You don’t need to be an expert to know that just like for adults, working out is amazingly good for kids. The health benefits of physical activity for kids include improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and bones, better cognitive skills, and a reduced risk of depression and other mental health conditions.

It can be hard to stay motivated in the winter when (most) outdoor sports are off the table and it’s too cold to enjoy a lot of activities anyway, but all it takes is a bit of creativity to get your kids moving this time of year. To complement their physical education class at school and any organized sports they may do on the side (whether it’s a rec league in your town, a competitive team sport, or a club), try any or all of these ideas to keep fitness fun in the freezing cold. Best yet: When the kids are cooped up and bored, all are better options than succumbing to screens. Now get moving, okay?

If your kids are okay with braving the cold:

• Take a day trip to a nearby mountain and go skiing, snowboarding, or snow-shoeing

• Go sledding on a hilly spot in your neighborhood

• Take a family hike (bring a thermos of hot chocolate to keep you toasty)

• Build a snow maze or a snowman (if the snow is deep enough)

• Ride a bike or scooter if the roads are clear (and if you have warm gloves)

• Pump your legs on the swings at a nearby playground 

If your kids would prefer to stay at home:

• Transform your living room into an obstacle course using household items such as furniture, hoola hoops, bedding, and painter’s tape

• Blast your favorite playlist and have a dance party 

• Play board games that require physical movement, such as Twister

• Play other games that require movement but not any boards or pieces, such as Charades or Simon Says

• Make indoor hopscotch using masking tape and cardboard boxes

• Run in place with some silly kids’ music (or a Starglow Media podcast!) playing in the background

• Follow along with a printable winter workout for kids

If your kids want to leave the house but remain indoors:

• Go bowling, roller-blading, or ice skating

• Book an hour or two at an indoor playground, climbing wall place, or trampoline park

• Hit up the indoor pool at your local JCC or YMCA

• Shoot some hoops or walk the track at your town’s rec center

• Check out yoga classes for kids, mommy-and-me workouts for moms with babies and toddlers (FIT4MOM is a popular franchise), and look into drop-in classes or membership options at kids’ gyms 

Next, check out our winter bucket list ideas for seasonal activities to try with the kids!

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