From football to soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball and maybe the less popular yet still entertaining cricket, golf, and rugby – sports are always there to get people out of their laziness.
But most of these games are mostly for warm or fresh climates – not something cold like winter. So looking for an activity to do in the coldest season can be pretty hard.
As we know toddlers, big kids and teenagers can be pretty sluggish around this season, we want to help you bring more activity to their lives.
Here, we explain the different sport options you’ll have to either make them less lazy or just bring some action, so they get out of couch in winter. If you are eager to learn more, then come further and find out!
Ten Winter Sports for Kids
So you’re looking for a new sport your kid may love, but sadly it’s winter. Well, there are always good options to go for – here are ten you should always consider;
Ice Skating
Roller skating is fun in the summer, as well as ice skating is in the winter. This is an option for sporty children who want to do something energetic & demand but also not too competitive or dangerous.
So you are getting a sport that improves physical state and makes them more active while giving a reason to spend with family and friends in a non-competitive manner.
Where to Play
The first thing to know about ice skating is that it develops agility like no other winter sport. Making an effort to prevent falling down and having to do tricks & exciting movements in the process gives children a wide array of physical skills.
This happens because ice skating is done in hard ice. It should be a lake or river that’s frozen and thick when it is outside.
But most of the time it’s played indoors in stadiums or big facilities. Here the court would be like a frozen pool but with all the controls and improvement to make it harder to melt even in hottest seasons.
Time & Effort
For skating, most lessons start at age three (the lowest to practice this sport). If you want your child to start this sport, the younger, the better. But it is essential to know that this sport doesn't demand as much time sacrifice as others. And for the lowest ages, this is especially important.
The practices for this sport may go from 30 minutes to 1 hour most of the time. As the game is exhausting (especially in cold climates), it doesn’t demand more than four or five training sessions every week. For the smallest children, it is likely to face up to three sessions weekly.
As the child progresses and passes the necessary lessons, there will be different options to go for like power skating and star skating. These tend to demand a lot more time and effort investment. So it is common to find up to five sessions a week or at least two in the coldest months.
Gear & Equipment
For protecting while ice skating, your child won’t need more than a helmet and gloves. This sport demands a little more agility and flexibility, so it is common to find people without much protection.
It is still essential to get the right skates. You may find second-hand ones for about twenty dollars, but the price can go up to the hundreds for professional-level skates. It depends on the level of the child or teenager. But if you want a decent new set for your starting toddler, you can get a pair for about 40$ or a little less.
You may be seeing for a start investment of about 100$, so you can get all the equipment your child will need. But if you don’t care much about safety and trust your children to be safe, you may need way less than that.
Initial Investment
Public skating is probably the most affordable option here. Those towns with ice fields to skate can save a few dollars only, and in other times it can be free. This will help you get a place for your children to practice or at least learn the first few days/months.
Otherwise, you can pay for lessons. Most beginner lessons are pretty affordable and don’t go over the hundred dollars a month. For more advanced children, the lessons can go over 200$ for about four to five classes a week. But it is important to note that the older the child, the more likely it will cost more. For children starting who will need more supervision but less practice time, the price can vary.
When it comes to ice skating competitions or expert-level practices, you can be facing several hundred every few weeks.
Luckily, figure skating, power skating or star skating all cost differently and for different purposes, so you’ll have plenty to choose (some more expensive than others). It is vital to note that the clothing tends to be simple and affordable, but ice skates can be slightly expensive.
Pros
Cons
Hockey
Most parents would be against playing any type of hockey as it can be dangerous both in the summer with roller skates or in the winter with ice skates.
But this still makes the bravest and most agile children out there, especially those who have a soft spot for sports with lots of competitiveness.
Where to Play
In the coldest places, hockey can be played in different spots including small ponds, lakes, or even rivers. As long as the ice is thick enough, the climate won’t really matter. But this also adds a little more dangerous than other options so your kid may not grow into it if he/she is not prepared for it. Otherwise, it could be one of the most entertaining options out there.
