The days are shorter, the temperature is lower, and it is almost winter break; which means time for some family fun! The beginning of December starts the chilly part of the holiday season. As your family breaks out the decorations, sings to cheerful music, and snuggles by the fireplace, don’t forget to enjoy some family fun activities.
EverydayHealth says, “Baby, it’s cold outside! But don’t let the deep freeze discourage you from getting outside and getting active.” Their article called, “10 Winter Fitness Activities for the Whole Family” describes activities for the entire family to enjoy while burning off the calories to keep the cookies coming. There is even a helpful calorie counter for when you are having this winter break fun. These family friendly activities include:
- Sledding
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Downhill Skiing
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Playing in the snow
- Snow Tubing
- Touch Football
- Walking or Running
- Ice Hockey
Kimatni D. Rawlins is a former running back for Georgia Institute of Technology. He is now the founder of the health, fitness and wellness website Fit Fathers. US News published his article called, “7 Family Fitness Ideas for Winter.” Rawlins said, “Burning calories during a fun activity is the easiest way to melt fat.” He describes activities as simple as going outside and playing in the snow to visiting an indoor trampoline park. Having a mixture of indoor and outdoor winter activities will keep you from hibernating all winter and missing the opportunity to create priceless memories with your family.
EatRight, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, has Family Exercise Ideas for Every Season. The “Winter Workouts” section provides indoor and outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy. Some of the indoor activities include:
- Walk your local mall.
- Take the stairs whenever possible instead of an elevator or escalator.
- Walk around your building’s hallways during your lunch or coffee break.
- Don’t wait for spring for a thorough house cleaning. Wash the inside of your windows, vacuum or shampoo the carpet, or clean out your closets.
- Watch and follow an exercise video or DVD rather than a movie.
Trying these winter break family friendly activities does not mean you shouldn’t take time to relax and binge watch some of your favorite Hallmark or Netflix holiday specials. There should be a healthy balance to keep your family active through the holidays. Winter break will go by in a blink of an eye. Some of your favorite memories might be the cold ones you create right outside your door!
We hope you and your family have a joyful holiday season!