Introduction
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebration. But for kids, they can also be a time of excess food and inactivity. Here are some tips to keep your kids fit and active during the holidays.
Get your kids involved in holiday decorating
have them help hang ornaments, wrap presents, or make gingerbread houses
The holidays are a great time to get kids involved in decorating. Not only will they have fun, but they'll also get a workout. And who knows, you might even create some new family traditions. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Have kids help hang ornaments. They can use a step stool to reach the higher branches, and you can supervise to make sure the ornaments are placed safely.
- Help kids wrap presents. They can choose the paper, cut it to size, and tape it up. And of course, they'll love putting their own special touch on each gift.
- Make gingerbread houses together. This is a perfect activity for kids of all ages. Younger kids can help with the dough and decorating, while older kids can handle more complex tasks like cutting out the windows and doors.
So this holiday season, get kids involved in decorating. It's a great way for them to stay fit and active, and you just might create some cherished memories along the way.

Take a family walk around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights
Taking a family walk to look at Christmas lights is a great way to get kids off screens and outside getting some fresh air. It's also a great way to fit in some extra family bonding time during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And, it's completely free! Just put on your walking shoes, bundle up, and head out into the neighborhood. As you walk, point out different features of the lights to your kids. Talk about how some houses have just a few lights, while others are covered in light from top to bottom. Ask your kids if they have a favorite design or color scheme. You might even be surprised by what you learn about your kids during this simple activity. Plus, you'll all feel better after getting some exercise together. So go ahead and add taking a family walk to look at Christmas lights to your list of holiday traditions.

Play tag, freeze tag, or other simple games in the backyard
Playing tag is a great way to get kids moving and excited about being active. It's also a great way to teach kids about cooperation and fair play. And, since it can be played indoors or outdoors, it's a great activity for winter days or rainy days when kids are cooped up and need to burn off some energy. Freeze tag is a great variation on traditional tag that kids will love. To play, one child is chosen to be "it" and tries to tag the other kids. Once a child is tagged, they have to Freeze in place. The only way to unfreeze is to have another child crawl under their arms. This version of the game is sure to get kids laughing and moving. And, since it encourages kids to be creative in their movements, it can also be a great workout for adults. So, next time you're looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, consider playing tag. You might just find that you enjoy it as much as they do.
Challenge your kids to a race (running, swimming, biking)
As any parent knows, kids can be full of energy. They seem to never tire of running, jumping and playing. And while it can be exhausting for parents to keep up with their kids, it's important to encourage them to stay active. One way to do this is to challenge them to a race. It doesn't matter if you're running, swimming or biking - the important thing is that you're getting moving. Not only is it a fun way to bond with your kids, but it also teaches them the importance of being active and staying fit. And with winter coming, it's a great way to make sure they're staying warm and getting fresh air. So next time your kids are full of energy, challenge them to a race - you might be surprised at how much fun you have.
Encourage them to sign up for a winter sport such as skiing or ice skating
Wintertime can be tough for kids. They're cooped up inside all day, and they might start to feel stir-crazy. It's important to encourage kids to stay active during the winter months, and one great way to do that is by signing them up for a winter sport. Skiing and ice skating are both great options. Not only are they a lot of fun, but they're also excellent exercises. In fact, according to the National Ski Areas Association, skiing is one of the best exercises for kids. It helps improve their cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility. According to the National Ice Skating Association, ice skating is excellent exercise for kids. It helps improve their cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility. And, it's a lot of fun! They're sure to have a blast and stay healthy at the same time.They'll help keep kids fit and active, and they might even make some new friends. Who knows, you might even enjoy skiing or ice skating yourself! So encourage your kids to sign up for a winter sport today. It's sure to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion
These are just a few ideas of things you can do with your kids to get them excited about wintertime activities. When the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, it can be easy for kids (and adults) to want to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy. But there are so many fun things to do outside in the winter! As long as you dress appropriately for the weather, getting some fresh air and exercise is great for everyone’s mental and physical health. And what better way to bond with your family than by doing something active together? If you need some help getting started, sign up for YFN Academy today. We teach kids about skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports for kids of all ages. Visit our website now to learn more.
Sources:
National Ice Skating Association. "The Health Benefits of Ice Skating for Kids." N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.
National Ski Areas Association. "The Health Benefits of Skiing for Kids." N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.