The holiday season is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and the sweet aroma of festive treats. While it’s tempting for kids to lounge in their pajamas all day and watch a sea of holiday movies, keeping them active is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. As parents and educators, we constantly try to avoid that holiday slide and use various tricks to keep the energy flowing.
This blog explores why it’s essential to keep kids moving during the holidays and shares six fun activities that will keep their energy levels high while they have a blast.
Why Keeping Kids Active During the Holidays is Important
Physical activity is crucial for children all year round, but it’s especially important during the holidays when routines change, and indulgence is at its peak. Keeping kids active has numerous benefits:
- Regular movement boosts immunity, improves cardiovascular health, and helps burn off those extra holiday treats.
- Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety—even kids can feel the holiday hustle and bustle!
- Active children tend to be more alert and ready to take on challenges, even academic ones.
- Shared activities create memories and strengthen relationships.
Now, let’s dive into six fantastic ways to ensure your kids stay active and entertained during the holiday season.
6 Ways To Help Your Kid Stay Active During The Holidays
1. Kids’ Group Activities at Home
Gathering your kids and their friends for group activities at home is not only fun but also an excellent way to build teamwork and creativity. Here are a few ideas:
- Crafting Extravaganza: Host a crafting session where kids can make ornaments, greeting cards, origami, bead necklaces, and designs or holiday-themed decorations.
- Coloring Competitions: Provide festive coloring sheets and let their imaginations run wild.
- Baking Together: While technically not an “exercise,” baking involves plenty of hands-on activity. Let kids knead dough, cut cookies, and decorate with frosting.
These activities keep kids engaged and productive while fostering creativity and social interaction.
2. Fun Outdoor Activities
Despite the cold, outdoor activities are a must during the holiday season. Bundle up and explore these fun options:
- Snowball Fights and Snow Forts: Organize a friendly snowball battle or build an epic snow fort in the backyard.
- Ice Skating: Take a trip to a local rink or frozen pond for some skating fun.
- Tobogganing: Grab a sled and hit the nearest hill for a day of thrilling rides.
- Winter Nature Walks: Explore local trails and parks while observing winter wildlife and scenery.
Outdoor activities help kids burn energy and soak up some much-needed fresh air, even in the chilly months.
3. Reading Adventures
Reading might not seem like an active pastime, but pairing it with some interactive elements can make it both fun and dynamic:
- Storytime Theater: Have kids act out scenes from their favorite holiday books.
- Reading Scavenger Hunt: Hide books around the house and give them clues to find their next read.
- Creative Writing: Encourage kids to write their own holiday stories or poems and share them with family and friends.
These activities engage their imaginations while promoting literacy and creativity.
4. Fun Mental Math Games Using Math Worksheets
Who says math can’t be fun? Engaging kids in mental math games using math worksheets is a fantastic way to keep their minds sharp while sneaking in some learning. Here are a few ideas:
- Holiday Shopping Spree: Create math problems based on imaginary holiday shopping. For instance, “If you buy 3 candy canes at $1.50 each and a toy for $10, how much will you spend?”
- Christmas Counting Challenge: Use worksheets with Christmas illustrations to practice addition, subtraction, or multiplication.
- Puzzle Time: Incorporate Sudoku or number crosswords to make math both challenging and fun.
These activities not only keep their minds active but also boost their confidence in problem-solving skills.
Multiply the fun with interactive math worksheets!
5. Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Puzzles are a fantastic way to stimulate your child’s brain while keeping them entertained indoors. Choose from a variety of options:
- Jigsaw Puzzles: Opt for winter-themed puzzles, such as snowy landscapes or festive scenes. These can be a fun family project too.
- Escape Room Challenges: Create a holiday escape room at home with clues and puzzles to solve.
- Word Games: Crosswords, word searches, and anagrams with holiday themes (like “sleigh” or “reindeer”) are sure to keep their minds buzzing.
6. Teaching Kids the Joy of Giving Back
Teaching kids the importance of giving back is a wonderful way to keep them active while nurturing compassion and responsibility. Some ideas include:
- Shoveling Snow: Encourage older kids to help neighbors clear driveways and sidewalks. It’s a great workout too!
- Donating Toys or Clothes: Involve your children in selecting gently used items to donate to local shelters or charities.
- Helping at Food Banks: Volunteer as a family at a food bank or soup kitchen to spread some holiday cheer.
These activities keep kids moving and teach valuable life lessons about kindness and community.
Keeping kids active during the holiday season is beneficial for their physical health, mental well-being, and overall development. Activities like mental math games, crafting, and outdoor fun ensure they stay engaged and healthy while creating precious family memories.
Looking for a more structured activity session during the holidays? UCMAS is here to help. Our engaging math programs help children thrive during the holidays with engaging mental math programs that keep their minds sharp and ready for the next academic term. Don’t wait—enroll your child in UCMAS today and give them the gift of learning and growth this holiday season!
