Physical activity is central to your child’s normal growth and development and its importance continues through their school years and into adulthood and older age, ensuring:
- healthy bones, muscles and joints
- a healthy heart and lungs
- good coordination and movement control
- a healthy body weight
- reduced risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers
It’s recommended that children aged 5 – 18 years old do 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This activity does not need to be done all at once and can be achieved across the whole day.
Games, play, sports and activities such as; swimming, trampolining and walking or cycling to and from school are all great ways to help children achieve their 60 minutes and provide other benefits such as:
- boosting your child’s mood and self-esteem making them feel good
- social interaction
- improved concentration and behaviour
For more ideas and information about how children and families can get active in Dudley visit the following links:
Qualified volunteer instructors deliver free outdoor activity sessions in 5 parks across the borough. Everyone is able to work at their own level and enjoy the benefits of exercising outdoors. These circuit-based 45 minute sessions are family-friendly, fun and suit all ages and abilities.
Junior parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.00am at Stevens Park, Wollescote Road, Stourbridge, DY9 7JG.
There are four ‘Healthy Hub’ activity centres across Dudley, offering free physical activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge
Find out more about our parks and open spaces, including locations, facilities, activities and events.
PHASES Gym-based Physical Activity Programme
PHASES is a free 12-week gym-based exercise programme for 11 – 16 year olds led by qualified instructors delivered at Action Heart Gym, Russell’s Hall Hospital on Saturday mornings.
Eligibility criteria:
– young person must live in the Dudley Borough, attend an education setting in the Dudley Borough, or be registered with a Dudley GP surgery
– young person must be inactive, undertaking less than 30 minutes of activity a day or be classed as overweight
To book a place ask your GP or school nurse to make a referral. Alternatively, contact PHASES at action.heart@nhs.net
The Dudley Community Information Directory
The Dudley Community Information Directory, provides you will find all the information and advice you need about Dudley. You can find things to do and places to go with details of events and activities taking place for children, young people and families.
There are three leisure centres in Dudley and an outdoor sports venue comprising of swimming pools, sports halls, lifestyle gyms, squash courts, soft play area, 3G football pitch and a running track. The centres cater for sports, fitness and recreation activities as well as a range of courses such as swimming lessons.
Active Zone
Inclusive ActiveZone offers fun sports for children with learning or physical disabilities and their siblings or friends. Activities include trampolining, bouncy castle, dodgeball, volleyball, parachute games and multi sports. It’s free to attend, but booking is essential. For details please contact Crystal.leisurecentre@dudley.gov.uk
Free swimming is available for children aged 16 and under during Dudley borough school holidays*
You and your family can follow these self-guided trails and explore the history and heritage of the borough.
Regular sessions are held on the first Saturday of every month including learn to ride, bikeability (level 1, 2 and 3) and organised rides. For more information contact the road safety and awareness team.
Better Health: Healthier Families Get Active Ideas
From fun 10 Minute Shake Up games to information about active hobbies and sports, here’s everything you need to get your family moving!