1. Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, pinecones, and other fall items to make a collage.
2. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick out pumpkins to carve.
3. Make homemade applesauce or apple cider.
4. Bake holiday cookies or pies together.
5. Build a gingerbread house.
6. String popcorn and cranberries to make a festive garland.
7. Make homemade cards or wrapping paper.
8. Have a snowball fight (if there’s snow!) or make snow angels.
9. Go ice skating or sledding.
10. Make a fort out of blankets and pillows and spend the day reading holiday stories together.
11. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank.
12. Spread holiday cheer by singing carols door to door in the neighborhood.
13. Host a holiday party for friends, complete with games and treats.
14. Donate toys to a local toy drive or visit a nursing home to spread some cheer there.
15. Wrap presents for family and friends.
16. Decorate the house with holiday lights and decorations.
17. Go Christmas tree shopping and bring home a tree to decorate together.
18. Make a gingerbread house ornaments for the tree.
19. Go on a hayride or visit a farm to see the animals.
20. Snuggle up by the fireplace with some hot cocoa and watch holiday movies together.
By doing some or all of these activities together, you’ll create lasting memories and traditions that your family will cherish for years to come.***
Fun activity with kids and teach them mindfulness:
1. Play “I Spy.”
This game is a great way to help kids focus and be mindful of their surroundings. To play, one person starts by saying, “I spy with my little eye something that is…” and then describes an object in the room or area. The other players then try to guess what the object is. This game can also be played outdoors by describing objects in nature.
2. Do a puzzle together.
Puzzles are a great way to help kids slow down, focus, and pay attention to detail. They also promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Work on a puzzle together as a family or have kids do puzzles independently.
3. Try a mindfulness activity.
There are many different mindfulness activities that kids can do. One popular activity is called “Body Scan.” To do this, have kids lie down on their backs and close their eyes. Then, guide them through a relaxation exercise, focusing on each part of the body from the toes to the head. After the body is relaxed, have kids focus on their breath and count each inhale and exhale. Other mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
4. PlaySimon Says.
This classic game is a great way to get kids moving while also teaching them to follow directions and pay attention. To play, one person is Simon and gives commands such as “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says jump up and down.” The other players must only do the action if Simon actually says “Simon says” before the command. If a player does the action without Simon saying “Simon says,” then they are out of the game.
5. Do a scavenger hunt.
Scavenger hunts are a fun way to get kids moving and exploring their surroundings. To create a scavenger hunt, make a list of items that can be found in the home or outdoors. Then, have kids search for the items on the list. For an added challenge, time how long it takes for them to find all of the items.
6. Draw with chalk.
Chalk is a great way for kids to express their creativity while also promoting fine motor skills. Have kids draw pictures or write words on the sidewalk, driveway, or another outdoor surface. For an added challenge, try to create a picture with only one color of chalk or write words using only letters from the alphabet.
7. Play “Red Light, Green Light.”
This classic game is a great way to teach kids about following directions and paying attention. To play, one person is chosen to be the traffic light. The other players line up at one end of the room or playing area. When the traffic light says “Green light,” the players can move towards the other end of the room. But when the traffic light says “Red light,” the players must stop moving. The first player to reach the other end of the room is the winner.
8. Do a science experiment.
Science experiments are a great way to teach kids about cause and effect and the scientific method. They can also be a lot of fun! Try doing a simple experiment at home such as making slime or erupting volcanoes. For more complex experiments, check out books from the library or search online for ideas.
9. Play ” Follow the Leader.”
This classic game is a great way to get kids moving and thinking creatively. To play, one person is chosen to be the leader and the other players line up behind them. The leader then does an action such as hopping on one foot or clapping their hands. The other players must copy the action. The game continues until the leader changes the action or someone makes a mistake.
10. Create a obstacle course.
Obstacle courses are a great way to get kids moving and thinking creatively. To create an obstacle course, use everyday household items to create a series of challenges that must be completed. For example, you could create a course that includes walking across a balance beam, crawling through a tunnel, and jumping over a hurdle. Be sure to supervise kids while they are completing the course and help them if they need it.
When it comes to promoting kids’ physical activity, there are endless possibilities. By getting creative and thinking outside the box, you can help your kids lead active and healthy lives.
Physical activity or fun games to play with kids:
1. Use hula hoops
2. Play catch, hopscotch, or jump rope
3. Have a water gun fight
4. Dance around to music
5. Go for a walk, bike ride, or run
6. Play tag, hide and seek, or other games that involve movement
7. Climb trees or play on playground equipment
8. Do yoga, stretching, or other exercises together
9. Play sports such as basketball, football, or soccer
10. Do household chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, or washing the car.
11. Go hiking or camping
12. Take a fitness class together
13. Rollerblade, ice skate, or go rollercoastering
14. Play “Simon Says”
15. Do a scavenger hunt
16. Draw with chalk
17. Play “Red Light, Green Light”
18. Do a science experiment
19. Play “Follow the Leader”
20. Create an obstacle course21
The list goes on and on! Just get creative and have fun with it! And remember, physical activity doesn’t have to be boring! There are endless possibilities when it comes to promoting kids’ physical activity. Just get creative and think outside the box!
By getting creative and thinking outside the box, you can help your kids lead active and healthy lives.
