Winter has finally arrived, the days are shorter and the air is colder. While getting comfortable on the couch or under a blanket may be all kids and parents want to do, the need for exercise and activity doesn’t hibernate on winter break.
Here’s a list of indoor activities that will get kids and families moving and having fun.
· Play indoor hopscotch: Use painter's tape to create squares on the floor.
· Play Hot Lava: Put several pillows on the floor and space them apart. Instruct kids to jump from pillow to pillow. If they fall off the pillows, they will be falling off into hot lava!
· Go bowling.
· Purchase an aerobic exercise DVD or stream a fitness video to get your hearts pumping!
· Play Red Light, Green Light or others small group games that children pick and lead.
· Walk the mall! Make it fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt.
· Play Simon Says.
· Build an indoor fort out of pillows and blankets.
· Have a jump rope challenge in the garage! Who can do the most in a minute?
· Start each morning with a 10-minute stretch and wake session.
· Play charades.
· Practice yoga.
· Go ice skating or roller skating.
The GoNoodle website is a great resource for parents and families for ideas and activities that will keep younger kids busy and active while indoors.
For additional ideas on games and indoor activities click here.
Health and child experts say kids should have two hours or less of screen time each day. This can be a challenge for most families, especially since recent studies show young teens or tweens log an average of 4 hours and 36 minutes of screen time a day while older teens spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes a day on a screen. Designate a day or two of your winter break as a no TV/device days. If a no TV day will cause a meltdown in your house try making it an active activity. Who can do the most push-ups, jumping jacks, etc. during a commercial break?
Community centers and sports facilities are great places to visit during the winter break. Check your local YMCA or rec center for classes and activities for children. Your investment in a class this winter break could lead to a lifelong love of a new sport or activity your child might not otherwise have tried.
If you want to instill a sense of service in your children this break, take a look at what volunteer opportunities for kids are available in your area. HandsOn Nashville and VolunteerMatch can help you find the right project for your kids and family to be a part of.