Can you remember when you really wanted to take out the trash, wash the dishes, or do some other chore? We didn't think so. As adults, we learn to roll up our sleeves and get the job done, but your kids probably aren't quite that jaded yet. For kids, anything novel can be fun — and if it's fun, they'll do it.

That's why your job is to make physical activity fun, and you might as well get some help around the house out of it! Young children are especially eager to help, so enlist your team in a family car wash, or call the kids away from the TV long enough to help you do some painting or gardening.

Older kids can't be fooled quite that easily, but if you find an activity they enjoy, you won't have to twist their arms to get them to do it — in fact, you'll probably find that they're champing at the bit. So plan activities that are fun for the whole family: Take the dogs for a hike, ride your bikes to the creek and back, or compare your strokes at the local pool. Set up the badminton net in the yard and establish a nightly tradition. Ask your kids what they would have fun doing, and then try it!