With the start of the school year, it’s a great time for parents and caregivers to help kids build healthy habits — and one of the most important is staying active. Regular physical activity not only keeps kids healthy but also boosts their confidence, focus, and mood.

Some children take to sports naturally. They’re the ones chasing balls at the park or signing up for every school team. For others, getting active can take a little more encouragement. The good news? No matter where your child falls, there are simple ways to make physical activity part of everyday life.

When to Start

It’s never too early to get kids moving. Babies build strength and coordination through rolling, crawling, and play. As children grow, they benefit from unstructured play - running around the yard, riding bikes, or tossing a ball.

When it comes to organized sports, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until at least age 6. Before then, focus on play that builds basic skills like throwing, catching, or kicking. These early activities lay the foundation for sports down the road.

One Sport or Many?

Parents often wonder if kids should focus on a single sport or try multiple. The answer depends on your child’s personality, interests, and comfort level.

For many families, sampling different activities is best. According to the U.S. Center for Safe Sports, trying several sports - especially short, seasonal ones - helps kids discover what they truly enjoy. This variety keeps things fun and reduces the risk of burnout or overuse injuries.

Studies show the average child quits organized sports by age 11, often because “it’s not fun anymore.” Keeping options open helps kids stay excited about being active. And if your child finds a sport they love and wants to focus on it? That’s great too - just make sure the experience stays positive and balanced.

Where to Find Activities

There are many affordable options to help your child get moving. Local YMCAs, county programs, and community leagues often offer soccer, basketball, baseball, or dance at little or no cost.

Soccer is one of the most popular entry-level sports for kids, and here in Miami-Dade, it’s becoming even more accessible thanks to The Children’s Trust. In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Griffin Catalyst, the Trust launched the Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative which has already opened numerous “mini-pitches” - small, safe soccer fields - across the county. By 2026, the goal of the initiative is to open 50 of these fields, turning unused spaces into hubs for fun, fitness, and community connection.

After-school and summer programs funded by The Children’s Trust are another great way to keep kids active. From sports to dance to fitness-based activities, these programs provide daily opportunities for exercise, especially for families with limited economic resources. Visit 211miami.org/AfterSchool or TheChildrensTrust.org/FindAProgram to find a program near you.

Making Activity Part of Every Day

While sports are great, staying active doesn’t always mean joining a team. Families can build movement into their daily routines with simple, free activities:

• Take evening walks together.
• Visit a local park and play tag or toss a ball.
• Turn chores into a game, like timing how fast the kids can tidy up.
• Have a family dance-off in the living room.

The key is consistency. Even 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity can make a big difference to your child’s health and well-being.