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60 a Day for Kids!

60 a Day for Kids logoDid you know that children need 60 minutes of physical activity every day to remain healthy, strong and focused?

Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines for children age 5 to 17 call for 60 minutes a day of moderate-intensity (e.g. bike riding, skating and playground activities) to vigourous-intensity (e.g. running and swimming) physical activity.

This includes:
  • Vigourous-intensity activities at least three days a week
  • Activities that strengthen muscle and bone (e.g. lifting weights or pushups) at least three days a week
Read more about Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines for children, youth and adults.


Being active for at least 60 a Day can help children:
  • Improve their health and fitness
  • Do better in school
  • Grow stronger
  • Feel happier
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Improve their self confidence
  • Learn new skills – including fundamental movement skills that will help them become healthy and active for life.
Some easy ways your child can get 60 a Day:
  • Beyond the Bell logoBeyond the Bell at your school (elementary school age) – offered in the gyms at several local elementary schools, this after-school recreation program gives children the physical activity they need to build strong bones, make positive social connections and release stress while having fun. Register today at www.experienceit.ca or 604.927.PLAY (7529), or call Jenna Wagner at 604.927.7930 for information.
  • After-school programs at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (ages 5 to 10) – Try out a different sport every day of the week after school – soccer, gymnastics, floor hockey, basketball and more! Register today at www.experienceit.ca or 604.927.PLAY (7529).
  • Summer camps – Port Coquitlam’s summer camps for children and youth include a variety of fun physical activities. Register today at www.experienceit.ca or 604.927.PLAY (7529).
  • Skating – After-school and weekend skating programs are available for children of all ages and skating abilities. Register today at www.experienceit.ca or 604.927.PLAY (7529).
  • Swimming – After-school and weekend swimming programs are available for children of all ages and swimming abilities. Register today at www.experienceit.ca or 604.927.PLAY (7529).
  • Grade 5 Get Active! and Grade 6 Stay Active! Cards – These cards provide Grade 5 students with free admission to the drop-in swimming, skating and gym-based activities in the Tri-Cities. Grade 6 students receive a 12-visit card. More information.
Subsidies may be available in cases of financial hardship. Inquire at 604.927.PLAY (7529).


No-cost ways your child can get 60 a Day:
  1. Play tag or other outdoor games.
  2. Go to the playground after school.
  3. Run in place, hula hoop or do jumping jacks or other exercises while watching TV.
  4. Walk, run or play (actively) with the dog.
  5. Walk, bike, rollerblade or skateboard to school.
  6. Play an active game at recess.
  7. Go sledding in the park.
  8. Go puddle-hopping on a rainy day.