5 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Active During Winter Break
Winter break is a time for rest, relaxation, and family fun—but with all that downtime, it’s easy for kids to become glued to screens and lose their usual levels of physical activity. Staying active during winter break isn't just good for their health; it also helps with mood, focus, and energy. Here are five fun and creative ways to keep kids moving, playing, and burning off energy—even when it’s chilly outside.
1. Turn Your Living Room into a Mini Obstacle Course
Who says you need a gym to stay active? With a little creativity, you can turn your living room, basement, or any open space into a playful obstacle course. Use pillows for "mountains," hula hoops for "jump zones," and painter’s tape to create paths or "balance beams." Set up time challenges and encourage kids to beat their own records. It’s a great way to build strength, coordination, and confidence—plus, it’s guaranteed to bring lots of giggles!
Pro Tip: Add music for an extra layer of fun and energy. Let the kids choose the soundtrack to keep them motivated.
2. Sign Up for a Winter Camp or Holiday Workshop
If you’re looking for a way to give your kids structure (and maybe give yourself a break), look for local winter camps, sports clinics, or dance workshops. Activities like dance, tumbling, and cheer camps keep kids active, social, and engaged in something exciting. These camps often combine movement with creativity, games, and social interaction—so kids stay happy, and parents stay sane!
Pro Tip: Check with local community centers, studios, and performing arts centers (like APAC!) to see what’s available during the break. Spots can fill up quickly, so book early.
3. Outdoor Adventures and Nature Walks
Bundle up and head outside for a family adventure! Walks, nature scavenger hunts, or even a simple "walk and talk" can be the perfect way to connect as a family while staying active. These classic outdoor activities encourage balance, coordination, and plenty of cardio.
Pro Tip: Turn your walk into a "photo adventure" by letting kids take pictures of interesting things they spot. It’s a great way to slow down, stay present, and have something to look back on later.
4. Try At-Home Dance Parties and Movement Games
When in doubt, crank up the music and dance it out! Dance parties are a simple way to keep kids active and burn off some serious energy. Kids can freestyle, or you can use apps like "Just Dance" or "GoNoodle" for guided movement. Movement-based video games like Wii Sports or virtual reality fitness games also keep kids engaged and moving.
Pro Tip: Make it a family event! Kids love seeing parents join in on the fun, and it’s a great way to sneak in a workout for yourself too.
5. Create a "Movement Jar" for Quick Activity Breaks
If your kids are spending more time on screens than usual, break up that sedentary time with a "movement jar" filled with simple activity prompts. Write down different actions on small pieces of paper (like "10 jumping jacks," "5 frog jumps," or "run in place for 30 seconds") and let the kids pull a random challenge from the jar every hour or so. It’s a simple way to remind them to move and keep their energy up throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Let your kids create the movement prompts for the jar. They’ll feel ownership over the activity, and they’re more likely to stay excited about it.
Final Thoughts: Keeping kids active during winter break doesn’t have to be a chore. From obstacle courses and dance parties to outdoor walks and movement jars, there are endless ways to keep them moving and having fun. Not only will it help with their physical health, but it also supports mental well-being, creativity, and better sleep.
If you’re looking for a more structured option, consider enrolling your child in a winter camp or dance workshop at a local studio like APAC. It’s a chance for them to stay active, connect with friends, and learn something new. No matter which method you choose, the goal is simple: keep them moving, keep them smiling, and enjoy every magical moment of winter break together.
Happy Holidays—and happy moving!