Being active as a family is all about learning and having new experiences together, but sometimes figuring out where to start is the hardest part, even more so if you're trying to get out and do something spontaneously. But just as in other areas of our lives, there's an app for that.
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We've compiled a list of five awesome smart phone and tablet apps that will help you figure out plan-ahead and spur-of-the-moment fun for your active family, and a couple that might even give you some ideas for regular, designated family time.
Image via Cristiano Betta/Flickr
RedRover
This app has culled together a list of all the fun family-friendly events and activities available in and around major cities, featuring descriptions and even ticket purchasing options. I love that you can open up the app and immediately see what's going on that very day–it's perfect for last-minute outings. Currently, there are guides for New York, Boston, San Francisco, the Hamptons and Atlanta, but guides for nearly a dozen other cities are in the pipeline. Available for Apple and Android.
Map My Walk
Whether you have a newborn and are trying to get your fitness back on track or you're trying to motivate your middle schooler to step away from the video games, Map My Walk is a great tool. You can use this app to build and/or find walking routes for your family and because you can start a group account, you can create events and measure progress for every member of your household. This is a great way to get everyone excited about staying fit and being active together. Available for Apple and Android.
Sing Song Yoga
This app uses song lyrics to teach children dozens of yoga poses. Individual poses can be viewed or users can choose a preprogrammed yoga sequence–a great option for a family exercise routine and a simple way to get your kids in the practice of daily fitness. The Sing Song Yoga app is free, but some poses and sequences do incur an additional charge. Available for Apple only.
Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive is your family's guide to exploring some of the world's most interesting and beautiful highways, complete with tips and advice from the locals. Each route includes information on historic landmarks, areas of interest, not-to-be-missed elements of nature, offroading areas, family-friendly activities, museums, and eateries. You'll even find some themed routes. Available for Apple only.
Family Fitness
Family Fitness is pretty similar to most fitness apps, but it focuses on exercises that develop the stabilzing muscles rather than the muscles that we use in every day activities, with exercises appropriate for adults as well as children. All of the exercises can be done at home and require no special equipment, making them ideal for busy families. The interface is super easy to use and graphics are straightforward, so your kiddos may even be able to workout on their own. Available for Apple only.
