Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Active Year-Round

Helping kids grow into healthy adults means making sure they get into the habit of being active. That doesn't mean that they have to go to a gym and start a formal exercise program. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of activity every day for all kids ages 6-17. Combined with a healthy diet, this can prevent childhood obesity and help kids develop good habits before they reach adulthood.

The problem is not all of us live in climates where it's possible to take kids outside all year round. Not to mention, sometimes it's raining, too hot, too windy, or the air quality isn't conducive to outdoor activities. There are lots of creative ways to get your kids moving, though, that don't require a lot of space, going outside, or owning fancy equipment. Here are some of our favorite ideas to make sure you keep your kid moving all year round!

Online Kids Activity Programs

Remote learning has become a popular tool for allowing kids to keep learning through everything from snow days to a pandemic. Teachers often use Go Noodle for online exercises for elementary school kids so they can get active minutes. The kid-friendly music and motions help them get moving while having fun. There are other sites available as well, including FitKids and NetflexKids. Many of the programs on these sites don't require a lot of space or equipment and can be appropriate for kids as young as kindergarten.

Winter Outdoor Sports

I have one kid who will go out no matter the temperature as long as there is snow. He's the perfect one to take sledding! While sledding itself is passive, he burns lots of energy walking up and down the hill carrying his sled and holding onto his friends' sleds as they speed down the hill together.
My other child loves ice skating. It's an easy activity to teach kids yourself, and you can buy used skates for good prices in colder climates. If they become proficient enough to require lessons, they can choose to learn figure skating, speed skating, or even hockey!

Skiing is also a great option for bigger kids. Go cross-country if you don't have mountains nearby and don't want to spend lots of money on a trip, or try snowboarding for a little more money. Those who live in climates where it's cold more often than not can find places that offer snowshoeing, curling, or broomball for older kids.

Hiking at a Local Park or Forest Preserve

The great thing about hiking is that almost anyone can do it! Find a local forest preserve and start out with a trail that you think your kids can handle. That could be a half mile for first-timers or maybe 2-3 miles if your kids have more stamina. Challenge your kids to keep moving! This is also a great way to enjoy nature and teach your kids about reading maps.

Register for a Kids' Road Race or Triathlon

Local event organizers often think of kids and families when planning their races. If you search for 5ks in your area, you'll often also find a kids' run that goes with it. Many race organizers pick 1 kilometer (which is good for kids ages 4 and up), one mile (which many kids can do at age 6) or 3k (best for ages 8 and up). Encourage your kids to train for a race with you!

The shortest races could require 10 minutes or less of running 2-3 times a week. The promise of a medal at the end could keep kids motivated. You can even find an indoor track or gym to practice or race at in many fitness centers. Many local park districts also offer indoor triathlons during the winter. If your kid can swim across the pool once or twice, they may have enough endurance for these races.

Take Swim Lessons

Swimming is a great activity for building muscle and it's an essential life skill as well. If you live in a climate that's cold enough to have indoor pools, you should be able to find a swim school to take lessons. Once you're signed up, look out for open swim times to attend with your family. Most kids love the pool and will want to spend at least an hour swimming and playing in the water! Swimming is also one of the best ways to stay active when it's too hot.

Play an Active Video Game

Got a Switch or a PS5 at home? Find a video game that encourages off-the-couch activity for your family. Some popular choices include Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance. You don't have to count this as screen time and it's fun to do with family or friends!

Make an Indoor or Outdoor Obstacle Course

You don't need much to create an obstacle course inside or outside of your house to keep kids active. Pick up some painter's tape and make shapes on the floor to jump in and out of. Make a tunnel to crawl through using couch cushions or chairs and a sheet. Use a spoon to carry a bouncy ball from one end of the room to the other. If you have stairs in your house, use them as a great way to get heart rates up. You can even divide into teams and challenge your kids to a relay obstacle course race!

Visit a Climbing Gym

The CDC recommends kids do some strength-building activities to stay active. Rock climbing and wall climbing are great ways for kids to lift their own body weight, which is a great alternative to actually lifting weights. Many indoor climbing walls also have other fun weight-bearing activities like high ropes courses or bouldering. These activities may be available indoors or outdoors depending on where you live.

Find an Open Gym

For almost every indoor sport, there's a facility hosting an open gym for kids to try it out. Our kids have tried gymnastics, martial arts, ninja warrior, basketball, volleyball, and more at local park district or YMCA facilities. Kids love trying something new and could find their new favorite sport at an open gym.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Marian Weyo/Shutterstock.com.