Winter break is a magical time for families. The kids are home from school, the schedule is a little more relaxed, and there’s an air of excitement with the holidays around the corner. But let’s be honest—keeping the kids entertained and active during those chilly winter days can be a real challenge. I’ve been there, staring out the window at the gray sky while the kids are bouncing off the walls. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks and activities to stay active with my kids during the winter break, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Embrace the Outdoors (Even If It’s Cold)
First, let’s talk about getting outside. I know it’s tempting to stay bundled up indoors, but winter offers so many fun outdoor activities that you’d miss otherwise. One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to go on a "winter nature scavenger hunt." We bundle up in layers, grab a list of things to find (pinecones, animal tracks, a red bird, etc.), and head to our local park or even just the backyard. It’s amazing how much kids love looking for little treasures, and I love that it gets us all moving and breathing fresh air.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have snow, the possibilities are endless. Building snowmen, making snow angels, and having a good old-fashioned snowball fight are classics for a reason. My kids also love sledding—we’ll spend hours at the nearest hill, laughing and racing each other to the bottom. And if you’re feeling adventurous, ice skating at an outdoor rink is a great way to get those legs moving.
Sometimes, though, the weather is just too brutal to stay outside for long. On those days, we’ll do a quick "winter walk" around the neighborhood to look at holiday decorations or just admire the frosty trees. Even a 15-minute stroll can burn off some energy and lift everyone’s mood.
Indoor Adventures
When the weather keeps us indoors, I like to get creative. One of my go-to activities is turning our living room into an obstacle course. I use pillows, blankets, chairs, and anything else I can find to create tunnels, jumping points, and balance beams. My kids absolutely love crawling, jumping, and racing through the course, and it’s a surprisingly good workout for me too!
Another favorite is a dance party. We crank up some music—usually a mix of their favorite songs and a few of my own—and just let loose. Dancing is such a fun way to stay active, and it always puts us in a good mood. If you’re not sure where to start, there are tons of kid-friendly dance videos online that you can follow along with.
For a more structured indoor activity, we’ve recently gotten into yoga. There are some fantastic yoga programs designed specifically for kids, and it’s a great way to stretch, build strength, and calm those little minds. My kids think it’s hilarious to try poses like "downward dog" or "tree pose," and I love that it helps them develop balance and focus.
Get Crafty (With a Twist)
While crafts don’t usually scream "active," I’ve found ways to turn creative projects into movement-filled fun. For example, we’ll make giant cardboard creations like castles or spaceships, and then spend hours "exploring" them. Or we’ll create a DIY bowling set using empty water bottles and a soft ball, setting up our own mini bowling alley in the hallway.
Another idea is to make an indoor treasure hunt. I’ll hide clues around the house, leading the kids on a wild chase to find a hidden "treasure" (usually a small toy or a treat). It’s amazing how much running and excitement this simple activity generates.
Cooking Up a Storm
Believe it or not, cooking can also be a great way to stay active. During winter break, my kids and I love to bake cookies or make homemade pizzas. They get to roll out dough, mix ingredients, and decorate their creations, all of which involve movement and coordination. Plus, it’s an opportunity to teach them a few kitchen skills—and sneak in some math with measuring cups!
If we’re feeling extra ambitious, we’ll host a "family cooking challenge," where each person comes up with a dish or snack idea, and we all pitch in to make it happen. Not only is it active, but it’s also a great bonding experience.
Make Use of Local Resources
Sometimes, I need a change of scenery to keep things exciting. Winter break is the perfect time to explore local indoor facilities like trampoline parks, indoor playgrounds, or swimming pools. My kids love bouncing their energy out at a trampoline park, and I love that I don’t have to worry about the weather.
We also make trips to our local library, which often hosts free or low-cost events for kids during the winter break. While it’s not as physically active, storytelling sessions or craft workshops can still keep little hands and minds busy.
The Key: Balance and Fun
At the end of the day, staying active with your kids during the winter break is about finding a balance that works for your family. Some days, it might be an epic outdoor adventure; other days, you might just manage a quick dance party in the living room. The key is to keep moving in ways that feel fun and natural, rather than forcing activities that feel like a chore.
Winter break is also a wonderful time to slow down and enjoy the moments you have with your kids. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about creating memories, whether that’s laughing over a failed snowman attempt or dancing like no one’s watching in the kitchen.
So this winter break, bundle up, get creative, and make staying active a family affair. You’ll burn off energy, beat the winter blues, and most importantly, enjoy quality time together.
