Physical activity of a child is necessary for his proper growth and development. Parents play an important role in encouraging children to engage in physical activity, especially in terms of internal motivation, which in children presents an internal reason to participate in a sports activity only for the purpose of enjoying it, without any external reward. By engaging in some physical activity or getting involved in a sports program, children develop their communication and interaction skills in a social environment. By encouraging their children to choose physical activity or certain scientific disciplines in sports and helping them set their own goals, parents contribute to their children in a way that makes them responsible and in control of their own reactions, while at the same time able to perceive themselves creditable for their own success or failure. The thesis also tackles the problem of connection between physical exercise and nutrition in children. The aim of the research is to determine the parental attitude towards physical activity of children (how important it is for their growth and development) and whether they are educated and aware of the importance of engaging in it. A survey questionnaire was used in this research to collect the needed data. The research sample included parents of children aged 3 to 7 from five different kindergartens in the city of Šibenik. The results show that parents are fully aware of the importance of physical activity and they encourage their children to take part. They also believe that extracurricular activities of general nature outside the kindergarten are desirable, providing the expected educational level. They are also fully aware that an additional educational background would be desirable.