Top 10 Fun Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long 

By Laura Urban, Associate Director of Health & Nutrition, Children’s Council

At Children’s Council, we partner with early educators to ensure children get a healthy start and build strong habits. Guided by best practices, our Healthy Apple Program supports child care providers create child care environments and policies where healthy choices are encouraged and reinforced both in care and at home. (Learn more about our Health & Nutrition programs.) 

Here, Children’s Council Associate Director of Health & Nutrition Laura Urban connected with Michelle Corley Wing, a parent, certified yoga and mindfulness educator and owner/founder of It’s Yoga Kids in San Francisco, to share their top 10 tips for keeping your kids mentally and physically healthy this summer.

Top 10 Tips for Summer:

1. Start the Day with Yoga – Just 10 minutes of breathing and stretching helps kids feel calm, focused and ready for adventure. Try this Breathing Exercise for kids!

2. Hydrate Like a Hero – Keep reusable water bottles close by and flavor with fruits like lemon, berries or cucumber to make hydration fun.

3. Move Together – Make any fun movement part of family time—dance parties, obstacle courses or jumping jacks in the backyard!

4. Snack Smart – Trade chips for colorful snack trays filled with fruit, veggies, hummus and nuts. Let kids “build their own” snack plates.

5. Go Outside Every Day – Walk, run, bike, explore! Nature boosts mood and energy—plus, it’s the best place to let off steam and spark imagination. Consider visiting or checking out activities at Presidio Tunnel Tops and the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park. There’s lots of nature to explore right here in San Francisco’s beautiful parks.

6. Create a Calm-Down Corner – Set up a cozy spot with books, pillows, fidgets or calming music so kids have a safe place to reset when they feel overwhelmed. 

7. Keep a Summer Journal – Encourage kids to draw or write one thing they loved each day—great for reflection and emotional awareness. 

8. Have Tech-Free Time – Designate blocks of the day for no screens. Use the time for games, puzzles or creative projects together. 

9. Explore Local Food Together – Visit a neighborhood farmers market or urban farm (check out Alemany Farm) with your child. It’s a fun way to explore fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, support local farmers and learn where food comes from. Let your child pick out a new fruit or veggie to try at home. Go here to find a Farmer’s Market near you.

10. Model Mindfulness  – When you breathe deeply, slow down and stay present, your child learns to do the same.  

Summer is a great time to be outdoors, explore new foods and stay active together. Simple, everyday habits can set the foundation for a lifetime of good health. And don’t forget—free, nutritious meals are available all summer for kids and teens (ages 18 and under) across San Francisco through the Summer Food Service Program.

Have a healthy, active summer!