Active school bus
Encourage your kids to walk or bike to school and pick up "passengers" along the way, as one or more parents or caregivers supervise. Besides being active, kids make new friends and gain a sense of accomplishment and independence.

Fun teams
Teams are organized by kids' ages or by family groups for low-competition activities. All you need to start is a parent supervisor or volunteer coach and a leaflet to distribute with a designated time and place to meet. (If public fields are used, check with municipality for conditions.) Instead of doing practice drills, kids learn through play.

Try sports, such as softball and ultimate Frisbee, or snow tag, snowman-building and treasure hunts for weekly get-togethers in a neighbourhood park or playing field.

Rip the roof off winter
Shinny hockey, an obstacle course with chairs, family skate parties -- it's healthy fun with an adult supervisor but no coaches, practice schedules or uniforms! Find an outdoor skating rink in your area or learn how to build your own at www.icedreams.ca. (When is it too cold to play outdoors? See www.safekidscanada.ca and click on Seasonal Safety.)

Nearby nature
Even in city neighbourhoods there are little woods or ravines where kids can explore the wonders of nature in any season with parent supervisors. To find maintained trails in your area, go to www.canadatrails.ca.

Online guides
• WinterActive Kit (PDF download):
www.lin.ca
• Old -- and new -- playground games:
www.gameskidsplay.net

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