Keeping kids active outdoors in winter

Staying active in winter can be hard. Shorter days, chilly mornings and (occasionally) miserable weather can put off even the most intrepid adventurer. But embracing the season has incredible positive impacts on both the physical and mental health of adults and children alike. Our top tips for getting active outdoors in winter will get you racing out the door.

So grab those wellies and get exploring.

Create a scavenger hunt

Make a walk a bit more exciting by making a scavenger hunt (or use this one from Together Active!) Help your children be more interested in their surroundings and improve their reading while staying active with this simple but fun activity.

Jump in puddles

If the weather takes a turn, as it often does this time of year, there’s no excuse to stay indoors. Rain means it must be the perfect time for puddle jumping. Don those wellies and raincoats and get splashing! See who can make the biggest waves or find the best puddle.

Family bike ride

What better way to get some fresh air while getting the kids active than a family bike ride. Blow away the cobwebs and explore some local routes, even taking a picnic along if you can brave the chilly weather!

Get planting

Now is the perfect time to plant bulbs for the spring. Getting muddy is a perennial favourite pastime for children, and a spot of gardening give them just that, along with a healthy dose of physical activity and a lesson in the life cycle of plants. As a bonus, you’ll have some beautiful blossoms once the winter frosts have passed!

Streamable videos

If getting outdoors really isn’t an option, there’s still plenty of active fun to have at home.  Active My Way  has an activity finder full of streamable activity videos for kids and adults alike to keep them moving all day long.

Read next: Support your child’s mental health through winter