Winter is just around the corner, which means cold air, lots of snow, and less sunshine. All of these things, however, don’t mean it’s the season for hibernation. In fact, it’s even more important to get yourself and the kiddos outside and keep them active!
Luckily for you, there are plenty of fun ways to ensure your children get their daily exercise. Take a look at some of our favorite tips for keeping kids active during the winter.
7 Tips for Keeping Kids Active During the Winter
Head to the Park
Park and playground fun isn’t just for the warm weather! In fact, winter is a great time to head to the park—it’ll be much less crowded, so the kids will have the lay of the land for all their winter fun. Make sure the park is clear of ice, and then let your kids enjoy the fresh air. A quick tip: follow clean hygiene practices on the playground—cold weather may not make you sick, but unwashed hands sure do!
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Visit an Ice Rink
A fun winter activity in which everyone in the family can participate is lacing up the ice skates and gliding on the rink. If nobody in the family knows how to skate, take some lessons! They’re a great way to learn a new skill and to spend time together as a family.
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Visit a Community Center
Although the cold weather may keep your kids from partaking in their normal after-school shenanigans, it doesn’t mean they have to keep to themselves all season long. Head to your community center after school, and let the kids participate in the various indoor activities and burn off some extra energy in the process.
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Limit Screen Time
For a lot of people, winter means more screen time. They may feel like there’s less opportunity to explore and create, so they turn to electronics. This year, limit your children’s screen time. If you limit your children to two hours or less of screen time each day, then that leaves room for creative play and exercise! They may not like it much at first, but soon they’ll get used to using their imagination and keeping their bodies moving.
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Create a Fun Indoor Play Zone
If it’s truly too cold to get outside, then have the kiddos help you create a fun indoor play zone. Whether it’s in the basement or in the guest room, creating a space where the kids can get their bodies moving will keep them active and burn off energy.
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Sign Up for a Class
Winter is the perfect time for your kids to try out a new activity, sport, or class. Sign them up for gymnastics, dance, painting, acting—the options are endless. Better yet, your children could end up finding their new favorite hobby. The classes will also free up a bit of time for you if you need it!
Play in the Snow
Snow isn’t just beautiful—it’s also a fantastic way to get in some much-needed exercise. Whether your kids build a snowman or shovel the neighbor’s driveway, there’s something so festive about playing in the snow. We dare you to get out in the snow at least once a week this year!
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