Apart from that, your kid will have the chance to compete in leagues and championships probably. Hockey in many countries including Canada and the US tends to be really serious and have thousands of fanatics. In the smallest children leagues, your kids will have lots of competition to enjoy, but this also means your kid will have to spend and invest a lot of time into it.
Time & Effort
If your kid wants to play this game, he will have to spend hundreds of hours practicing to reach competitive levels. This means you’ll be looking at around five to six hours of practice a week which can be very useful to prevent your skin from being lazy. But this also means a lot of effort and commitment from your part.
Otherwise, this sport can keep your children happy & busy. The effort is also useful for their skills in many ways. And due to its slightly dangerous nature and competitiveness, it makes kids a little more proactive in the long run.
Gear & Equipment
We recommend this sport for the action and the huge physical effort it demands. But it is important to always get the safety gear for your kid.
From hockey pants and jerseys to protect from cold, to shoulder, elbow and shin guards to protect bones from impacts – all these things are essential. Don’t forget about the socks and gloves that give grip and even more cold protection.
The good thing is that hockey equipment is sometimes given away by organizations. So your kid can still enjoy using helmets and skates from children who used to play and left the sport or who just don’t need the gear anymore.
And if you buy second-hand starter packs with everything, you could be saving up to 50% of your money than buying new original items. So you have lots of chances here.
Initial Investment
And for the cost, this is not a cheap sport but not the most expensive either. You will be looking at several hundred for a team practice, especially in premium leagues for teenagers.
In terms of equipment, though, the costs tend to be a little smaller, sometimes don’t even meet the hundreds so you can spend little and still get all the necessary equipment.
Pros
Cons
Skiing or Snowboarding
We put both in the same category because they’re almost the same, the only difference is the gear and equipment. So you will be facing a lot of dangers with both these sports, but nothing close to the amount of money you’ll need.
In the end, however, both are very fun and interesting options for children, especially for the adrenaline & bravery they demand.
Where to Play
Both skiing and snowboard are only practiced in snowy mountains or hills. There’s no other option when it comes to these sports. So you’ll be there making a huge time and money investment.
Even though many different types of skiing & snowboarding don’t necessarily need a mountain or hill, it is still the original way to do it.
Some facilities may offer artificial snow mountains so your child can use them to practice or entertainment. But due to the enclosed environment and the lack of freedom (sometimes they can be filled with other people), it is always better to practice these sports in a free natural environment.
Time & Effort
To develop skills at a young age, these sports will have to be practiced at least two to three days a week. However, this could be hard if you don’t invest a lot of effort & time reaching the ideal places to train. Most artificial facilities also tend to have huge costs of about 5$ to 20$ an hour or even more.
But if you intend to have a great training with real coaches, you can get excellent lessons for half or full days of practice. These programs tend to be seasonal or monthly and may demand your child to stay for a few weeks in a hill or mountain to follow the program.
This could be especially useful for developing skills & more interest in the sport, making it possible to contest in high-level competitions.
Gear & Equipment
These are sort of extreme sports, so you’ll need several protective items as well as the ones to properly slide through the snow. This also means you’ll be spending a little more than in other options when it comes to gear.
The first thing to consider is the snowboard or the skis that have a minimum cost of about 50$ and can go up to 200$ or even more. These are the most critical items for sports so you can guess how much you’ll be spending from here.
When you add the rest of gear including the thermal jacket & pants, the thermal underwear, the boots, gloves, and the goggles, you may reach the 500$ mark easily.
These sports are highly dangerous no matter where they are practiced. The danger is not only about the place but mostly about the different factors such as cold, remote locations, snow, and more. So it is critical for your kid to have every piece of equipment without fault.
Initial Investment
You won’t be seeing at a sport that’s really affordable when we talk about either snowboarding or skiing. Both are pretty expensive due to the gear you’ll need and the kind of practice they demand.
For example, a one-hour or forty-five-minute practice session in an easy-to-access mountain can cost from 30$ to 60$ easily.
So you’ll be seeing at a start investment of at least 100$ when you add the cost of the boards, the sticks, or the snow rollers for skiing. Then you’ll need to add the goggles, the weather clothing for cold, gloves and even special shoes.
