5 Apps Helping Families Stay Active This Summer

Getting the Whole Family Moving

As a dad and the founder of a health-focused brand, I know firsthand how hard it is to get everyone off the couch and moving together. Screen time creeps up, schedules get packed, and before you know it, the whole family is sedentary.

This summer, I set out to find tools that actually work — apps and platforms that make fitness fun for kids and adults. Here are five standouts that earned a permanent spot on our family's phones.

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1. FitKidsApp.com

This one caught my eye immediately. FitKidsApp gamifies movement for children with age-appropriate challenges, badges, and family leaderboards. What I love is that it's not just another step counter — it teaches kids why being active matters through short, engaging lessons between activities.

Best for: Families with kids ages 4–14 who respond well to gamification.

2. GoNoodle

A classroom favorite that works just as well at home. GoNoodle offers guided dance, yoga, and mindfulness videos that keep younger kids engaged for 3–5 minute bursts. It's free, which is a huge plus.

Best for: Quick movement breaks during long summer days indoors.

3. Strava (Family Mode)

Most people know Strava for cycling and running, but their family features let you create private groups where everyone logs activities. My kids love seeing their walks and bike rides show up alongside mine.

Best for: Active families who already enjoy outdoor activities.

4. Sworkit Kids

Built specifically for children, Sworkit Kids offers 5-minute workout routines with animated characters. No equipment needed, and the exercises are designed by pediatric physical therapists.

Best for: Rainy day workouts and hotel room exercises during travel.

5. AllTrails

Not strictly a fitness app, but AllTrails transformed our weekend hikes. The kid-friendly trail filters help you find short, flat trails with interesting features like waterfalls or wildlife viewing areas.

Best for: Families who want to explore nature together.

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The Bottom Line

The best fitness app is the one your family will actually use. We rotate between these depending on the day — FitKidsApp for weekday motivation, AllTrails for weekend adventures, and GoNoodle when everyone needs a quick energy burst.

Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: build habits now that last a lifetime. And don't forget to hydrate — a good electrolyte mix makes all the difference when you're active as a family.