It’s that time of year again – it’s cold outside, and there is less daylight to motivate us to get outside and move. How can we help kids reach the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day? Active SWV is here to help. We have resources for both indoor and outdoor activities you can try out as a family to combat the winter blues.
Active SWV resources for indoor activities
- Try this indoor scavenger hunt challenge
- Active Bingo with a whole bunch of different exercises
- a follow-along movement and mindfulness video from certified Pilates Instructor Angie Corwin
- Some breathing exercises and yoga poses to practice mindfulness
- Weekly workout cards designed by Community Captain Kate Miller, MEd in Health and Physical Education, ATC, B.S. Athletic Training/Health Promotion and Education.
- Alphabetical fitness challenge to switch it up and try something different
- an Ab challenge to target the stomach muscles and get strong for running or other sports
- Different games and activities from americancoachingacademy.com – designed for social distancing
- Create a backyard (or basement) fitness circuit course.
Get Outside!
While staying in and being active is a great option, of course there is a ton of potential for fun activities you can do outside as well, even in cold and/or wet conditions. There’s no such thing as ‘bad weather’ – it’s all about perspective! If you’re properly prepared and have a plan, you can be successful outdoors in the rain, shine, clouds, snow, or anything in between.
This article from Backyard Pantry gives some tips on how to prepare your kids for winter. it recommends reaching kids what to expect from winter weather, finding some new outdoor winter hobbies appropriate for the weather, and making sure you have the right clothes to feel ready to be outside.
Winter doesn’t always mean just cold weather – sometime it’s also wet and rainy. This article from REI goes over rainy weather gear and clothing you might need, as well as hazards to be aware of.
Here are some resources that can help you figure out where to go and what to do once you’re prepared to brave the weather.
- stroller friendly trails, in case someone in your crew has wheels. You can count on these trails to be more accessible and easier for people with different abilities.
- Disc golf resources, often located in parks or other wide open spaces. This way there are options for other things to do if disc golf isn’t for everyone.
- Trail resources for Raleigh, Summers, Nicholas, Fayette Kanawha, and Boone counties. Try a new trail!
- Active games: Games are a great way for kids (and adults) to get active! Here you’ll find instructions for active games like ‘would you rather’, ‘ring of fire’, ‘exercise bingo’ and more that can be played indoors or outdoors.
Connect with Active SWV
Active SWV offers resources and activities year round. Connect with us on Facebook, join our bulletin board and kids pages, subscribe to our newsletter, and be sure to check our monthly program calendar to see new activities every month!
Spring Kids Run Club Mini-Grants – Launching in February
Luckily, winter doesn’t last forever. As the weather gets warmer and springtime approaches, our Kids Run Clubs will start up again. Participating in a Kids Run Club is a great way to keep kids active, teach them healthy skills, and build their confidence in physical activity all while having FUN!
Active SWV’s spring Kids Run Club mini-grants will open at the end of February for clubs to start in March and April. Do you want to see a Kids Run Club at your school? Find the application on this page when it goes live, and reach out to Youth Program Director India ([email protected]) with any questions about the program.
