from before your baby is born until 5 years of age.
Leisure Centres in Solihull
Tudor Grange Everyone Active Leisure Centre located within Solihull.
North Solihull Sport Centre Everyone Active Leisure centre located in north of Solihull.