You can face up to a 500$ dollar investment at first. And if you add a seasonal training program that can go for several weeks, you may double that first investment. So both snowboarding and skiing are not inexpensive at all.
Pros
Cons
Cross Country Skiing
This sport is pretty similar to normal skiing, but instead, for going fast and doing tricks, cross-country skiing is based on moving through snow using skies. The whole purpose is to go through great lengths using all the ski equipment you may need. You could say it’s a sort of marathon but in the snow.
It’s the perfect choice for those kids who need a reason to move, giving excellent downhill and uphill experiences that develop top-notch resistance and snow skills. But it is also pretty unsafe.
Where To Play
Your kid can do cross-country skiing everywhere he wants as long as there’s snow to pass through. Many people use this type of skiing as a form of transportation as well, so more than a sport is a way of just moving through snow.
The primary environment for this sport is the fields and hills covered in snow. So your kid will be facing a lot of great scenery and beautiful spots while practicing. But this also means it is way more dangerous than other options, as your kid can be in survival mode all the time, especially in the most remote locations.
Gear & Equipment
Remember that this is a dangerous sport that demands a lot of time in snowy locations. So your kid may be facing extreme climates where cold protection is essential.
So you’ll need to buy high-quality thermal clothing and underwear that can go easily to the 200$ mark for low and medium quality options. For high-quality clothing, you may reach the 400$.
Then you have the skies and the stakes. This tends to be pretty affordable in entry-level quality, at about 50$ to 100$. And when you add the protective equipment such as gloves, skiing boots, and the goggles, you won’t be seeing less than another 50$.
Just remember that this equipment is critical for the sport. If you want your child to have the best time possible, we recommend buying all the protective gear you can. Otherwise, you may be putting your kid in danger.
Initial Investment
There’s no training for this sport more than your kid going with the supervision of an adult through snowy mountains, hills or large fields. Remember the purpose is to develop resistance skills, and that’s how your kid can do it.
But with the equipment you’ll need, it’s probably that you end up spending about 300$ to 500$ at first. Luckily, skiing gear tends to be pretty durable so you can get the equipment at first and then forget about it.
Pros
Cons
Snowshoeing
This is the cousin of cross-country skiing. Instead of being a form of a marathon in the snow, this one is a hike or mountain trip. And you don’t use skis, you instead use snowshoes. There’s nothing more entertaining for those who like hiking in the summer than going hiking in the winter.
If your kid loves that kind of activity, there’s no mistake about snowshoeing. This is a sport that’s also better played alongside many other people.
Despite the danger it means to adventure into cold places with lots of snow, it can still be one of the most entertaining and fulfilling sports in the list. Especially if children practice it alongside their parents, the results will be amazing.
Time & Effort
There aren’t schools for snowshoeing out there, as this is a sport or activity that’s mostly used for moving from one part to the other. The good thing, however, is that you can go along your kind in this sport and invest the time & effort together. This will make it a much better option for most parents.
As this sport is like hiking, many national parks or places to do so offer guides or staff that can go with your kid through the snow.
This will help both to prevent making twice the effort by passing through uncomfortable places, while also escorting kids and parents through the right and safest places with the most beautiful views.
Overall, it doesn't need much practice as anyone can do it. But it demands a lot of effort eventually, so you need to be sure that your child wants to do it. This also means it will improve your kids' physical state exponentially, especially the legs.
Gear & Equipment
For practicing this sport you don’t need more than the snowshoes, the right winter clothes, and that’s it. From gloves to boots, a winter cap, and thermal pants & jacket, and you’ll get the whole gear for your child. This means that you won’t spend much.
Luckily, some national parks or places to do snowshoeing can offer all the equipment for free. This works as a way to save money and prevent your closet from getting full of things you’ll only use in winter.
Initial Investment
As you know already, winter clothing can be pretty expensive if you don’t get the right items. But as you won’t need the highest-quality options here, you can face a cost of about 100$ to 200$ just to start. You can double this if you add the investment on your own equipment (to go with your child).
And if you decide to go for more expensive options, you can be facing over 300$ of investment without problems. Double it if you buy winter gear yourself.
