In this era of technology, it is getting more and more difficult to get our kids to stay active and play outdoors. I will admit that it is easier during the summer because of the warmer temperature and popular sports that kids love to play (like soccer and baseball). However, I would like for them to enjoy spending time outside during the winter as well, so I found 5 ideas to make kids play outside in the colder months.
- Take advantage of your yard and start building! It is probably the easiest thing to do, since snow is free and your backyard is right outside your door. Get the kids dressed and head outside to build a snowman or a fort. When the kids miss beach weather, make them build a snow castle with buckets or baking pans.
- If you don’t mind the daily maintenance and you own a medium or large sized backyard, think about making your own skating rink. Pick a flat area in your backyard, clear it with a shovel or snow plow, use the garden hose to water the area and wait for it to freeze. Your kids won’t have any excuse not to go ice skating or play hockey!
- Your family is looking for a new sport to try out? How about snowshoeing? No major investment needed here : you can rent snowshoes to make sure this is something your family enjoys before buying. Start by practicing in your backyard to get the hang of it, and then move up to the trails for an afternoon of fun with the kiddos! Snowshoeing is super easy to learn, so your kids will grasp the basics of it very quickly.
- If your kids are more adventurous, take them sledding or snow tubing. For a low cost option, buy an inflatable tube or a plastic sled and go to the nearest slope in your neighborhood. For a higher budget experience, go to a ski resort that dedicates some of their slopes to tubing. I guarantee the hours will fly because you will be having a blast! Bonus : the kids will be so tired from their day they won’t even fight bedtime!
- All kids love going to the playground, and it shouldn’t be any different during the winter season. Yes, it’s colder, but there is still plenty of fun to have in the structures when wearing proper attire. Plus, the snow will cushion any fall that could happen and there probably won’t be that many kids playing in the park, leaving all the fun attractions for your little ones.
Bonus! Make lunchtime special by having a winter picnic. All you need is a few blankets, finger foods, hot soup and beverages (thermos containers are perfect for those). You can also build a bonfire to keep everyone warm and use it to make s’mores for dessert. Your kids will never forget that experience!
Even if your kiddos need some encouragement to spend time outside (ok, a lot of encouragement!), I am sure that these suggestions will motivate them to go get some fresh air (even when it’s cold)! Don’t forget to lead by example and share your favorite winter activities with them.
How do you like to stay active during winter time?