Winter brings cool breezes, warm sweaters, and cozy evenings. But for growing children, it often brings decreased physical activity. Shorter days and colder temperatures can limit outdoor play, leading to more screen time and less movement.
At Kids and Care Clinic, Gurugram, Dr. Parveen Antil encourages parents to maintain their child’s activity levels throughout winter to support strong immunity, healthy growth, and emotional well-being.
Here’s a complete guide to help your child stay active, energetic, and healthy all winter long.
🌟 Why Staying Active in Winter Is Important
Physical activity supports children in many ways, especially during the colder months:
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Boosts immune strength
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Helps maintain a healthy weight
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Improves mood and reduces irritability
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Enhances sleep quality
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Strengthens muscles and bones
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Supports focus and learning
Even small daily activities can make a big difference.
🏠 1. Create Fun Indoor Games at Home
When outdoor play isn’t possible, indoor activities become essential. Try these simple yet effective ideas:
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Indoor obstacle course: Use cushions, chairs, and soft toys.
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Dance sessions: Play your child’s favorite songs and dance together.
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Balloon volleyball: Light, fun, and safe.
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Yoga for kids: Helps with flexibility and relaxation.
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Jumping jacks, skipping, spot jogging: Great for quick energy bursts.
These activities help children burn energy while staying safe and warm indoors.
🎨 2. Add Creative Movement Activities
Mix creativity with physical play to keep children engaged:
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Freeze dance (stop when the music pauses)
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Animal walks (frog jumps, crab walk, bear crawl)
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Treasure or scavenger hunts inside the home
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Follow-the-leader exercise games
These activities are fun and also help in developing motor skills.
🌤️ 3. Use Daytime Warm Hours for Outdoor Play
Winter mornings and evenings may be cold, but afternoons in Gurugram are often pleasant. Utilize this time for:
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Short park visits
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Bicycle or scooter rides
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Light jogging or brisk walking
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Basic sports play (football, badminton, frisbee)
Ensure children are dressed in warm layers, caps, and gloves before stepping outdoors.
📱 4. Reduce Excess Screen Time
Cold weather often leads to increased TV or mobile usage. Set healthy boundaries:
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Fixed screen-time limits
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“No-screen” family evenings
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Encourage playing board games, puzzles, or crafts instead
Replacing screen time with movement helps children stay physically and mentally active.
🤸♂️ 5. Consider Structured Winter Activities
Indoor winter programs can help your child stay active in a disciplined manner. Options include:
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Taekwondo or karate
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Indoor skating
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Dance classes
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Gymnastics
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Swimming in heated indoor pools
These activities improve stamina, flexibility, and confidence.
🥣 6. Provide Nutritious, Energy-Boosting Foods
Healthy food supports active habits. During winter, include:
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Warm soups and stews
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Seasonal fruits like oranges, guava, and pomegranate
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Dry fruits (almonds, walnuts, raisins)
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Protein-rich foods (eggs, lentils, paneer, chicken)
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Herbal teas or warm milk
Proper nutrition keeps the body energized and supports immune health.
💤 7. Maintain a Regular Sleep Cycle
Winter temptations like late-night movies and late waking affect activity levels. Good sleep ensures:
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More energy
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Better mood
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Improved immunity
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Higher concentration
Try maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake-up times for your child.
👩⚕️ When Should You Consult a Pediatrician?
Visit a doctor if your child experiences:
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Unusual tiredness
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Frequent winter infections
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Poor appetite or low energy
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Breathing issues during activity
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Persistent cough or cold
At Kids and Care Clinic, Dr. Parveen Antil provides expert guidance to ensure your child stays healthy and active all season.
🏥 Kids and Care Clinic – Dr. Parveen Antil
Address:
Shop-101, Ground Floor, Conscient One Mall,
Northern Peripheral Rd, Block R,
New Palam Vihar Phase 1, Sector 109, Gurugram
📧 Email: info@drparveenkidsclinic.com
📞 Phone: +91 80599-01391
