Fun and Engaging Ways to Keep Children Active During the Holidays

The holiday season often brings a break from school routines, which can lead to children spending more time indoors and less time moving. This shift can affect their fitness and overall well-being. Keeping children active during the holidays is essential not only for their physical health but also for their mood and energy levels. Finding fun and engaging ways to encourage movement can make a big difference.

Group activity during holiday break!

Jumping rope outdoors keeps children moving and adds a festive touch to holiday fitness.

Create Holiday-Themed Activity Challenges

Children love games and challenges, especially when they involve a festive twist. Designing holiday-themed activity challenges can motivate kids to stay active without feeling like exercise. For example, set up a "Santa’s Reindeer Relay" where children race while carrying a small sack or "Elf Obstacle Course" using household items to crawl under, jump over, and weave through.

• Use simple props like cones, chairs, or cushions to create courses

• Include activities like hopping, skipping, or balancing to develop different skills

• Offer small rewards or stickers to celebrate completion and encourage participation

  
  

These challenges can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, and can be adapted for different age groups.

Incorporate Family Walks and Outdoor Adventures

Spending time outside is a natural way to keep children active. Family walks after meals or visits to local parks provide fresh air and gentle exercise. To make walks more exciting, turn them into scavenger hunts by creating a list of holiday-related items to find, such as pine cones, red berries, or specific types of leaves.

• Choose safe, accessible routes suitable for children’s ages

• Bring along a camera or smartphone to take pictures of found items

• Encourage children to describe what they see to boost observation skills

  
  

Outdoor adventures like sledding, ice skating, or hiking can also be excellent ways to combine fun and fitness during the holidays.

Use Technology to Encourage Movement

While screen time often increases during holidays, some technology can promote physical activity. Interactive video games that require movement, such as dance or sports games, can be a good option for days when outdoor play isn’t possible.

• Set time limits to balance screen time and physical activity

• Choose games that involve full-body movement to maximize fitness benefits

• Join in the games as a family to increase motivation and bonding

  
  

Apps that track steps or encourage daily movement goals can also help children stay motivated and aware of their activity levels.

Using fitness equipment adds excitement to children’s exercise routines.

Plan Active Indoor Games

When outdoor options are limited, indoor games can keep children moving and entertained. Classic games like musical chairs, freeze dance, or balloon volleyball require little space but encourage lots of movement.

• Play holiday music to create a festive atmosphere

• Use balloons or soft balls to avoid injuries

• Rotate games frequently to maintain interest and energy

  
  

These games also help children develop coordination, balance, and social skills while having fun.

Encourage Creative Movement Activities

Creative activities like dance, yoga, or simple gymnastics can engage children’s imaginations while promoting fitness. Encourage kids to invent their own dance routines to holiday songs or try beginner yoga poses designed for children.

• Use online videos or apps with kid-friendly instructions

• Practice together to model enthusiasm and safety

• Celebrate creativity and effort rather than perfection

  
  

Creative movement supports flexibility, strength, and mental relaxation, which are all valuable during busy holiday times.

Make Fitness a Family Affair

Children are more likely to stay active when they see adults participating. Plan family fitness sessions that everyone can enjoy, such as bike rides, group stretches, or backyard games.

• Schedule regular activity times to build routine

• Choose activities that match the family’s interests and fitness levels

• Use positive encouragement to keep motivation high

  
  

Sharing active moments strengthens family bonds and sets a healthy example for children.

Tips for Staying Consistent

Maintaining children’s fitness during the holidays can be challenging with changing schedules and distractions. Here are some practical tips to help keep activity levels steady:

• Set clear but flexible goals for daily or weekly activity

• Mix different types of activities to prevent boredom

• Keep equipment and space ready for quick play sessions

• Balance activity with rest and healthy nutrition

  
  

Consistency helps children develop lifelong habits that support their health beyond the holiday season. The more consistency provided, the more positive results that will happen. Children are a product of what behaviors they repeatedly see and perform. The holidays are a great time to incorporate additional habits. Need more? Let's chat!

Yours Truly,

-Coach James