Holiday gifts to keep the kids healthy

With childhood obesity rates nearly tripling in the past 30 years, many parents are wondering what they can do to inspire their kids to be more active, especially during the winter.

So while making gift lists, consider toys that will get children off the couch and on their way toward the 60 minutes of daily physical play that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

We asked the following experts to suggest toys to get kids moving: Elisa Mintz Delia of Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Kristen Masci of Skills on the Hill in Washington, Marc Sickel of Fitness for Health in Rockville, Md., Suzan Syron of the Children's Therapy Center in Springfield, Va., and Marianne Szymanski of the independent research company Toy Tips. Consider this a list to motivate the listless.

Cranium Hullabaloo. Sharpen listening as well as motor skills with the game that comes with pads of different shapes, colors and themes that you scatter around the room. A voice module then calls out instructions (spin to a musical instrument, for example) and tells you to freeze when the round is over. Age 4 and older. $31.50 at Toys "R'' Us. www.toysrus.com.

Fisher-Price roller skates. Perfect for beginners because the wheels have a lock that allows only forward motion. Over time and with experience, you can adjust the skate to a free-rolling wheel. Age 2 and older. $25 at Toys "R'' Us. www.toysrus.com.

BeamO. Think Frisbee, but on a larger, safe-for-inside scale. This foam hoop is 30 inches in diameter and can be tossed around indoors or out. Age 6 and older. $14-$25. Visit www.beamo.com to find a retailer.

Deluxe Moon Shoes. Channel your inner astronaut with footplates that stand eight inches off the ground. Elastic strips can be adjusted to change the amount of stability. Younger children can use them to practice standing balance and jumping in place, while older kids can walk or jump forward. Ages 7 to 11. $20 at Toys "R'' Us. www.toysrus.com.

Balance Board. Kids age 6 and older can test their skills on this toy that promotes development of balance by increasing trunk strength and improving posture. $60 at www.backtobasicstoys.com.

RipStik Caster Board. Looks like a skateboard — rides like a surfboard. The two-wheeled board is great for balance and coordination. Age 8 and older. From $49. Visit www.ripstik.com/where-to-buy to find a retailer.

Elefun. A motorized elephant spews butterflies from its trunk while you run around armed with a net to capture them. Promotes social activity, laughter and early cleanup skills. Age 3 and older. $13.90 at Target. www.target.com.

Playskool Sit N Spin. This longtime favorite builds shoulder strength and the stability needed for fine and visual motor skill development. Who can resist spinning until you feel sick? Ages 18 months to 5 years. $22 at Target. www.target.com.

Cat in the Hat-I Can Do That. Dr. Seuss' crazy cat comes to your house. Challenges include jumping up and down while holding a fish under your chin, among other silly adventures. Ages 4 to 8. $20 at Target. www.target.com.

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