Pros
Cons
Ice Fishing
Not many people think of fishing as a sport, but it surely is. Whether it is from a boat in an iced lake or the sea, from the shore, or over the ice in frozen lake – you can always practice ice fishing alongside your kid and experience a fantastic time.
Fishing is an activity that doesn’t demand much work. Instead, it is more about concentration and patience, which is pretty helpful if you want your kid to be active but improve her/his patience and endurance in cold places.
And what’s even better, it exposes your child too little or no danger which is fantastic compared to other winter sports.
Where to Play
This sport is not much about playing, but your kid can still enjoy excellent fishing at frozen lakes, rivers, or the sea in a boat. While there’s always danger in these kinds of places, it is minimum as long as the kid goes with a responsible and experienced adult.
It can be done either from the shore of a waterway, on a boat or kayak, or even from the same frozen water (only when it’s thick) in a frozen body of water. There are many ways to practice this sport without being in danger and still offering an enjoyable experience, sometimes filled with beautiful spots.
Time & Effort
Fishing demands a lot of patience. This means your kid will experience several minutes to hours without being able to catch anything. While for many this type of activity is not really a sport, it still demands a lot of endurance and patience which can put your child in a severe physical and mental state.
Of course, it should always be done with the right equipment to prevent any unnecessary effort.
For practice, there are always academies or experienced fishermen who can teach your kid. Most of the time, however, the best way is to teach him/her yourself. The activity demands a lot of time to learn, but the skills that are needed are little when it comes to catching a fish.
So while your kid develops patience and endurance, it may not be as exhausting as other alternatives.
Gear & Equipment
Here it’s all about protection and fishing comfortably. That’s why we recommend always to get the highest-quality products possible. The gear your kid will need is protection against cold weathers and possibly waterproof clothing to prevent water damage.
From winter boots and cap to the thermal jacket, pants, and underwear, you'll need to get it all for your kid to prevent cold damage.
As for the fishing equipment, you should get your child at least one small or medium rod with an inexpensive and straightforward reel. This will help you kid fish comfortably and effortlessly.
All the rest of items such as the bait and the lure are easy to find and inexpensive. The line is also pretty affordable so you won’t spend much here..
But if you are fishing in a place where it is not that cold or difficult to be, you can always let your kid go fishing without much protective equipment. Instead, you can focus on the fishing items and get even better quality that will help your child exponentially.
Initial Investment
While fishing is not the most expensive sport out there, it can still get a few hundred off your wallet without issues.
Let’s start with protective equipment. Your kid should be all covered from feet to toe with thermal clothing. From a jacket to pants, snow boots, and thermal underwear if possible – it is critical to be well protected against extreme colds.
The clothing investment can be about 100$ for a low-end set, and up to 300$ if you want high-quality clothing for your kid.
Then you get fishing equipment, where the least you can find a fishing rod & reel is about 20$. But a high-quality option for your kid can reach the 100$ easily. Other items such as the line, the bait or lure, and the items for storage can go up by 10$ or 50$ more.
Overall, the initial cost for ice fishing can be about 300$ if you go for low-end or used products. If you want higher-quality products, you can reach 500$ effortlessly. The great thing about fishing equipment is that it tends to be pretty durable so you can expect your kid to work for over two years without new gear.
Pros
Cons
Curling
Most people know curling as an Olympic sport, but it is easily among the most practiced in cold cities in the world. It demands little to no physical effort, but still requires a lot of mental capacity.
The best of all is that curling doesn’t put children in dangerous situations, and still manages to be a lot of fun for the right children.
It is based on making stones slide through ice in search of reaching the spot where more points can be made. This is done as a team, with one who throws the stones and others who make sure it reaches the objective. So it is both entertaining and team-consistent.
Where To Play
Curling can be played anywhere from a frozen lake to a frozen river. However, the correct practicing choice for this sport is an inside ice field similar to the one from ice hockey.
The thing about this sport is that the area should have all the marks for the points and rule-related mechanisms. Let’s also not forget it needs a completely flat ice surface to be played correctly, which is a plus in terms of field needs.
So while it is a sort of versatile sport like ice skating and ice hockey, it can still be played anywhere it is possible. However, it is better performed in curling-specific fields for better results.
