Whilst this time of the year tends to be the most exciting for children with the autumn/winter festivities in full swing, the cold weather can sometimes stand as a barrier to them keeping active.
Many children’s sports require the outdoors which, in the colder months, can be off-putting. It is important that children remain active throughout the year to maintain their cardiorespiratory fitness levels, balance their mood and strengthen their bodies (and sleep better, parents).
Luckily, as well as outdoor sports, there are many indoor sports that they can partake in throughout the colder months. They may even find a new hobby that they want to stick with!
10 INDOOR CHILDREN’S SPORTS
1. Basketball
This dynamic, fun-filled sport improves coordination and stamina whilst being an excellent game for team-building and social skills.
2. Dance
Dance has a plethora of physical and personal benefits; coordination, perseverance, agility, conditioning and self-motivation are just a few to name.
3. Martial Arts
Although martial arts has a mass of strength and fitness benefits, it also teaches children discipline, patience, self-defence and the importance of concentration.
4. Swimming
Whilst swimming is necessary for children’s safety, it is also an enjoyable activity that improves strength, flexibility and circulation.
5. Skiing
Skiing is the ultimate adrenaline-pumping exercise. It promotes good balance, coordination and enhances cardiovascular health.
6. Gymnastics
Arguably one of the most exciting indoor sports, gymnastics is a unique way to improve agility, balance and strength (plus they can learn some impressive moves).
7. Skating
Many locations have indoor skating rinks which make this sport easily accessible. Skating can improve balance, endurance and helps to develop spatial awareness.
8. Tennis
Tennis can be an individual or group sport and it’s a great one for developing children’s motor skills as well as their balance and coordination.
9. Bowling
Bowling will help to strengthen your child’s upper body whilst being an effective disguise for aerobic activity. This sport also encourages children to utilise their maths and tactical skills.
10. Mini Golf
Golf strengthens hand-eye coordination, develops problem-solving skills and is a good cardiovascular workout. Who knows, maybe your child is the next Tiger Woods!
Embrace the cold seasons with our selection of heart-warming and pocket-friendly winter bucket list ideas that promise memorable experiences without breaking the bank!
Winter is the perfect time to give back to those who are less fortunate and make a difference in people’s lives with simple acts of kindness. Many people de-clutter during Winter, and whether it is 1 item or 100 items that you are looking to get rid of, numerous organisations across the UK would gratefully accept your donations.
This is a perfect winter activity to do with the kids as it harbours an immense amount of personal growth and prompts the recognition of privilege, gratitude and the importance of goodwill. These qualities have the power to positively impact the lives of thousands of individuals, families and communities.
*WARNING – not for the competitive families*
‘Tis the season of feasting and what better way to feast than for each family member to bake their own winter dish! Set a date, gather your baking supplies and host your very own bake-off. When all dishes are ready, each family member will have the chance to vote for their favourite! It’s a fun way of bringing the whole family together and getting to indulge in some (hopefully) delicious food.
What better way to exercise than with a magical trail of Christmas lights to guide the way? Wrap up warm, gather the family and take an enchanting walk to see your local Christmas lights.
It’s tempting to stay cooped up inside during the colder months, but it’s still important to remain active and get outside, even if it is just a short walk! Walking is beneficial in the winter months; it can improve your physical and mental health, reduces your likelihood of contracting illness and is a great way to break up your day and subsequently boost your mood!
We don’t care how old you are, you are never too old for a pillow fort! Work as a team to build an extravagant, family pillow fort. Bring your favourite winter snacks, add some cosy blankets and each pick a festive film. You can even camp out in the living room together!
Mail is a dying communication form so people love to receive it! Get out your craft box, sit around the table and create your own Christmas cards. Sending out Christmas cards is a thoughtful way to greet the people that you care for personally and a great way to spread festive cheer. Crafting them yourselves adds that extra personal touch which will most definitely be appreciated.
Making salt dough ornaments is the perfect pastime for kids and is also a fabulous way to create some of those all-important, sentimental keepsakes. Making and decorating salt dough ornaments is an easy and fun activity for kids of all ages and their creations can look great hanging on the Christmas tree.
For more guidance on how to make salt dough ornaments, click here.
At the end of each year, most people will collate a list of New Year’s Resolutions that they don’t intend to stick to. Our New Year’s Bucket List Jar is a similar idea but you’ll definitely want to stick to these! On a chosen evening, sit down with your family and each write 3 things that you would like to do the following year (within reason of course). Put them in a jar and each month, or however often you like, pick one out at random and do it! You’ll never be lost for things to do and it keeps everyone happy.
Elfing is a Swedish tradition that dates back hundreds of years. It’s a traditional way to create holiday cheer, not just within families but within neighbourhoods too! The rules are simple; on the run-up to Christmas, someone will leave a basket of treats at your door with a poem that states that you have been ‘Elfed’. Once you have received this basket, it’s your turn to Elf someone else! You will put together a basket of treats, add in the poem and leave it at your chosen neighbour’s door. This should all be done anonymously, so make sure you can run fast if you dare to knock on their door! Once you have been ‘Elfed’, you can leave a note on your door to let your neighbours know. This means that more people in your neighbourhood will be in on this festive tradition as the same houses won’t be repeatedly ‘Elfed’. Happy Elfing!
A scavenger hunt is another great way to make sure that you are getting outside and keeping active despite the cold weather! You can add items such as conkers, animal tracks, evergreen branches and red berries to make it more seasonal.
This MUST be on your 2023 Winter bucket list! There’s no better way to build the excitement and festive cheer than a visit to see Santa at your nearest grotto. You can visit your local websites to find the nearest Santa experience near you.