Winter Wellness for Kids: Keeping Them Healthy & Active When It’s Cold Outside

When temps are below freezing and daylight disappears before dinner, keeping kids healthy can feel like a full time job. Between snotty noses, too much screen time and the kids repeating “I'm bored,” winter can be a very challenging time for families. With just a few intentional habits, the colder months can actually be a season of growth, movement and strong immune systems – not just survival. Here's how to support your child's wellness all winter long.

BOOST IMMUNITY WITH EVERYDAY NUTRITION

Winter wellness starts at the table. Kids' immune systems need consistent support, especially wen they are exposed to more germs at school and indoor activities. Focus on vitamin-C rich foods, proteins (eggs, chicken, nut butters, cheese) and healthy fats (avocado, salmon and olive oil). Warm meals like soups and oatmeal and not only comforting but nutrient dense. Don't forget hydration! Kids tend to drink less water in the winter, but hydration is just as important to help with fatigue and headaches.

KEEP THEIR BODIES MOVING (EVEN IF IT'S INSIDE)

Cold weather doesn’t mean kids should hibernate. Movement supports immune function, mood regulation, sleep quality, and focus. If the weather allows, bundle up and get outside. Fresh air and natural light helps regulate circadian rhythm and boosts vitamin D levels. If you can't get outside, check out one of these indoor spots.

2025 HAPPENING LIST WINNER | CHILDREN'S PLAY CENTER/GYM

MY GYM (YARDLEY)

734 Stony Hill Rd, Morrisville, PA | (215) 321-1500
https://www.mygym.com/yardley

My Gym Yardley offers classes from parent-and me to high-energy classes for big kids.

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The Yoga Gnome

350 S Main St # 109, Doylestown, PA |(609) 462-6000
https://www.theyogagnome.com/

Playpad

860 Town Center Dr, Langhorne, PA | (267) 568-2348
https://www.playpadbucks.com/

STAY UP TO DATE WITH WELL VISITS

The slow winter months are a good time to catch up with appointments. Stay on track by keeping up with your well visits to the doctor.

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MARGIOTTI & KROLL

4829 Street Road, Suite 100, Trevose, PA | 671 Newtown-Yardley Road, Newtown, PA
1501 N. Main Street, Warrington, PA | https://www.mkpeds.com/

Margiotti & Kroll's practice is a full service primary care center with six convenient locations throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Along with expert medical care, convenient behavioral health, nutrition and lactation counseling services, speech therapy and neuropsychological services are also available to their patients.

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CHOP Care Network

https://www.chop.edu/about-us/our-pediatric-network

Whether you live in the heart of Philadelphia, in the western suburbs, Central Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York City, there is a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) doctor near you. The network has grown to more than 50 locations where CHOP experts provide exceptional healthcare services to children

EMBRACE THE SEASON INSTEAD OF FIGHTING IT

Winter can be tough, but it can also be magical if you choose to lean into it. Some ways to enjoy winter: playing in the snow, walking in nature, bake with family and friends, enjoy a cozy afternoon movie and slowing down to do things you love.