Do your kids want to hold up inside when it’s cold outside? We all may feel the slow-down that comes with winter weather, but we still need to stay active–kids especially. So what are some fun things that can challenge your youngsters both mental and physical? We’ve done some research and have come up with some suggestions to help you out.
Inside Ideas
- Volley Ball: Use rope between two chairs as the net, and blow up balloons to be the volley balls or use beach balls.
- Build a fort with kitchen chairs and sheets.
- Have a music session with wooden spoons and pots and pans, and macaroni in a jar. Do you have a harmonica? Warning: Parents may want this to be a short session.
- Dance to music.
- Clean to music. Pick up toys as long as the song lasts. Empty or load the dishwasher till the song ends. Move to another task with the next song.
- Exercise to music. This can be a real family affair. Work ‘em out. Wear ‘em out.
- Cook up a meal together – family style. Little ones can stir, sniff and taste, and everyone can enjoy the fun and the feast.
Keep it fun, and they’ll stay fit in spite of the slower, indoor time of year.
Outside
- Head out for a family hike. Be on the look-out for interesting conversation starters. Bird watch or skip stones in a stream.
- Blow bubbles. If the temperature is cold enough, the bubbles ice up.
- Got snow? Build a snowman or a snow fort; make snow angels. Have a fun, old-fashioned snowball fight.
Out of the House
- Go to the mall, or a local playground.
- Head out to the skating rink.
- Locate an indoor swimming pool.
- Find a climbing wall for the kids.
Keeping kids active year round is important to their overall health and happiness. You can invent healthy fun for them even in the cold months. Pick one of these ideas once in a while, and you’ll all survive the slow-down days.
The family that plays together stays healthy. When anyone in your family needs medical attention, come into your neighborhood Physicians Urgent Care for excellent care without the wait or the expense of the ER. We’re here to protect your family’s health when you need us most. Now located in Brentwood, TN and Franklin, TN.