How to Stay Active With Your Kids When It’s Cold Out
Let’s be real: Winter can be a buzzkill for keeping the kiddos active. Gone are the lazy summer days of running through sprinklers and playing endless rounds of tag at the park. Instead, we’ve got freezing temps, shorter days and an alarming number of requests to watch “just one more show” or play “just five more minutes” of video games.
But fear not—we’re not about to let winter turn our kids (or us) into couch potatoes. Here’s how you can keep everyone moving, laughing and (bonus!) wearing themselves out for an easier bedtime.
1. Outdoor Play: Embrace the Chill
First things first: Bundle up! Winter weather doesn’t mean you have to hibernate. Layer your kids like adorable puffballs and get outside. Snow days? That’s prime time for sledding, snowball fights or building the most over-the-top snow fort ever.
No snow? Go for brisk walks, scavenger hunts or bike rides—just add gloves and hats. If your kids are whining about being cold, remind them that running warms you up (and maybe bribe them with hot chocolate afterward—parenting is all about balance).
2. Bring the Fun Indoors
Not every winter day is sled-friendly. For those dreary, too-cold-to-function days, transform your living room into an active play zone. Here’s how:
- Obstacle courses: Use couch cushions, laundry baskets and whatever else you have to create a DIY course. Have them jump, crawl and climb their way through.
- Dance parties: Blast their favorite tunes and let them go wild. Bonus points if you join in and show off your “mom moves.”
- “The Floor Is Lava” game: A classic. It’s free, it’s chaos and it’s guaranteed to get everyone moving.
3. Try Something New
Winter’s a great time to shake things up and try activities your family doesn’t normally do. Here are a few ideas:
- Ice skating: It’s like dancing but slipperier. If your kids can’t skate yet, now’s the time to teach them (or at least laugh together as you all fall).
- Indoor rock climbing: Many climbing gyms have kid-friendly walls and gear. It’s a workout disguised as fun.
- Swimming indoors: Local rec centers often have indoor pools. Nothing says “fighting winter blues” like splashing in warm water.
- Bowling or trampoline parks: These are perfect for a midwinter adventure that’ll make your kids feel like they’re doing something extra special.
4. Get Crafty With Fitness
If your crew isn’t the “Let’s do 50 jumping jacks!” type, that’s cool. Incorporate movement into something creative or practical:
- DIY stretching sessions: Find a kid-friendly stretching video (there are plenty of free options online), and turn it into a calming yet active break. It’s amazing for those I-need-to-calm-this-chaos afternoons.
- Cooking or baking together: Sure, it’s not running laps, but kneading dough, stirring batter or chopping vegetables keeps little hands busy and bodies engaged.
- Chore challenges: Put on a timer, blast some music and make tidying up a game. Cleaning counts as cardio when you’re racing your siblings.
5. Schedule Mini Winter Adventures
When cabin fever hits hard, plan small outings to shake things up. Take a nature walk at a nearby park, visit a zoo that’s open year-round (weather permitting) or check out an outdoor holiday market. The key is to keep it short and sweet—no need to overcomplicate it.
6. Lead by Example
Kids mimic what they see, so if you’re active, they’re more likely to follow suit. Put on your boots and join them in the snow. Try that obstacle course before they do. Show them it’s fun to move, even when it’s chilly outside. Plus, you’ll get your own endorphin boost. That’s what I like to call a win-win!
Final Thoughts: Movement Is More Than Exercise
At the end of the day, staying active isn’t just about burning calories. It’s about making memories, beating the “winter blahs” and helping your kids (and yourself) stay sane when the walls feel like they’re closing in. So layer up, crank up the music and let winter know it can’t freeze your family’s fun. You’ve got this, mama!
