For a few years now I've been going to the gym three or four times a week, but since I've become a father if had to cut back my visits to the gym.
Since this cutback already shows on the scale, I wonder which sporting activities in general can be done with the whole family and also are age appropriate, i.e. what can be done with a 3/6/12/16 year old?
Some activities might be harmful or impossible before a certain age and some activities might get boring.
Cycling is a sport the whole family can do together. It grows with the family too. Initially, younger ones can be attached to an adult bike in a seat or with a bike pup. Later they become independent.
Soccer is another sport everyone can play with minimal equipment.
From about age 4 and up, my top recommendation is martial arts study. In addition to being a great work-out, it teaches a useful skill and instills confidence, a sense of responsibility, and many other great traits.
From birth up, swimming is another great, active way to spend time together. There's something to do in the pool at any age, and it's a great work-out for all.
If you can afford a decent GPS, geocaching is a great outdoor game for the whole family. My son was four when we started, and now at eight he loves hiking and wants to start doing some longer backpacking trips.
Bocce or bowls, similar sports whose popularity depend on where you live, are pretty intuitive even for children. This may not be a good idea if you're trying to use this to replace your scheduled exercise routine, though!
Jogging with a jogging stroller is appropriate from about 6 months on up. Our 9 month old loves to just get out of the house and see the sites go by, and his stroller has a see-through plastic "bubble" that can roll out if it's going to be chilly with the wind on him, since he's not actually working as hard as mom or dad.
I am a Taekwondo assistant instructor and have taught families who take classes together. I love it when parents take classes with their children because they can help their children to practice at home, they can help keep their kids in line in class, and because martial arts promote greater respect within the family. It's easier to teach that respect to a child when the parent is involved in the martial arts respectful mode of thinking.
Sailing fits the bill, once your children are all water confident. There are a range of boats available to allow a large family like yours to divide into many different "teams", with each person always having something to do without just being a passenger.
Matt
Any team sports suits you. I'd suggest soccer or volleyball though. They don't require any special equipment, and they are don't require to be especially physically fit.
