How do you include physical activity in your summer vacation plans?

"Our family vacations revolve around (traveling to) my kids softball/baseball games. We play on the playground between games, swim at the hotels, play catch and pack a cooler with healthy snacks and lots of cold water!"

Jill, Auburn, Illinois

"We have a family pass to our local zoo, which partners with other zoos across the country. Whenever we travel, we check for a participating zoo in the area so our boys will have an opportunity to explore. They hardly know they’re walking."

Jenna, Hillsboro, Oregon

"Hiking with preschoolers can be a challenge. To keep our boys interested, each hike becomes a scavenger hunt to find something every color of the rainbow. It keeps them going, and helps us spot things we might have missed."

Jenna, Hillsboro, Oregon

"Before we go on vacation I buy books that advise on where you can do things such as hike or rent bikes."

Vesna, San Jose, California

"Pair up with a family or friend at your destination who has an athletic skill or active hobby that your family might enjoy and go out together for a fun, personal ‘lesson.’ We did this in California and my son learned to body surf and did not stop for a solid week!"

Lourdes, Miami, Florida

"With our son, whenever we need active moments, my husband or I will call out ‘running break!’ If we're on the beach or near a park, obviously it's easy. We all drop what we're doing and just run around for 3–5 minutes without stopping. But we've been known to do ‘jumping jack breaks’ in parking lots, ‘skipping breaks’ in airports and ‘staircase breaks’ in museums or hotel lobbies with lots of wide steps. A few of these a day and you've all gotten some exercise."

Megan, Arlington, Virginia

"We’ll look at the map of the area we’re in and find nature trails. But we always aim for a lake or a waterfall, or something special to see at the end so there’s a destination the kids look forward to."

Ann, Oakton, Virginia

"Our family’s quest is to visit all the national parks. We’ve found a few books that highlight the best children’s hikes in these parks, so we always follow those. We’ve found that especially for our young children, these parks are the perfect place for them to enjoy the outdoors and be able to run around."

Lydia, Bozeman, Montana