Keep the kids inside, but keep them in shape.

Staying active keeps the immune system in shape too. Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean our kids’ can’t get a good daily workout. There’s a lot of indoor fun to be had that should get their hearts pumping. In our house, a little music can keep the little ones occupied — and active.

It’s more challenging to keep children active indoors, but with some planning and creativity it is possible. We’ve got some suggestions you could try at home.

Kids love playing outdoors. Parents love it too because we know it’s a great way to get them to break out a healthy sweat. So it becomes a problem when cold days or rainy days hit –keeping us stuck inside the house. Now don’t let them languish in the couch watching TV or spend hours playing computer. Here’s our list of indoor activities you can all enjoy:

• A favorite in our own house — turn on some music and dance. Competitive kids might even enjoy a dance off. On another day, have a rock concert. Rocking out gets everyone’s hearts pumping.
• Musical chairs. Preschoolers love this.
• Another game preschoolers love is freeze dance — while the music is playing everyone must dance then freeze position when the music stops.
• Play tag or hide-and-seek
• Blow bubbles and allow your child to chase them, see you can jump the highest or catch a bubble without it popping
• Dust off some old games, like twister!
• Play sports charades
• Have your child participate in household chores with you.
• Jump rope with your kids.
• Participate in a friendly pillow fight
• Get an indoor basketball hoop with a soft ball
• Table tennis
• Mini-trampolines
• Scavenger hunts that include exercises at each stop
• Involve exercises or movements and physical activities in mother may I and Simon says.
• Follow the leader, using movements such as push-ups, jumping jacks, or lunge along using funny hand movements
• If they’re going to play video games, try the ones that require movement. Wii anyone?

Notice that even if it’s not snowing or raining cats and dogs outside, everything can still be enjoyed indoors? Now go take your pick and have some fun!