12 Days of Active Holiday Fun
Try singing this to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas” and you’ll have lots of ideas to keep everyone occupied during the upcoming winter break.
12 Days of Active Holiday Fun
On the first day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
went outside to play in the snow.
Run up a hill and toboggan down. Go snowshoeing. Try skiing, both cross-country and downhill. Have a snowball fight. Don’t let the fresh, crisp air keep you inside.
On the second day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
built an obstacle course in our house.
Create a tunnel out of some cushions. Set up a tightrope to walk. If you’ve got a mini trampoline, include it in your course.
On the third day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
went skating at the local ice rink.
Most community centres have cheap rentals if you don’t have your own skates. Make sure to wear your helmets (adults, too). Here’s where to go skating in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.
On the fourth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
had a dance off to crazy music.
Turn up the volume and get creative. Here’s a fun playlist!
On the fifth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
went swimming at the community pool.
Many aquatic centres often include wave pools, water slides, and great shallow pools for toddlers and younger children learning to swim. Plus: hot tubs.
On the sixth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
played hopscotch in our kitchen.
Use masking tape to create a range of hopscotch grids. Alternate the legs you hop on.
On the seventh day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
learned to rock climb at the gym.
Rock climbing is a great activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Get some practice now so you can climb outside next summer.
On the eighth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
played ‘Simon/Simona’ says.
Use basic calisthenics like jumping jacks for an active and bouncy game.
On the ninth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
visited a bowling alley.
You get to wear snazzy shoes and practice some throwing and aiming skills.
On the tenth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
played basketball and soccer inside.
With a novelty hoop that fits over a door and a Nerf ball, a game of knee basketball can be very invigorating. Or try having soccer shootouts with a beach ball or Nerf ball in the basement. Make sure to put away any breakables before you start your game.
On the eleventh day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
went to the local gymnastics club.
Quite a few clubs will have drop-in sessions where your kids can see what it’s like to use the same equipment elite athletes use to win medals.
On the twelfth day of the winter holiday break, my family and me
played table tennis for the first time.
Ping pong is family friendly and helps develop hand-eye coordination. If you don’t have an official table (and there isn’t one coming as a gift), you can substitute a kitchen or coffee table.
