Ideas of how to encourage physical activity
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.
Better Health, Healthier Families has lots of fun ideas to get children and young people active and healthy recipes.
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).
Cycling in Solihull – There are lots of FREE family-friendly cycling activities available across the year, as well as children’s learn to ride and cycle skills sessions. These are delivered from the four local bike hubs, so you can even borrow bikes/helmets to join in.
Family Hubs Solihull Family Hubs are local centres where children, young people, parents, and carers can access support and take part in fun activities.
Ways to travel in Solihull links to public transport and additional travel services within Solihull.
Benefits of moving more
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.
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.
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.
he Family Helpline is a free phone line for families and professionals in Solihull to access support for parents and children.
The number is 0121 788 4327 and is available between Monday to Thursday from 09:00am to 4:30pm, and Friday at 09:00am to 4:00pm.
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.