Staying active and getting exercise during Christmas break helps kids burn energy, stay healthy and have fun. Studies show that when kids get moving for just 60 minutes per day, it has a positive impact on their health and boosts their mood. Here are some ideas and activities for kids to keep them busy during winter break.
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Are your kids getting cooped up in the living room? It’s time to get outside! Being outside means lots of space to run and play as well as fresh air to breathe (a huge bonus during cold and flu season when sickness is rampant).
While Florida doesn’t have much snow or ice, some kids might still resist going out in chillier temperatures. But this shouldn’t stop kids from spending time outside during Christmas break. Take it from popular parenting author Linda Åkeson McGurk: “There’s no such thing as bad weather,” just unsuitable clothes. “Being able to cope with different types of weather will make children more resilient,” she says in her bestselling book.
Help kids get dressed appropriately (a sweater on a cool day or boots for a muddy one) and let them head outside to explore. Suggest activities such as:
- Organize a backyard scavenger hunt
- Hike a trail with friends (and a parent)
- Take the dog for a walk
- Play freeze tag
- Ride a bike
- Play hopscotch
- Build a fort with twigs, leaves and sticks
- Visit a playground
If kids are still reluctant to get outside and start playing, get the whole family involved for a quick walk around the neighborhood. Even a 10 minute loop is a great way to burn some energy and enjoy a change of scene.
Indoor Activities for Kids
It can be tough to pull kids away from the allure of screens, but there are plenty of opportunities for kids to stay active inside too – it just takes a little creativity. Help them get started with fun activities for kids such as:
- Have a dance party
- Do some stretching
- Play an active participation video game (such as Just Dance)
- Play Simon Says or Twister
- Build an obstacle course
- Play “keepy uppy” with a balloon
While you’re doing your Christmas shopping, keep an eye out for toys designed to help your kids play actively inside, such as a pikler triangle, indoor swing, stepping stones or a buildable play fort couch.
While it can take a little more effort upfront to get kids to play creatively, it is worth it to see their imaginations, and ideas, grow.
Create Positive Habits with ACV Health
This Christmas break, encourage your kids to get up and get moving with these fun and easy activities for kids. With a little help, and a little imagination, they can burn energy, boost their health and well-being and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to help your kids create healthy habits that last all year? ACV Health in Live Oak, FL is here to support the whole family’s health. We are accepting new primary care patients aged 14 and up. Contact us today to learn more or get connected with a physician.
