The 2010 Vancouver Olympics are not far off. Kids can join in with the Olympic spirit by taking part in mock family events. Design outdoor snow courses and indoor activities that tie into this celebration of world athletics.
Outdoor Winter Olympics Games for Kids
The winter games include events such as figure skating, alpine skiing, curling, luge and many more. Although these may not be easily recreated by most families, kids can design new and inventive events to add to their own version of the winter Olympics.
These games should be simple and inexpensive. Use regular household objects and items that are typical for winter weather activities (such as a sled). Get creative and encourage children to use some imagination when designing their own unique winter sports.
Examples of activities and games include:
- Timed Sled Race: Instead of simply sledding down a favorite snowy hill, parents can time each child’s ride. Try to use a digital watch or timer that counts to fractions of a second. Keep track of each child’s time, and then post it on a dry erase or chalk board.
- Snowman Building Contest: Siblings can race against one another or divide the family into teams. Assign judges and give points for time taken to build the snowman, creativity, size, and skill.
- Winter Obstacle Course: Create a snowy obstacle course in the family yard. Include jumping, skipping, or rolling through the snow.
- Broom Hockey: Use brooms and a soft foam ball on a flat snowy surface for a fun game of mock hockey. Make sure to avoid icy or other dangerous surfaces. This game may be better suited for older children and teens. Younger children should avoid participating. All children should be instructed on safety rules, wear safety equipment, and be supervised by a responsible adult.
Indoor Winter Activities for Kids
The Olympics may be held primarily in outdoor venues, but children can participate related indoor activities as well. Indoor activities should follow a winter Olympics theme. These can be indoor games or crafts and art projects.
Examples include:
- Winter Olympic Research: Older children and teens can research the Olympics. Current new articles and history items can make for a fun family discussion. Look to websites such as Vancouver 2010 or the website of the Olympic movement for stories of interest and facts.
- Medals: Use paper, markers, and ribbon to create Olympic medals.
- Olympic Countries and Cultures: Celebrate the nationalities of the games. Children can research the different countries and create flags or other items of importance. Try assigning each child a specific county that he or she will play for during any outdoor game activities.
- Medal Ceremony: Hold a special medal ceremony inside the family home.
Winter Activity Safety and Children
Safety should always be the first concern when playing any winter game or sport. Remind children that the Olympic athletes all take proper safety measures before and while taking part in an event.
Safety concerns may include (but are not limited to):
- Wear appropriate warm clothing outdoors such as coats, snow/ski pants, gloves, hates, and boots. If the weather is deemed too cold, children should not be permitted to play outside.
- Wear properly fitting safety equipment. This includes helmets and other padding. This is especially important for sledding and other similar activities.
- Stretch or warm up before physical activity.
- Engage in age and developmental level appropriate games and activities.
- Be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Take frequent breaks to get warm and hydrate.
The American Association of Pediatrics publishes an online fact sheet on winter safety. Parents should consult this before allowing children to engage in outdoor winter games and activities.
Celebrate the athleticism of the Olympic athletes by holding a family winter games. Research participating countries, and even assign each family member his or her own team. Compete in imaginative outdoor games such as sledding or snowman building. Follow an outdoor event by indoor Olympic crafts or a special medal ceremony.
Sources:
The American Academy of Pediatrics, Winter Safety Tips (retrieved electronically January 8, 2010).
Vancouver 2010 (retrieved electronically January 8, 2010).
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
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