You may have seen media campaigns promoting a "10,000 steps per day" challenge. These programs have sprung up in an effort to help people get moving by using a pedometer to record the number of steps they take each day. 10,000 steps per day equal about 5 miles, which is a good activity goal for most adults.

But this may not be enough for children. On the average, children need more steps per day than adults to achieve health benefits. Learn what your child's current step level is by purchasing an inexpensive pedometer and recording the number of steps taken each day for a week. Divide the number by 7 for a baseline.

Then take a family step challenge. Walk the dog, plan an after-dinner family walk, take turns with a push mower to mow the lawn. Record each family member's progress and reward the weekly winner with a movie or other fun activity.