Time & Effort
Kids can practice curling for as much as four or five days a week in competitive stances. But for kids starting, just two hours per week can be enough. These programs may not cost too much and are mostly part of curling clubs that charge about 100$ a year.
This sport doesn’t demand much learning as others as it is somehow simple. Yet it can be pretty useful to get the more hours possible for acquiring specific skills. At a basic level, though, learning can be done in a few weeks or days that give children enough opportunity to reach competition levels.
The effort is little as well, especially as a team sport. So your kid will be going to a game that’s maybe not the most active but mentally tough and excellent for socializing & learning team skills.
Gear & Equipment
The best about this sport is that your kid won’t need much gear equipment to do it. With only knee pads and gloves, your kid can play this sport without issues.
There’s a slight need for agility, so not much cold-weather protection is required. With little clothes, your kid can reach excellent ability and play effortlessly.
Still, you’ll have to get the brooms, sliders, and stones if you want your child to be well-equipped for the sport. This way you may be seeing a few dollars spent, but nothing much. The necessary gear is little, so you can expect a very accessible sport when it comes to equipment.
Initial Investment
So you want your kid to learn at a competitive level from the lowest age possible. Here you can sign up your kid for around 100$ a year in a curling club. The most extensive training programs can be up to 1000$ a year which is still affordable for most parents.
Most of the equipment tends to be pretty affordable as well. Your kid may need skating shoes or clean-soled running shoes for the sport. Luckily, some clubs offer all the necessary equipment once you pay for the yearly fee, which makes it more convenient for parents who don’t want to buy additional gear.
Pros
Cons
Ice Biking
If your kid is a fan of BMX, freestyle, mountaineering, or just cross bike sports – then he will probably love ice biking as well. In the winter, this sport can be seen as an affordable option for children who want to practice with their bikes in a snowy environment.
The good thing about this sport is that it is very exhausting and physically demanding, yet it lacks the competitiveness of other games which makes it ideal for children who just want to have fun and exercise. This also makes it perfect for families who want to go out on a biking trip together.
Where to Play
This sport can be done anywhere from frozen rivers and lakes to wetlands, flat snowy lands, and much more. It is both a perfect way to travel & move around the city or town, as well as it is ideal for kids to enjoy a good time doing a physically-demanding sport.
Most ice bikers go through the same trails as snowmobilers and skiers. But due to the nature of the bike, this sport is a little more difficult because you will be lacking the traction and grip of a ski, as well as the motor of a snowmobile.
Luckily, your child can go to frozen lakes and rivers and have little to no issue getting to high speeds and a lot of fun.
Time & Effort
The time and effort this sport demands is the same biking demands in warm seasons. But of course, your kid will have to be prepared to pedal more strongly and face more adversity due to probably slipping and falling when biking.
Overall, however, the investment is all about the kid’s needs and desires. This sport doesn’t have many ways to compete with others more than just fun. However, some places have competitions either for speed or endurance so your kid may have the chance to compete if he/she wants a challenge.
Most clubs or academies for biking may also aid your kid to practice in the snowy seasons so you won’t have to look for specific “ice-biking academies.” And of course, your child will have year-round training without stopping.
Thanks to its nature, this sport can also be done as a family or in groups without competitiveness. This way you can add even more fun and experiences for your children. Remember, however, that biking can be pretty exhausting so always remember to bring water to training or biking trips.
Gear & Equipment
The same equipment your kid needs for other winter sports, but this time with more comfortable boots and pants. This way your child can ensure a more active performance and agility that is always essential for biking.
Your kid may also want additional protective gear such as goggles for snowy places, and special boots that grab the pedals strongly to prevent slippage.
For the bike, though, you won’t have to spend much either. With just a few modifications to the gears and the tires, you can modify the bike for your child to practice the right way. Ice tires for bikes can be pretty affordable as well so you won’t be spending much.
Initial Investment
You won’t be spending more than 200$ if you are careful before buying equipment. If your kid already has a bike, you will only have to buy ice tires that can be about 40$ with medium quality.
