Physical activity is a crucial factor for the healthy lifestyle of adults as well as children. Physical activity in nature enhances a better communication with the environment and has a positive impact on the overall development of a child. The growing consequences of insufficient activity are connected with a sedentary lifestyle. According to WHO approximately 5 % to 10 % of deaths in developed countries are attributable to insufficient activity. The behaviors that parents model for their children influence a child´s perception of life, so parents should encourage their children´s physical activity and healthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the influence of parental attitudes and behavior on their children´s physical activity. It was conducted in Podsljeme area in Zagreb and data was collected by an email survey that was sent to a target group of parents of 3 to 7 years old children. The study involved 62 parents of which 68% (N=42) were female and 32% (N=20) were male. The results showed that all parents encourage their children to be physically active. However, there was a significant difference with younger parents who think that they don't need to be physically active themselves in order to encourage their children´s physical activity. The results also showed that older parents have stronger influence on their children´s participation in physical activity. Furthermore, the results were shaped by gender and showed that mothers have stronger influence on physical activity of their children. The paper aims to raise the awareness of the importance of preschool children´s physical activity and the influence of parents who have a variety of direct and indirect ways of reinforcing that activity together with a healthy lifestyle.