Research suggests that inactive children as young as 3-4 years of age are more likely to remain inactive compared to their more active peers, and consequently are more likely to experience health problems in later childhood and as adults (Pate et al., 1996; Trost et al., 2002). Parents can influence their child's behaviors through rewarding desirable behaviors, employing authoritative parenting procedures and establishing or eliminating barriers for physical activity (Baronowski et al., 1997; Trost et al., 2003). Purpose: To analyze and evaluate intervention-based research examining the mechanisms through which parental modeling may influence physical activity levels of children and adolescents. Methods: Manual literature searches were conducted in the SportDiscus, PubMed, PsychInfo, EBSCO, and MEDLINE electronic databases. Key words used included parental modeling, parental attitude, parent participation and family influence. References of original and review articles retrieved, as well as personal files of the researchers were also searched. Inclusion criteria consisted of research 1) published between 1993 and 2004 (timeframe based on the review published by Taylor, Baranowski, & Sallis, 1994), 2) published in English, 3) conducted in North America, 4) addressing physical activity patterns of post pre-school children through adolescence, and 5) addressing at least one aspect of parental influence (physical or psychological) on their child's physical activity participation. Results: The literature review yielded 28 articles, 1 dissertation, 2 book chapters, and 6 article reviews, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The collective research addressing parental influence on child and adolescent physical activity participation was organized under three main categories: 1) physical activity habits of parents - based on observational (vicarious) learning (Bandura, 1986), 2) parental beliefs regarding the importance of physical activity - based on behavior change theories such as the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior (Fishbein, & Ajzen, 1975), and 3) social influence and supportive behaviors of parents – based on the potential to influence and provide direct support for their child's physical activities (Davison, Cutting, & Birch, 2003). Conclusion: Current research supports the notion that parents play a pertinent role in facilitating physical activity involvement for their children. Presently the majority of parental interventions are only included as components of school-based programs targeting youth physical activity or health outcomes, which have largely been unsuccessful in achieving their desired goals. The mechanisms by which parents influence children in this capacity is an area for continued investigation. Keyword(s): early childhood, participatory, physical activity