As for the rest of the gear for protection, you’ll need thermal jackets and light thermal pants. The ideal biking shoes can be over 50$, but most of the time they are below. And gloves plus cap don’t past over $30.
If you get to buy the highest-quality equipment available and a new bike, you can encounter an investment of around 500$. But it is not necessary most of the time, so you are unlikely to pay this kind of sum.
Pros
Cons
Sledding
While many people would say sledding is not really a sport, it is still one of the most entertaining activities you can get your kid to do. If there’s something fun and that will make your child physically active in the coldest months, it is sledding.
The best about this activity is that kids can do it by themselves, with their parents or friends, or even with their dogs. This helps to improve physical state but also to get communication and leadership skills. It will also strengthen bonds with friends, family or pets.
Where to Play
Snowy hills or steep places are always great choices for sledding. It doesn’t demand much of a location to do, it can be a long, short, or broad hill and it will be enough for kids to have a great time and make a great physical effort.
It is essential, however, for the kid to always be in a safe sledding spot. That’s why we recommend parents to check the place before giving a green light for their children.
This way, you prevent any potential danger with trees, bushes, rocks, or other people that could get in the way. And what’s even more important, always make sure the place is far away from any vehicles.
The best places to practice sledding are in private backyards, parks, and national parks with hills or mountains, for example. Stay away from places close to streets, walls, and trees.
Time & Effort
This sport doesn't demand much effort or time master. There are still many competitions, and different kinds of sledding your kid can do. Some organizations or clubs may offer kids to learn the basics, either to practice for fun or just add competitiveness in teamwork.
The first thing your kid should learn is how to sled comfortably & safely. Afterward, it’s all a plus. Luckily, this sport can be done alongside friends or family, which adds more fun to the effort that is also little.
It is important to note, though, that this sport can be dangerous. Your child may be exposed to great dangers and difficulties, including probable injuries and wounds from sledding the wrong way or falling from the sled.
Gear & Equipment
The first thing to get for sledding is the right sled. Most kids use homemade sleds, but we recommend the ones specifically made for the sport. Homemade options such as plastic bags, tubs, garbage lids, and others may be highly dangerous.
For protection, we also recommend weather clothing such as thermal jackets and pants with snow boots. Gloves and mittens are also essential. And of course, a helmet and knee/elbow pads can protect your child against unnecessary damage.
Initial Investment
This sport doesn’t have many training options or clubs to join, but the ones that exist are entirely affordable. You won’t be seeing for much investment in terms of training, as most of these academies may not go over 50$ a month for teaching the basics to your young child and give him/her all the necessary equipment.
For the gear, you won’t have to buy high-end items. Just an essential jacket, pants, boots, and gloves are enough to play safely and without spending much money. This way, you won’t be paying more than 100$ in most cases. If you add a helmet and pads for the knee and elbow, you can add about 20$ up to 50$ max.
In total, sledding doesn’t cost more than 200$ if you are careful before buying any items. A specific sled can cost from 30$ to 200$, but you could always make one for your children and save the money.
Pros
Cons
Tubing or Tobogganing
Very similar to sledding, but this time you’ll need a specific place to do it. This sport is actually a version of the one you see on winter Olympics, where a team pushes a kart through an ice rail or path to gain speed and then compete against other teams to achieve the best time.
The good thing about tubing and tobogganing is that kids can do it with tubes or with something similar to a sled and still get excellent results. It is enjoyable to play and can be done as a way to compete or just for entertainment. Still, your kid will have to extenuate to enjoy alongside friends and family.
Where to Play
This sport is mostly played in places with specific tubing hills that work as sledding options. However, tubing and tobogganing often have an engineered path that can be either marked or built. This way the place tends to be more secure and easy to use by children.
Some communities in cities tend to build these similar paths but without the engineering. This way parents can have a great time with their children, making them tube down the hill and then race back up. So your kid and possibly you may be doing a lot of crucial cardio exercise to stay active in winter.
It is essential to know, however, that this sport can be a little dangerous. So it is important to always find the right place for your child before letting him practice it. You won’t like your kid to get damaged unnecessarily.
