Associate Professor Phil Morgan from the University of Newcastle is calling on parents to keep their kids active these schools holidays, by entertaining them with physical activity rather than television and computer games.

"Kids love school holidays, but parents are often challenged to come up with ideas to keep them busy," Associate Professor Morgan said.

"Physical activity is vitally important for the healthy growth and development of children. School holidays are a great opportunity for parents to influence physical activity levels by being creative and initiating outside games to get kids moving."

Fun family activities that do not require expensive equipment include chasings, treasure hunts, hide and seek, Frisbee, hopscotch, hula hoop and ball games.

"Sometimes when kids say 'I'm bored', it is another way of saying 'I want you to play with me'. It is up to parents to encourage physical activity and help children appreciate that backyard games can be great fun too."

Associate Professor Morgan is a member of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Cardiovascular Research Program.