Karate is a huge sport at my house. Soccer is big, too. My boys also love football, and they have tried T-ball and gymnastics. It is easy to get active in Marysville because we have so many great choices for the entire family. However, there is also the rub — we have great opportunities, but are limited by time and money. How do we make the best choices for our families?

Expert after expert tell us our kids need to be more active. According to the Center for Disease Control, 17 percent of our kids ages 6 to 11 are overweight or obese, which puts them at greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis — right now, not in 40 years. In addition, our kids are spending an average of three hours a day in front of a TV, computer or video game. Our kids are the first generation to have a predicted shorter lifespan than the previous generation. That fact alone should be enough to get us all moving.

Spring is teeming with team sports, making it a great time for kids to get moving and have fun. Team sports give kids the opportunity to learn about teamwork, improve their physical skills and make new friends. Making practices and games can be hard for busy families, but can often be turned into a great family activity. Sign-ups are happening right now for Marysville Little League baseball and softball call 360-659-BASE and 7v7 Soccer through Marysville Parks and Recreation call 360-363-8400. Marysville Parks and Recreation also offers other soccer classes and sport opportunities.

Individual sports present even more great options. In sports like martial arts, gymnastics or dance kids can participate at any time of the year. This makes it easier for families to fit in classes into their busy schedules. Individual sports focus on self-improvement and some sports, like swimming, even teach essential life skills. When looking for individual sports, listen to input from your kids, get recommendations from friends, check out facilities and make sure your child is ready to really participate before you sign any contracts.

Don’t forget to check out other community activities and opportunities. There are loads of other inexpensive ways for the entire family to get active around Marysville. The Centennial Trail runs from just north of Marysville to Snohomish — plenty of room for the family to walk, bike, trike and scooter an afternoon away. Marysville’s Healthy Community Initiative is also coming up with great ways for all of us to get active. Come swim for free at the M-PHS pool Feb. 20 and March 27 from 7-9 p.m. or climb stairs on Wednesday evenings at M-PHS stadium from 4:40-9 p.m.

There are lots of ways to get active in Marysville, it just takes a little planning and a bunch of get-up-and-go. Other resources include the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club. Youth groups, like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or Campfire, get kids active and focus on healthy living, too. The main goal is to get our kids to turn off the TV and get active and stay active for a lifetime. We will all be healthier and happier.

Amy is the mother of three boys and enjoys writing about kids and family issues. She and her husband and family have lived in Marysville for nine years. Comments? Email Amy at ajbazile@hotmail.com.