It seems that daily on the news, were told how our children are inactive and that its leading to them being overweight and unhealthy. There is article after article advising how much heavier our kids are now versus 20 or 30 years ago. Childhood diabetes is on the rise and our children are at future risk of developing heart disease and other illnesses as a result of being overweight as a child.

Yes, things have changed in the last 30 years. And thirty years before that, people were saying the same thing. Our lives have evolved and technology has played an important roll in that evolution. Many families today are two income families both as a choice and as necessity.

Todays kids have an abundance of options available to them now that werent available even 10 years ago let alone 30 years ago. Is this bad? Of course not! Kids love their Xbox and PS2s and the challenging games that accompany them. So how do you get your child to want to be more active? Offer them fun choices in addition to the video games and TV shows that they often pick up as soon as they walk in the door.

Its easy to provide your children with activities in the summer ?the days are longer giving you more time to get home from work and get outdoors with them. Pedal cars are a throwback to a simpler time and kids find them so cool since many look like grand old jalopies that most kids dont see these days. Another option guaranteed to get your children moving is a ride on toy that duplicates mom or dads Escalade or Hummer. Now what child wouldnt love to ride up and down the street on a child sized Hummer? Pretty cool stuff.

If youre lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, your children probably beg you to head outside ?whether its warm enough or not. I remember when I was a child jumping into a 60 degree pool and loving every minute. There are many pool toys available guaranteed to get and keep your kids in the pool for hours of clean, healthy fun. Just remember to apply sunscreen often to avoid any sun burns.

I bet you can use a break too. A great way to unwind and relax is to go camping. Its a great activity for the whole family and really quite inexpensive. I know what youre thinking ?your idea of camping is the Holiday Inn, right? A few well spent dollars will guarantee that you are just as comfortable camping as you would be in a hotel. My number one recommendation - pick up an air mattress. They are actually pretty inexpensive but will make a world of difference in your comfort level.

Get a tent large enough for the whole family. A campground is one of the safest places your children will ever play. Let them enjoy their freedom and after they roast those final marshmallows over the fire, theyll crawl into the tent and sleep like youve not seen them sleep in a long time. How happy theyll be the next morning when they wake up and see Mom or Dad right next to them. Even one night camping can make a difference ?for your children and you too.

My parents took me camping when I was a kid and Ive done the same with my daughters. The quality time you spend with your kids can never be replaced and your children will have memories that will last them a lifetime.

Again, video games are okay. Its just a matter of balancing all the choices your children have and making sure that they have some fun, outdoor activities to choose from too.

Denise Sanger is the Vice President of a Toy Company that specializes in swimming pool/bath tub toys. She also owns and operates NewCoolToysOnline.com that carries a large selection of toys for active and outdoor play including educational toys, pool toys, pedal cars, playground toys, and creative toys.

If you want to go on a vacation with great options, you might consider taking a cruise. If you have never been a cruise ship before and you are not sure whether it would be perfect for you, read on. The cruise ship experience will be much clearer after you read this cruise review.

This article will not be endorsing or promoting a particular cruise line, but will just give you some glimpses of what cruise lines are offering to cruise passengers. This includes cruise destinations, various ranges of prices and amenities available.

In some cases cruise lines will proved an option of a pre or post-cruise stay at a hotel in the town where you embark or disembark. This is especially beneficial when you travel great distances to board your cruise ship. By using this option it actually affords you the ability to add on an extra port to explore before your cruise ship experience is over.

For instance, if your departure point is at Los Angeles, and you choose this option you will have time to visit famous places there such as Hollywood (the famous walk of stars) or Venice Beach (a funky hip beach town).

On the day of the cruise departure, you will be brought to the pier where your cruise ship is waiting for you. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to check in your luggage, get your boarding pass and board the ship. Your room steward will meet you and this is when you should tell the steward if you have any special needs or requests. For instance, I like two bath towels and a bucket of ice each afternoon. They want to make you happy so dont be shy.

It may take a couple of hours for your luggage to arrive so grab some lunch and then tour your cruise ship. Make any beauty and spa appointments now, on some days, like formal nights appointments sell out. Consider making these appointments on port days, especially if you have been to that port before. The salon/spa offer discounts if you book on those days. Roam around the first afternoon to see what delights are in store for you during your cruise ship experience.

You can enjoy several relaxing moments in the spa. Celebrity has what they call a Thalassotherapy pool, Princess has a swim against the current pool and Carnival has the giant slide into the outside pool. If you feel that you want to burn up some calories after all the wonderful meals, go to the fitness center which is equipped with modern state of the art equipment. Or you may feel like strolling around the promenade in that fresh salt air.

There are swimming pools aboard, both for adults and kids. Deck chairs and benches are also provided if you just want to watch your children enjoying the water in the pool.

Entertainment is also present in your cruising vacation. A state-of-the-art theater is provided for on-board entertainment. There will be Broadway like productions and children-oriented programs that are new and different everyday..

In case you are looking for a different entertainment, you can go to several theme bars or disco with live music open until the wee hours of the morning.

If you want to try your luck during your cruise travel, then there is an on-board casino where it features different games similar to what you see in Las Vegas.

There is a shopping center where you can find personal items and other things that you need while you are on-board. Heres one cruise tip, try to pack things like Rolaids, bandages and toothpaste from home; they are expensive on the cruise ship

Library and recreation centers are also found on the cruise ship. Almost all cruise ships have a lending library and most have a room for playing bridge.

Food is one of the vital services offered by cruise lines. The best chefs from around the world are hired to prepare and cook excellent meals to ensure that your on-board dining experience will be truly memorable.

There are formal dining areas, which have a formal dress code on certain nights.

If you are looking for more informal style of dining, there are snack bars, cafeteria, and a pizza parlor on-board, which generally are opened for meals on extended hours. Many times the cruise lines close down one half of their Lido caf (this is where they have the buffet lunch and dinner) to offer a casual place to dine but they still use a menu and servers. All of the food, no matter which style you choose are covered in the cruise prices.

Cruise itineraries generally include stops at different ports each or every other day, depending on the schedule of the cruise ship you chose. You have the option of either staying aboard the ship or you may disembark to join other passengers on a guided tour. You are also free to explore on your own at each stop, but make sure you know the departure time of the ship.

Booking a cruise is simple. To get the best advice on cruise ships use the services of a travel agency. Read cruise reviews that you can find online to familiarize yourself on what each cruise line offers. Or, if you are already savvy to cruising, log on to the official site of a particular cruise line to check on itineraries and prices.

You will be provided information about destinations and cruise packages that are affordable. Discounts and special offers are also available for passengers.

Hopefully, this cruise review will give you some insight into what delights you will find during your cruise ship experience.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com.