Kid-Friendly Exercise

Whether you’re shooting your spouse with a laser gun or riding a horse on the beach, these enjoyable activities will boost your fitness and your family bonding.

1. East Bay Bike Path
If your kids enjoy biking around the neighborhood, perhaps it’s time to venture out to the bike path. Have a destination in mind – Del’s Lemonade in Warren, perhaps? – and let that be your goal. The trail stretches from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol and is accessible via various points in between.

2. United Skates of America
In addition to roller skating, United Skates also offers rock climbing, laser tag and a game arcade, plus prizes and food. Go ahead – rent some skates and try not to fall on your face. We dare you. 75 New Road, Rumford. 401-438-9898

3. Lazer Gate
Fun abounds at Lazer Gate with a laser tag arena that will really work up a sweat (trust us, we’ve tried it) plus arcade games, an 18-hole blacklight mini golf course and more. 288 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River. 508-730-1230 

4. Indoor Archery
If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that archery has made a major comeback (and you can thank Katniss Everdeen for that). Here are two places to go if you’d like to try your hand at the Olympic sport:

Buckley Family Archery: Come and shoot with rental bows or your own gear if you have it. Private lessons are available. 112 Tripp Street, Fall River. 774-627-4091

Trader Jan’s Archery: In operation since 1991, Trader Jan’s offers an indoor 10-and-20 yard range. Rental gear is available. Age restrictions apply. 288 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River. 774-627-7743

5. Newport Equestrian
Offering a variety of horseback riding tours, the most popular is a two-hour ride that goes to Second Beach. If you need a slightly shorter tour, try the one that goes to Third Beach – it’s equally as beautiful. 287 3rd Beach Road, Middletown. 401-837-4188

6. Rope Walk Course at Seekonk Grand Prix
While the kid’s track, rookie track, family track and slick track are still fun as ever, there’s a new attraction in town at the Seekonk Grand Prix: the Rope Walk Course. Don your harnesses and let your competitive juices flow as you see who’s got what it takes to brave it across. 1098 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk. 508-336-8307

7. Carabiner’s Indoor Climbing
Had your fill of climbing ropes? Switch it up with some rock climbing at Carabiner’s Indoor Climbing and Fitness Center. This addicting sport will have your adrenaline and your muscles pumping as you push yourself to new heights – literally. Newbies should take the belay course to learn the basics. Safety first! 328 Parker Street, New Bedford. 508-984-0808

8. Family Bowling
Fun fact: While Egyptian tombs have been found to contain evidence of ancient bowling items, the first indoor bowling alley opened in New York City in 1840. Share that tidbit with your kids as you battle for the high score. Here are some local lanes:

The Bowling Academy: The Bowling Academy features a retro vibe, duckpin bowling and weekly rock n’ bowl where you can bowl the night away while grooving to sweet tuneage. What’s not to love? (Instruction is also available for children on an ongoing basis through the Youth Program.) 354 Taunton Avenue, East Providence. 401-434-5839

East Providence Lanes: Featuring laser-light bowling and the popular late-night Cosmic Bowling, East Providence Lanes doesn’t disappoint. Come hungry, grab some food at the snack bar, bowl a few games and shoot some pool. 80 Newport Avenue, Rumford. 401-438-2300

Holiday Lanes: Not to be confused with the Holiday Inn, you (unfortunately) can’t stay overnight at Holiday Lanes, although your kids will probably wish they could. With burgers and fries available at the snack bar, and arcade games to play, there’s really no need to venture back to the outside world anytime soon. 236 State Road, Westport. 508-674-2224

Dudek Bowling Lanes: Prefer duckpin bowling? You’re in luck – Dudek offers this and more. Come for the rock n’ bowl (Saturday nights, starting at 7:30pm) or bumper bowling, and stay for the arcade games and grub: chourico hot dogs? Yes, please! 409 Child Street, Warren. 401-245-9471

9. Buttonwood Park Zoo
While you might not think of visiting the zoo as exercising, walking outdoors is actually one of the easiest ways for families to get fit. In addition to adorable animals, Buttonwood offers the Black Bear Express train and a Wildlife Carousel. 425 Hawthorne Street, New Bedford. 508-991-6178

10. Battleship Cove
Another atypical exercise destination, Battleship Cove, requires visitors to do a lot of walking, as well as squeezing through tiny doors and ascending up and down stairs. In addition to the cardio and muscle toning, your family will also get an awesome dose of local history. 5 Water Street, Fall River. 508-678-1100

With all these great options to choose from, getting in shape and staying healthy is within your family’s reach. Here’s to being strong and fit, no dumbbells required.