Ways to keep your child active during the winter

During the winter months, children have fewer opportunities to get outside for exercise. It is important for parents to emphasize and encourage physical activities that keep children moving, expend energy and boost morale!

Here are some fun ways for children to stay active during the winter months:

Active Video Game Technology

There is a ton of new technology out these days including Xbox 360® Kinect, Playstation®Move and Nintendo Wii®. Whether you want a customized strength training workout or a spontaneous active game, you can find something entertaining! With Xbox 360® Kinect, you use your body as the controller — you are the athlete, the dancer, and more on the screen.

Play Outside

Just because it’s cold outside does not mean you have to stay cooped up inside! Put on your hat and scarf and bundle up for some good old fashion fun. There are tons of activities that you can do outside in the winter. You can go ice-skating or sledding, decorate the front yard with a snowman and snow angels, and even have a snowball fight (regardless of what your parents might say). Create an obstacle course using balls, jump ropes, simple items around the house and trees in your yard!

Indoor Facilities

If it is too cold out and you want to get out of the house for a bit, you can go play at an indoor roller-skating rink, a bowling alley, a local gym, an indoor basketball court, or even go swimming in an indoor pool! Parents – check out the local community and fitness centers to see what programs they offer for kids.

Just Dance

Even if you do not take dance lessons, create a fun playlist on your iPod and let loose. Dancing is a fun way to burn calories and a great stress reliever. There are numerous styles of kid’s dance fitness videos that you can check out if you need some guidance.

Take a Break from the TV

Do not let yourself sit for too long of a period. Kids have to sit all day at school and then typically want to go home and watch their favorite shows. Get up during the commercial breaks and get your body moving – doing simple exercises such as jogging in place, body weight squats, sit-ups or jumping jacks.

Create your “Active Space”

Kids can be active anywhere in your home, but it might be fun to set up a special place with activities they like to do. This could range from hanging a basketball hoop on the wall, taping hopscotch to the floor, setting up indoor hockey nets, or placing a chair up in your room to practice ballet. Regardless of the activities you choose, make this space their own!