7 Ways to Keep Your Kids Active This Mid-Winter Break

K​eeping kids active can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to do it alone! At America SCORES Seattle, we know how important it is for children to stay moving year-round. Whether it’s a rainy day inside or a brisk winter afternoon outdoors, here are seven creative ways to keep your child active and having fun all week long.

Indoor Activities

When it’s too cold to head outside or maybe you prefer staying inside, transform your home into an active play space with these fun ideas:

1. DIY Living Room Obstacle Course 
Use household items like pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a fun and challenging obstacle course. Time their runs and encourage them to beat their best time! Add mini challenges like long jumps, speed dribbling (using a soccer ball or basketball), and relay races. Friendly competition keeps it exciting!

2. Family Dance Party 
Turn up the music and let loose! Dancing isn’t just fun—it improves brain function, memory, and even boosts mood by releasing feel-good endorphins. Try a dance challenge, let the kids be the DJs, or teach them your favorite moves. 

Pro Tip: Post-dance party session can be a great time to check in with your child about school, friendships, and themselves. All those endorphins can open kids up and help you learn about how they’re feeling and start a great conversation. 

3. Arts & Crafts with a Twist 
Set up a crafting station with supplies for drawing, painting, and building. You’re welcome to purchase items from your local crafts store, or you can get creative by using household items like pasta, spices, and recyclables to make abstract art! While crafting isn’t physically demanding, it can be a meditative activity that reduces stress and encourages self-expression. 

4. Cooking Together 
Whether it’s a family recipe or something new you’re trying, involve your child in preparing simple, healthy meals. Cooking together fosters teamwork, builds confidence, and teaches healthy eating habits. Plus, home-cooked meals promote better nutrition and lifelong wellness! 

Bonus: Turn meal prep into a mini workout—stirring, kneading, and chopping can get little arms moving! 

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Outdoor Activities

If the winter chill isn’t too harsh (and you’re tired of protecting your favorite lamps and dishware from moving bodies), bundle up and head outside for these active adventures: 

5. Snow Fun 
This is a classic: If there’s snow, take advantage of it! Build a snowman, have a friendly snowball fight, or create snow angels. Don’t forget to snap some fun photos for lasting memories! 

6. Bike Rides & Trail Adventures 
Washington is one of the best states for biking! Dust off your family’s bikes and explore local trails and parks. No bike? No problem! Many rental locations can be found across Puget Sound. And don’t forget to use resources like TrailLink to find a family-friendly path near you! 

7. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt 
Create a checklist of fun items for your child to find on a walk—like a red door, a squirrel, or a heart-shaped rock. Turn it into a photo challenge for extra fun and then create a collage later as part of your indoor arts and crafts time! While keeping kids active, scavenger hunts also promote problem-solving, observation skills, and creativity. 

Making Movement a Habit

There you have it—seven easy ways to keep your kids active this mid-winter break! More than just keeping them moving, these activities encourage healthy habits and meaningful family connections. 

Tried one of these activities? Have a fun idea to share? Email us—we’d love to feature your story in our next community newsletter! 

Stay safe, stay active, and most importantly—have fun!

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