How Much Physical Activity Do Kids Need?

Life as a parent is full-on. Between school runs, work commitments, dinner prep and everything in between, it’s no wonder the question of how much physical activity kids need often slips through the cracks. But if you’ve ever wondered whether your little ones are moving enough—and how to help them do more—you’re not alone. 

The good news? Getting kids active doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with the right approach, it can be one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of your day.

Let’s take a look at what the guidelines say, why movement matters, and how you can help your kids meet their daily activity needs in simple, achievable ways, right from your own backyard. 

What the Experts Say About Physical Activity for Kids

According to the Australian Government’s physical activity guidelines, children aged 5 to 17 years should be getting at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Kids can break this up throughout the day; it doesn’t need to happen all at once.

On top of that, they should be engaging in activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least three days a week.

If that sounds like a big ask, here’s the reassuring part: it doesn’t need to involve organised sports or structured workouts. For kids, the best kind of movement is usually unstructured, playful and fun. Think climbing, swinging, running, jumping, or riding a bike. It’s the kind of movement kids naturally dive into when they have the time and space to be themselves..

Why It Matters More Than Ever

We’re raising kids in a world where screen time often takes priority over play. With so many indoor distractions, it’s easy to overlook how much they’re actually moving—or how long they’re sitting still. The time they spend sitting, especially in front of screens, is on the rise, and it can have long-term effects on both physical and mental health.

But the health benefits of physical activity go far beyond burning off extra energy.

Staying active helps kids:

• Develop stronger bones and muscles
• Improve coordination and motor skills
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Sleep better at night
• Boost their mood and self-confidence
• Focus more on school 

Even small bursts of moderate physical activity throughout the day can make a difference. It’s about creating habits that stick, not hitting perfection. 

Making Movement Part of the Day (Without Making It a Chore)

You don’t need a daily action plan or hours of free time to support your child’s movement needs. The secret lies in weaving activity into their day in ways that feel natural and fun, not forced.

Here’s how.

Build it into routine

Try connecting active play to parts of the day that already happen, like after school, before dinner or after homework. It becomes part of the rhythm rather than a task on the to-do list.

Let play lead the way

Kids are more likely to move if they’re having fun. Think about how they already like to play—do they enjoy climbing? Balancing? Swinging? Jumping? Encouraging those interests is key to keeping them engaged and active.

Create the right environment

If you make your backyard an exciting place to play, your kids will naturally want to spend more time out there. Equipment like Funky Monkey Bars inspires creativity and movement while staying safe, durable, and easy to set up—even in smaller spaces.

Keep it flexible

You don’t need to hit 60 minutes in one go. Ten minutes here, twenty there—it all adds up. The important part is consistency. A few minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity a couple of days a week can be as impactful as a structured class. 

Common Barriers (And Easy Solutions)

Every parent wants their child to be active, but real-life barriers often get in the way. Here’s how to work around some of the most common ones.

Not enough time

Between work, school and after-school commitments, life can feel like a blur. But kids don’t need long blocks of time. Even short bursts of play in the backyard can help meet their activity targets, especially if that play includes muscle-strengthening activity like climbing, swinging, or hanging.

Limited outdoor space

Not every family has a big backyard. Modular play equipment, like modular monkey bars, that fit smaller areas while still delivering plenty of fun and variety. You can build up as your needs grow and choose accessories that suit your space and your kids’ interests.

Concerns about safety

Not every family has a big backyard. But modular play equipment like Funky Monkey Bars makes it easy to fit physical activities each day into smaller spaces. You can build out or scale back as needed while still offering activities that strengthen growing bodies.

Competing with screens

Screens aren’t going anywhere, but they don’t have to dominate the day. Offering a fun alternative, like cargo nets or a flying fox, gives kids a reason to choose outdoor play over passive screen time. 

The Role of Backyard Play

To come full circle, children aged 5–12 years need at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, with extra focus on muscle and bone strengthening a few days a week. While the guidelines are a helpful reference, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, play, and making movement a normal part of everyday life.

Even something as simple as climbing the monkey bars after school or racing across the lawn can tick the box. The more opportunities they have to move freely, the more likely they are to meet their needs—and feel great doing it.

So, How Much Physical Activity Do Kids Need?

To come full circle, how much physical activity do kids need?

At least one hour a day, with a mix of moderate and vigorous movement. But more importantly, they need the opportunity to move freely, regularly, and with joy.

While sports and scheduled activities play an important role, kids get some of their best movement when they have the freedom to explore, climb, swing, and create on their own. 

 

Encourage Lifelong Habits with Funky Monkey Bars

A little movement each day lays the groundwork for a healthier, happier future. Whether it’s climbing, swinging, or simply running wild after school, active play adds up in all the right ways. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to happen—consistently, joyfully, and on their terms.

With a Funky Monkey Bars setup in your own backyard, creating that space for daily movement becomes second nature. No pressure. No planning. Just pure, Aussie-made fun that supports your child’s development—one monkey swing at a time.

Explore the full range today or get in touch with our team and see how easy it is to turn everyday play into lifelong healthy habits.