School’s out, and in many homes, TV, video games and computers are on—too much. According to a study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, children spend more than four-and-one-half hours per day watching TV, video and computer screens. Physical activity for children and adolescents provides important health benefits for cardio-respiratory function, blood pressure and weight management, as well as cognitive and emotional advantages. Try these strategies to encourage healthy, active fun.

Set limits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours of total screen time (TV, videos, computer and video games) and no TV for children age two or younger. Remove TVs and computers from kids’ bedrooms.

Be a good role model. Keep track of your screen time. Are you a good role model for physical activity? This can be an opportunity to improve your health habits, too.

Look for family activities. Join your community swimming pool, hike a local forest preserve, visit museums on free admission days, take family bike rides, play family games like charades, visit an orchard to pick fruit.

Buy pedometers for each member of your family. Have everyone count their steps to see who’s moving around the most. Award a prize to the family member with the highest count at the end of the summer.

Encourage reading. Many libraries have summer reading programs and contests.

Try a no-TV challenge. Unplug for a week. Have the older children keep a journal of their experience.

Motivate your kids to play outside. Choose toys for outdoor fun, such as balls, jump ropes, jacks, chalk, squirt guns and sprinklers. Set up a basketball hoop.

Volunteer. Families are welcome at many food banks, soup kitchens, libraries, nursing homes and animal shelters. Studies show that children who volunteer are less likely to become involved with drugs or alcohol.

Explore new interests. Summer is a great time for children to try new activities such as learning a musical instrument, playing a sport or developing a new hobby.

With a little planning and creativity, you can reduce your children’s dependence on electronics and encourage them to be more physically active and engaged.

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