Ten Tips to Get Active this Winter

Winter is slowly creeping up (again)! Here are some cold weather tips to keep active and healthy this winter!

1) Get outside

Being properly dressed for the weather turns an unpleasant outing into a pleasant one. Invest in snow suits, hats, mitts and warm boots for the entire family. Go tobogganing, build a snowman, make snow angels, go on nature walks. The possibilities are endless. Make it a priority to go outside every day for some fun!

2) Try a new winter sport

Skating, snow shoeing, tubing, hockey, ringette and skiing are just some options.

3) Check your local parks and recreation schedule

Public swimming is a great way to be active all winter. Most pools offer public swimming all winter long. Many community centres also offer drop in play for free or minimal price.

4) Go to indoor playgrounds

Indoor playgrounds are a great way to let off steam. Check your local listings for centres close to your house.

5) Check for festivals

Festivals are great ways to spend time as a family, get active, and do something new and exciting!

6) Sign up for classes

Dance, gymnastics, Gymboree, ball hockey. Signing up for classes holds you accountable, and is a great way to introduce your child to a variety of different sports and activities they might have not tried.

7) Turn your house into an obstacle course

Build forts and obstacle courses out of every day objects. Have a dance party! Blast your favorite tunes and shake your booty as a family! Go on a treasure hunt around the house, and hide objects in areas that require some physical activity to retrieve them (climbing, squatting, reaching, etc).

8) Make shoveling a game

Buy child size shovels and ask your kids to help you shovel the driveway. See who can make the biggest snow pile, or shovel a huge pile and jump on in.

9) Make play dates

Invite other children over and encourage the kids to play outside to let off some steam. Nothing tires a child out more than playing with other kids!

10) Go painting in the snow

A simple recipe of corn starch, washable non-toxic paint, and water in a squeeze bottle can be a ton of fun for your children. Use equal parts water and cornstarch, and add the paint until you get the color your desire. Make sure you use washable paints so you don’t stain your outdoor clothes. Especially after a fresh snowfall, the backyard is a canvas waiting to be painted!

And above all, have a good attitude! Often times, we get the winter blues, and the mere idea of going outside seems insurmountable. Your kids will pick up on this way of thinking. Change your mind set, and allow your kids to help you choose an activity. Half the battle of getting outside is willing your mind to make that step!