Kids Got Cabin Fever? Beat the Blues With These Winter Activity Ideas!

This post on kicking cabin fever is part of our first Active Kids Week. For all of the special content for the week, click here! 

With the holidays over and done with, this is about the time that winter starts to seem really long. And with a kiddo who makes getting out and about a touch harder, it can be easy to come down with a major case of cabin fever during the cold months. That’s why I was excited to see these winter activity ideas from KEEN footwear. The company’s goal is to start a Recess Revolution to bring recess back for adults. The beauty of these ideas is that they can be adapted for use at any age, so young and old alike can stay busy and active during the cold winter months!

5 Winter Activity Ideas

1. Dueling snow angels. Even angels have a competitive streak. Grab your kids, and see who can make the deepest snow angel in 60 seconds. No matter how vicious the battle, you’ll be laughing by the end.

 2. Ice age. Winter games are fun, but often require a lot of equipment. Try a simplified version of the classic ski/shoot biathlon, using nothing but your arms, your legs and the snow on the ground. Check out the KEEN site for other fun Olympic-inspired ideas.

3. 10-minute walks. Bundle up and head out for a walk. Even a brief stroll can clear your head and wake up your heart. Just put one foot in front of the other for five or 10 minutes, and then reverse your steps. It sure beats another episode of iCarly.

4. Puddle jump. Don’t be afraid to let your kids—and yourself—get a little messy. Jump in a few puddles or a pile of snow.

5. Bird’s eye view. Get out to check out birds while the trees are bare. Kids will have fun spotting birds and other fun wildlife, like loveable neighborhood squirrels.

Parents can also check out this Instant Recess Toolkit to get their workplace on board and moving. And click around the KEEN site for tons of activity ideas that are sure to beat boredom. Such a fun idea!

Do you let the winter keep you inside? What fun activities do you enjoy on cold days? —Erin