We all know how hard it can be to stay active in the winter months. Luckily, Active SWV has some activity ideas to get kids and families moving no matter what the weather is doing.
Experts recommend that kids get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity a day, and adults need 150 minutes a week. The good news is that activity doesn’t need to happen all at once – kids and adults can break up their activity into manageable chunks throughout the day and week.
Keep reading for some suggestions to get moving both indoors and outdoors this winter!
Indoor activities
There is no shame in staying inside when it’s too cold, snowy, or rainy to get everyone comfortably outdoors for the sake of activity. Try out these activities to get some movement in, even when you have limited space inside.
- Try this indoor scavenger hunt challenge
- Active Bingo with a whole bunch of different exercises
- 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.
- Create a ‘movement jar’ with suggestions like ‘5 jumping jacks,’ ‘crab walk,’ and ‘5 second dance.
Outside Fun
If you’re up for the challenge, getting outside is possible even in the wettest, coldest, or snowiest conditions! With the right gear and planning, you can get the whole family out for some movement.
Step 1: Get Prepared
This article from Backyard Pantry gives some tips on how to prepare your kids for winter. It recommends teaching 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.
Step 2: Get out and Have Fun!
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.
- This blog recommending 5 winter hikes.
- 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!
- This outdoor plant scavenger hunt with some different trail suggestions.
- 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.
Join an Indoor or Outdoor Community Captain Program!
Volunteers are leading hikes and other activities through the winter, perfect for families. See all programs listed on our website calendar (be sure to get everyone in your family signed up for a free membership before attending a program!)
Activities include youth indoor climbing and bouldering, hikes, walking groups, and much more!
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, sign up for your free membership, and be sure to check our monthly program calendar to see new activities every month!
KIDS RUN CLUB CHAMPIONS
Email Active SWV’s Development Director, Jenni, at info@activeswv.com to find out how to become the next Kids Run Club Champion!