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10 ways to get out the winter wiggles

Family of 4 having a dance party in their living room

Brrrrr, it’s cold outside! But staying active during the coldest time of year has huge benefits for your family’s physical and mental health, including improved mood, energy and heart health.

Check out our top 10 ways to keep your kids (and yourself!) moving in the winter.

  1. Obstacle course – Find creative ways to put your toys and couch cushions to work! Help your kids design an indoor obstacle course and see how quickly they can get through it.
  2. Painter’s tape – Got any blue tape left over from your last DIY project? It’s a great way to create roads for toy vehicles, hopscotch squares and even a “spider web” in the doorframe (place strips of tape criss-crossed in a doorframe and challenge kids to get cotton balls to stick to the “web”).
  3. Dance party – Music is an easy and free way for people of all ages to get moving. Just crank up your favorite playlist or radio station and dance your heart out. Music also makes chores a little less dreary, so give kids a dust rag or baby wipe and team up to clean together!
  4. Beach ball blast – If your family loves the “Keepy Uppy” episode of Bluey, they’ll love this game! Blow up a couple of beach balls or balloons and see how long you can keep them in the air before they touch the ground. Add a large sheet to the mix for some parachute-like fun.
  5. Heavy work – For kids who need lots of sensory input, anything that involves pushing, pulling or carrying is a great way to help them feel regulated. Full laundry baskets, stacks of books or unopened pantry items like canned goods are all good options. Just make sure the items are an appropriate size and weight for your child.
  6. Go outside – If the weather is not dangerously cold, there are many benefits to getting outdoors in the winter months. Fresh air and sunshine are natural mood boosters, and with layered clothing, winter sports and activities like sledding are a fun way to stay active.
  7. Game time – Playing active games, like Twister or charades, keeps your brain and body engaged. Many video game systems have active game options that involve moving more than just your thumbs.
  8. Home gym – Building an exercise space at home does not have to be expensive or elaborate. A tumbling mat, yoga ball or hula hoop can keep kids moving, and teens and adults can use online workout videos or handheld weights.
  9. Hide and seek – While the classic version of hide and seek is always fun, you can also try some variations. For instance, hide small objects around the house and have your child try to find them all, or send them on a scavenger hunt to find a list of household items.
  10. Try something new – Winter is a great time to try out a new indoor activity. Bowling, rock climbing, archery, basketball and roller skating are all fun options you can do together as a family.

No matter how you do it, you’ll feel better (and your kids will sleep better!) if you incorporate physical activity into your day.