Time & Effort
A tube tends to be way lighter than a sled so your kid won’t have to invest much effort to move around with it. They are also easier to manage and make even provide much more safety when playing with. This way you can say that tubing is slightly less physically demanding but still excellent as an activity.
There aren’t many competitions to join, but it can still be a competitive game when played alongside other children or relatives. A few hours a day every few days can be enough for kids. If you live close to one of these tubing hills, you can let your kid play for a few more hours.
Gear & Equipment
The things your kid will need for this game are thermal & water protection, and a few pads in the knees and elbows. Insulated boots and gloves will be critical as well. A helmet may not be the most comfortable accessory but will be pretty useful to prevent your kid from getting damaged in the head.
A tube, on the other hand, tends to be pretty easy to find. In winter seasons, most shops offer this kind of tubes for a very affordable price. The rest of equipment or gear will be just additional, and not really necessary.
Initial Investment
All tubes are lighter, smaller, and often more affordable than a sled, for example. This will give you a far more inexpensive cost at first. Let’s not forget your kid will only need protective equipment like pads in knees and elbows, and the regular winter clothing for cold & water protection.
If you don’t want to buy a new tube that can be around 50$ to 100$ more or less, you can always make one yourself from the inner tubes of a large car wheel. This will give your small children a good enough option to play without having to waste any money at all.
Pros
Cons
How to Introduce the Sport
Now that you are familiar with all the options available on the table, it is time to learn more about the different factors you should be aware of before making your kid more active in winter.
Here we have everything you need to know about introducing a new sport to children;
Explore Options
Before pushing anything in front of your kid’s eyes, remember to let him know the different options he has. You should always do your research before picking. This will give you both a better idea of what you're selecting as a sport option.
Sometimes, this may even help to push the whole family into a single sport. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or even ice skating can be excellent choices for family playing.
The traveling and adventures these sports demand may also be useful for strengthening relationships. So do your research before making a choice for your kid.
Safety is First
All winter sports have a danger factor, some more than others. But whatever your kid wants to play, make sure security is always first.
Some games involve high speeds, complicated movements, contact with other players, and more importantly – lots of colds. So you need to always have the right equipment for your kid before pushing him/her to do anything.
Even the smallest and seemingly less critical protective & thermal gear can be critical in a winter sport. Focus on thermal and head protection. And never let your kid practice any of these sports without the proper equipment.
Don’t Push
Most of these sports take a lot of time and effort. For example, learning to step stably on skates can be pretty challenging. Learning to slide on a snowboard or skis is also difficult at first. Let your kid learn slowly and well, don’t push to do anything if he needs time or just doesn’t want to.
Sports can be pretty difficult for many people. Not only in terms of learning how to do it, but also mentally, especially when we talk about winter sports that are played in cold environments. So be patient and let your child go at his/her own time.
To improve the process, you can always get an instructor or sign up your kid in classes. This will help to get more confidence with the help of an expert. The learning curve will be shorter this way.
There Are Always Downsides
Making mistakes is part of life, and falling is the first thing your kid will do in any winter sport. It is normal, it is almost a rule to slide, slip or just tumble. Let your kid learn his own way, and always try to support even in the hardest of situations.
Actually, in winter sports learning to fall down can be vital. Remember that ice and snow are not the most comfortable and soft things to fall over.
So just let your kid go with the right mindset but always knowing that mistakes & falls are normal, learning to take the error into learning is what makes the sport fun.
Fun Must be Key
Doesn’t matter how it goes for your kid, it is always important to ensure he’s having fun. At the lowest ages especially, you should focus on your kid being active and enjoying what he’s doing.
This way, you don’t only ensure that your kid does not hate the activity, but also that he eventually keeps doing it for his own sake and entertainment.
To do this, you should always improve his/her self-esteem, and focus on teaching perseverance above anything else. Let your child go at its own pace, and learn from mistakes, but always make sure that he’s having fun.
Bottom Line
Now you’re ready to start your kid in a new winter sport. Don’t forget this could use for many things such as physical aspect, mental clarity, and overall activity.
If your kid seems lazy and lacking initiative to do anything – these sports will be your best idea. Help your kids start now, and you won’t be disappointed.
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