Free things to do to keep active this summer

4. Surfing and bodyboarding

Olympic and Paralympic surfers are catching waves in Tahiti this summer and you can do the same at the beautiful beaches along the Wales Coast Path.

If the kids are a bit older and are no longer content building sandcastles or exploring rockpools, it might be worth investing in a bodyboard.

Again, just make sure you stay safe. Head for a beach with lifeguards and stay between the red and yellow flags. There’s expert advice and safety tips on the RNLI website.

5. Get walking

Did you know racewalking is an Olympic sport? Walking is a great way to get active and get some fresh air. And we’re certainly not short on places to go in Wales.

If your kids need some extra motivation, try singing songs, geocaching, playing games or spotting nature along the way.

Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out, cover up in the sun and pack sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water. 

6. Cricket and rounders, anyone?

Cricket will return to the Olympics at LA 2028 so now's the time to get ready.

Long summer evenings are perfect for a game of cricket or rounder. Whether you head to the park or the beach, all you really need is a bat and ball.

And there’s nothing better than catching out Mum and Dad, right?

It’s a great exercise to get the heart pumping and can really help develop throwing, batting and catching skills too.

7. Find your nearest parkrun

Welsh Team GB sprinter, Jeremiah Azu runs the 100m in about 10 seconds but you can try a 5km at a parkrun near you at whatever pace you choose.

From Aberdare to Ynys Mon, there are 71 parkrun events across Wales. So chances are, wherever you are in Wales, you’re not far from one. Turn up on a Saturday morning and walk, jog or run a 5k. If you’re a junior, there’s a 2k on a Sunday morning which is designed for 4-14 year olds.

It doesn’t matter how fast (or slow) you go and it doesn’t matter what you wear. Organised by volunteers, parkrun is famously inclusive. Go on, try it.

Find your nearest parkrun.

Hopefully being inspired by Paris 2024 and our list of ways to get active for free over the summer holidays will help the whole family keep moving. 

And if you decide to follow any of our tips, we’d love to hear about it. Get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter.