How to keep your child active in the winter

The winter months can be a challenging time to keep your kids active and healthy. With colder temperatures and shorter days, the couch may be the only place your kids want to be. Unfortunately, the need for staying active does not go away when the temperature drops.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) children and adolescents should be getting about 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. This should include aerobic exercise and age-appropriate muscle and bone strengthening activities. Meeting this goal can help your child maintain a healthy weight and promote life-long healthful habits. There are many ways to achieve this goal with your kids.

Here are some fun tips for keeping your child active (indoors and outdoors) throughout the winter season!

1. Cleaning the house together

We’ve all heard the term “spring-cleaning” but who says it has to be in the spring? Cleaning the house with your kids can be a fun and healthy way to get moving. Try playing some music and designating a simple task for your child to help. Cleaning together can be a fun experience, with some obvious perks for mom and dad!

2. Engage in a winter sport, like snow tubing or ice skating

If you’re not afraid of cooler temperatures, playing outside can be a great way to get kids moving. Bring the whole family for some wintery fun at your local mountain or ice rink. Ice skating has been proven to burn almost twice the calories as walking (yes really)!

3. Utilize your local community center

Most local community centers are very affordable and offer many ways for your child to stay active in the winter. Take advantage of the pool, child work out classes, and after school programs. Your kids will thank you later!

4. Play video games that require movement

We are very lucky to live in a time where they offer video games that require physical movement like Just Dance, Wii, or virtual sports simulators. “Exergaming” can be one of the best ways to get your kids excited about moving around, especially with friends or family members.

5. Explore a museum together

Going to a museum can be a fun and educational way to get out of the house with your kids. There are many different museums for kids of various ages. Try the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City!

6. Shovel the driveway together

In the event that a snow storm blows through, have your kids help you shovel the driveway. Although it may be less efficient then doing it on your own, the kids will love it and appreciate you wanting them to help!

7. Take a stroll outside

If you do choose to brave the cold, make sure your child is bundled up with a coat, scarf, hat, and mittens. Snow covered trees can be beautiful and taking a walk can be a great way to appreciate where you live, while getting your child’s heart rate up.

Somerset County Programs and Activities for Kids:

• Various YMCA facilities including Bridgewater, Somerset Hills, Somerville, Hillsborough, etc
• Bridgewater Sports Arena ice rink – Public Sessions are available here: https://www.rocketssportsgroup.com/publicskating
• Liberty Science Center – interactive science museum and planetarium
• Imagine That! Children’s Museum (preschool and young elementary age children)

• Various YMCA facilities including Bridgewater, Somerset Hills, Somerville, Hillsborough, etc
• Bridgewater Sports Arena ice rink – Public Sessions are available here: https://www.rocketssportsgroup.com/publicskating
• Liberty Science Center – interactive science museum and planetarium
• Imagine That! Children’s Museum (preschool and young elementary age children)