Whether due to the cold keeping us indoors or busy schedules preventing a trip to the park, parents understand the significance of keeping kids active at home. As winter approaches, the team at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital emphasizes the importance of movement and shares their best tips to keep kids moving until spring.

Unlock the Power of Winter Activity for Kids

When to Stay Inside

Spending at least 15 minutes daily in natural light and fresh air is essential for our physical and mental well-being, regardless of age. Kari Tanta, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, manager of Mary Bridge Children’s Therapy Services, explains. However, deciding if it’s safe for children to go outside depends on their safety and tolerance. “You see kids worldwide who stay outside despite the weather; it’s often a cultural thing. As long as they are safe and dressed appropriately, they can handle it,” Tanta adds. If it’s icy or dangerous, such as when temperatures drop below freezing, it’s better to stay inside. Lighting also plays a crucial role in safe play as the days get shorter. Tanta also advises not to deter kids from going outside. Parents may not want to deal with wet boots or mud, but it’s important to consider the bigger picture for their children.There are many reasons to encourage kids to get outside. It exposes them to nature, helps them develop a sense of adventure, and boosts their immune system. Even a short walk around the block can have a positive impact on their health.

Our Top Tips for Winter Activity

Make it fun: The key is to keep activity enjoyable, like play rather than work or punishment. Jennifer Cazares, inpatient child life specialist at Mary Bridge Children’s, says. You don’t want kids to feel obligated to work out. Instead, focus on getting them excited so that movement becomes their natural response. “Use what they usually do at school or with friends, just at home,” Cazares advises. Kids have a lot of energy, and play is one of the most powerful things they can do. If they’re having fun, they’ll naturally move their bodies and get their wiggles out.This often means being okay with getting silly. Maybe that involves having a dance party or turning the kitchen into a hockey rink with broomsticks and balled-up socks. Be willing to move furniture around, empty out the linen closet for a fort, or create an indoor obstacle course.Get creative: There’s likely more in your house that can be used to motivate movement than you realize. Take advantage of the open areas you have, such as living rooms, hallways, or covered porches.Bring your scooters or bikes inside if there’s room.Lay out a hopscotch court.Hold a relay race.Create a bowling alley with stuffed animals or other nonbreakables.Build a fort.Create an indoor mini-golf course or play ice hockey (use brooms, socks, and stuffed toys to keep it safe).Play some old-time favorites like tag, “the floor is lava” or Simon Says.Get the whole family involved in a game of charades (act out things that take some movement, like “jumping rope”).Take advantage of free online resources like YouTube for kid-safe yoga or body-weight workouts.Get kids involved and moving during chores/cooking by setting challenges and timers.Make physical activity part of their routine: Kids are used to running around and playing all day with their friends and at school, so it’s important not to suddenly stop just because the weather changes. “Kids thrive on routine, so it’s important to keep those things going,” Cazares says. “It’s about integrating it throughout the day so it feels like a natural part.”Movement will look different for each kid and especially different than what you do for yourself. Children don’t need to hit a step goal, but they do need to get their legs and brains energized for about 30-60 minutes each day. That doesn’t mean setting a workout timer, though.Focus on your goals as a family, look at what else is going on that day, and find opportunities to get active. Maybe that means a 10-minute walk in the morning before a storm hits or taking an afternoon break to play a round of hallway bowling together.Encourage the whole family to participate so no one feels singled out and lean on things your kids are already used to doing, like playing or walking with the dog.

Explore Other Indoor Options When You Can

If you can safely leave the house, winter may be the best time to take advantage of what your neighborhood has to offer. Check out your local YMCA for kid-friendly group classes or try an indoor trampoline park or bowling alley. Children’s science centers, museums, or nature centers, as well as aquariums, are sure to have your kid running around to check everything out. And look at your local library’s calendar for free access to play areas and group activities.These indoor options provide a change of scenery and allow kids to engage in different activities. They can learn new things, make friends, and have fun while staying active.

Why Movement Matters

Aside from burning off energy and building healthy physical habits, movement is key to many health and development benefits. Tanta explains, “Physical activity plays a huge role in mental health. There’s also the social aspect. We can exercise alone, but we really want to explore that participation and social piece.”Even when forced to stay inside, finding new ways to move our bodies can help us develop new physical skills, activate new parts of our brain, and maybe even discover a surprising lifelong passion. Movement is not just about physical health; it also has a positive impact on our mental and social well-being.