There has been a 4-fold rise in child and adolescent obesity over the past 20 years (CDC, 2003). Poor nutrition habits, insufficient physical activity, and increased sedentary activities are the primary causes (Veugelers & Fitzgerald, 2005). The problem is particularly acute among Hispanics (TDH, 2002). Parents play a key role in the choice of meals and activities in which children engage (Howard & Madrigal, 1990). This study examined the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of 299 Hispanic families in Central Texas to identify antecedents and consequences of three types of children's physical activity: free play, participation in organized sport or dance, and participation in a free after-school program emphasizing health and fitness. Parents' attitudes toward physical activity, self-reported activity level, desire for children's programs that provide free play, and desire for programs that teach children to lead healthy lifestyles were expected to influence their child's physical activity. In turn, their child's activity was expected to influence parents' attitudes toward healthy eating, perceived barriers to healthy eating, frequency of conversations with their child about health and physical activity, and their child's diet. Regressions were used to test these expectations. No antecedent predicted children's free play, and free play had no effect on any variable. Participation in a health and fitness oriented after-school program was positively predicted by parents' attitudes toward physical activity, and negatively predicted by parents' interest in programs that provide their children with free play opportunities. Participation in organized sport or dance programs was positively predicted by parents' activity level and their interest in programs that teach their child about healthy living; and negatively predicted by parents' interest in programs providing free play. Participation in the after-school program reduced perceptions of barriers to healthy eating while organized sport/dance programs increased perceptions of barriers, perhaps due to the time demands of these programs. Participation in organized sport/dance also led to more parent/child conversations about healthy lifestyles. Parents' attitudes toward healthy eating were directly influenced by parents' own activity levels, their attitudes toward physical activity, and their interest in programs that teach their children about healthy living. Children's healthy eating habits were predicted by parents' attitudes toward physical activity. Results demonstrate the value of organized physical activity programs for Hispanic children, and suggest that organized programs can foster positive parent/child interactions and healthier diets. Interventions that nurture parents' positive attitudes and behaviors may promote their children's physical activity.Keyword(s): elementary issues, obesity issues, research