As any parent will tell you, kids are moving all the time. Nature has programmed kids to move, but many of them are not moving because they are stuck in front of the television, the computer, and computer games. This is where parenting comes in, because you, the parent or grandparent, can foster children's exercise.

Kids should wear sturdy shoes and comfy socks without holes. (Leave the flip-flops at home.) They should also wear caps or hats to protect them from the sun and sunscreen. Do some stretching exercises with your kids beforehand. Give each child his or her own water bottle and pedometer. Measure each child's stride before you start these walking activities.

Some activities are appropriate for backyard fun, while others get your kids out into the community. Fitness is a family affair, so walk with your kids. You will be amazed at the discoveries you make and the things you learn about each other. Now tie those shoelaces, tie a sweater around your waist, and get going!

COUNT THE BIRDS. Young kids count the number of birds they see during the walk. Older kids and adults identify the birds by name. Read about the birds in a bird book when you get home.

COLOR SEARCH. During the walk kids look for one color, such as red. Anything they see that is that is this color, such as a car, stop sign, and a red jacket, counts as one point. Who saw the most things?

BABY STEPS. Place two plastic ice cream buckets on the sidewalk or in the yard. Using baby steps - touching the heel of one foot to the toes of the other - kids walk between the buckets.

Do some stretching exercises with your children first. Give each child a bottle of clean water and a pedometer. Measure the wake of each child before starting the hiking activities.

Fitness is a family affair, so walk with your children. You will be amazed at the discoveries you make and the things you learn from each other. Now tie the laces, tie a sweater around your waist, and go for it!

During the walk children watch for a color like red. All they see is that this color, like a car, stop sign, and a red jacket, worth one point.

Young children count the quantity of birds they see throughout the walk. Older children and adults determine the birds by name. examine the birds during a bird book after you get home.

I think most youngsters like increasing in tall buildings and looking out at the teensy little cars and other people way down below.