When the colorful leaves disappear and the cold air rushes in, you may find your children spending more time indoors. However, falling temperatures don’t necessarily mean your child’s activity level has to drop, too.
“It’s important for kids to stay active year round,” says Suzie Kisslinger, physical therapist on the medical staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Exercise offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and stronger bones and muscles. In addition, physical activities like team sports provide great social interaction, which can benefit self-esteem.”
Cold-Weather Can-Do’s
So, what kinds of activities can children do when it’s cold outside? Here are just a few of Kisslinger’s suggestions:
- going to the park or playground
- ice skating, riding bikes and sledding
- playing cold-weather sports like hockey
“Kids can do almost all of the same activities during the winter that they would do during the warmer months,” Kisslinger says. “The key is to dress your kids in layers and make sure they’re wearing the appropriate hats, gloves and jackets to protect them from the cold. If it gets too cold outside, however, you can always try indoor activities such as fitness games made for the Nintendo®Wii™ or programs at your local fitness center. The important thing is keeping your kids off the couch.”