Don’t let cold weather or poor air quality stop your kids from moving! Active play is crucial for a child’s brain, language, social, and motor skill development, and it can happen indoors or outdoors.

How much activity does my kid need?

  • Infants: Offer a few minutes of tummy time 2–3 times a day. Make tummy time interactive by using toys or talking to your baby. 
  • Toddlers: Aim for 30 minutes of structured physical activity (like a game or sports practice) and several hours of active play throughout the day.
  • Preschoolers: Plan for at least 60 minutes of structured physical activity and 60 minutes of active play each day.

Tips for outdoor activities Kids Playing Indoors With Bubbles And Balloon Swords

If possible, let your kids play outside every day. Research shows that being outside is good for kids’ brain development, motor skill development, and mental health. Use these tips when playing outside: 

  • Watch the weather: Check the weather before you play outside to make sure the temperature and air quality are okay to play in.  
  • Bundle up: Make sure your kids have the right clothes to stay warm while they’re outside. Use coats, boots, socks, mittens or gloves, and hats to keep them warm. 
  • Give them space: Find an open area like a yard, park, or playground where your kids have space to run, jump, and play while outside. 

Tips for indoor activities 

You can still be active indoors on days that you can’t get outside. Here are some tips for being active indoors: 

    • Make room to move: Rearrange furniture or other items to create an open space for your kids to move around in.  
    • Host a dance party: Turn on music and let your kids jump, dance, and run.
    • Build an obstacle course: Use blankets, pillows, and other items around your house to create an obstacle course for your kids to play on. 
    • Act it out: Read a story to your kids and let them act it out. 

Resources for working parents

  • Find a TOP Star childcare center: TOP Star childcare centers have policies to make sure they’re helping the kids in their care be active every day—whether that’s indoors or out. Check out TOP Star Facilities to find one near you. 

Links to websites or resources

TOP Star  https://heal.utah.gov/top-star-facilities/

The Utah Asthma Program indoor recess guidelines: https://asthma.utah.gov/recess-guidance/ 

Families First Pediatrics: Beat the Winter Chill https://ffpeds.com/active-indoor-games-for-kids/

Action for Health Kids: Stay Active During Winter Break  https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/stay-active-during-winter-break/