Cold weather doesn't have to keep kids indoors playing video games all day. As long as they're dressed appropriately, children can participate in a variety of sports that can help them keep fit over the winter. Staying physically active helps kids stave off boredom and keep their mood up, too. Snow sports may come to mind first, but plenty of cold weather sports options are available even in less snowy areas.
Skiing and Snowboarding
With training and supervision, children can enjoy downhill or Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Equipment appropriate for the child's size and skill level is a must. This includes a specialized snow sports helmet, advise experts from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. For children with special needs, adaptive skis and other equipment are available. Training should cover not only use of the skis or snowboard, but also ways to safely handle falls as well as rules of conduct on the slopes. Kids should always ski or snowboard with an adult and stick to terrain suitable for their skill level.
Many ski resorts now also offer snowtubing. It's typically a less-expensive option than skiing/snowboarding and doesn't require any skill--just sit in the inflatable tube and go zooming down a specialized course.
Sledding
Sledding gives children the fun of speeding down hills without the expensive equipment, lift tickets and lessons needed for skiing and snowboarding. It's also a practical option for kids with lower-body physical challenges. To reduce risk of injury, get your kids a sled with a steering mechanism and easy-to-grasp handholds, rather than a toboggan, plastic snow disc or homemade devise. Kids younger than 12 require a fitted helmet, too, note experts from the University of Michigan. Always supervise sledding activities and check the entire course for rocks, trees and other hazards before letting your kids take off.
Ice Sports
Ice skating provides a good aerobic workout while improving coordination, posture and flexibility. Kids not interested in the acrobatics of figure skating may prefer speed skating. For children with good skating skills, ice hockey is another option. This sport requires a variety of protective gear including body pads, padded gloves, mouth guard and ice hockey helmet. To reduce risk of injury, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children younger than 15 avoid body checking, or blocking an opponent with their body. Curling is another ice sport in which can kids can participate.
Sports for Moderate Climates
In locations too warm for snow and ice, traditional autumn sports can provide good exercise throughout the winter. These include soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse and golf. Children can participate in cross country running, but younger kids may need to limit their distance goal to 3 km or less and teens to 5 km or less. When your kids don't feel like braving the weather, indoor versions of warm-weather sports, such as volleyball, basketball and swimming provide alternatives.
Staying Safe
Many sports carry some risk of injury, but winter's low temperatures and slippery surfaces compound these risks. The leading causes of winter sports injuries are, in order, snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, ice hockey and sledding, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Using quality equipment, clothing and protective gear appropriate for the sport and child's size can reduce risk of injury. Hypothermia and dehydration are also dangers, so ensure your children stay warm and well hydrated. Before trying a new sport, familiarize yourself and your kids with the sport's safety guidelines.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Cold-Weather Sports
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Skiing & Snowboarding
- University of Michigan: Winter Safety: Sledding, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating and Cold Weather
- "American Fitness;" Chill out!--Ice Skating; Drew M.; March-April, 1990
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Ice Hockey
