How to Keep Kids Active During Holiday Break
The holiday break from school is a magical time filled with family, celebrations, and — let’s be honest — a lot of free time. For many parents, that free time can quickly turn into boredom, endless screen time, and pent-up energy. With a little planning and creativity, you can keep your kids moving, engaged, and entertained while building healthy habits that last beyond the holidays.
1.) Get Moving with Dance Parties and Fun Indoor Games
When the weather outside is chilly or snowy, staying active indoors is key. Turn on your favorite holiday tunes and let your kids lead a family dance party — a fun way to boost mood, coordination, and balance during the winter months. According to The Sunshine House, “dancing helps with coordination, balance, and self-expression” and can be a great indoor option when outdoor play isn’t possible. You can also create an indoor obstacle course using pillows, tape lines, chairs, and tunnels. Kids love to test their gross-motor skills while laughing and racing through makeshift courses.
2.) Explore the Great Outdoors
Don’t let cold temperatures keep your family inside all day. A brisk walk around the neighborhood to see holiday lights or a trek through a local park gives kids a healthy dose of fresh air and can boost both mood and immune health. Outdoor play isn’t just about walking — it can include sledding, building snowmen, or even organized nature scavenger hunts where kids collect pinecones, leaves, and other natural treasures. Even a casual game of tag or snowball toss brings joy while helping kids burn energy.
3.) Try Holiday-Themed Movement Games
Injecting a little imagination into physical activity can make exercise feel like play. Try holiday-themed movement prompts such as “waddle like a penguin,” “spin like a snowflake,” or “march like a toy soldier.” These simple games keep kids giggling while getting them up and moving throughout the day. For younger kids, Children’s Health Hub suggests activities like “freeze dance,” where kids dance until the music stops, helping build coordination and focus in a fun, festive way.
4.) Family Walks and Winter Adventures
Making a family tradition of holiday walks — whether through decorated neighborhoods or on a nature trail — is a great way to combine active time with quality conversation. One outdoor activity idea many families enjoy is organizing their own holiday walk or run, complete with handmade medals or certificates to celebrate participation. If your region gets snow, take advantage of it! Snowshoeing, sledding, and building snow forts aren’t just fun — they’re excellent ways for kids to get heart-healthy exercise while embracing the season.
5.) Active Play with Purpose — Yoga and Mindful Movement
Not all physical activity has to be high-intensity. Kid-friendly holiday yoga and stretching sessions can promote body awareness, balance, and calm during a bustling break. Flow and Grow Kids Yoga recommends simple poses, such as the “snowflake stretch” or “reindeer reach,” to make these sessions themed and engaging for children. Yoga is also a wonderful way to help kids with self-regulation — especially helpful when expectations and excitement during holiday gatherings are high.
6.) Make Every Day an Adventure
The key to keeping kids active during the holiday break is variety — mixing outdoor fun with indoor excitement and creative movement. Not only does regular activity help maintain physical health, but it also supports emotional well-being. Experts from the CDC recommend that children get around 60 minutes of physical activity each day, which can include simple games, family walks, or dance breaks. By turning activity into play and family bonding time, your holiday break can be both joyful and energizing — leaving kids with happy memories and healthy habits to carry into the new year.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Kids Active during Holiday Break
Holiday breaks don’t have to mean days spent indoors and glued to screens. With a mix of indoor movement, outdoor adventures, and creative play, parents can turn this time off from school into an opportunity for kids to stay active, burn energy, and build healthy habits. Most importantly, these activities foster family connection and create joyful moments that kids will cherish long after the holidays have ended. By making movement fun and flexible, you can help your children head back to school refreshed, confident, and ready to learn.
