Want your kids to be more active? Start with who they hang out with.

Good news for moms and dads looking raise healthy, happy kids. A recent study published in the May 28 issue of  Pediatrics finds that childern who spend time with kids who are active are more likely to exercise themselves. According to researchers who conducted the study, "...friendship ties play a critical role in setting physical activity patterns in children as young as 5 to 12 years."

The study also suggests that kids who develop good fitness habits early on in life have a good chance of carrying those healthy habits into adult and may avoid obesity.

What kind of activities are best?

That's up to your kids. In fact, any exercise that they perform — from soccer or swimming, to playing a game of tag in the cul-de-sac — is great as long as it's something that they enjoy.

You can read the full study right here. As always, if you find this information useful, please be sure to pass it along and leave me a comment below. Happy Fourth of July!