Simple Holiday Movement Activities for Kids (Free Printables Included!)

The holiday season is full of magic! Lights. Gatherings. Music. Treats. Extra Excitement. For kids, that can mean LOTS of energy, big emotions, and moments where their bodies and brains feel a little… overloaded.

At Runner2Runner, we believe that movement is one of the best tools kids have for staying balanced, confident, and calm, especially during busy seasons. Kids don’t need structured workouts or adult-led fitness plans. What they need is simple, joyful movement woven into everyday moments.

That’s why we put together a collection of free, holiday-themed movement printables that turn winter break into a fun, active, and no-pressure adventure.

These activities are easy, quick, kid-approved, and require zero prep. Just print them out, hang them on the fridge, and let kids explore movement in their own fun way.

Why Holiday Movement Matters

Most kids get less movement during the winter months: shorter days, cold weather, and long stretches indoors. Add holiday excitement, routine changes, and extra sugar, and kids can become:

• overstimulated

• wiggly

• irritable

• hard to settle

• tired but wired

Movement helps reset their nervous system by letting kids release energy, improve focus, regulate emotions, and feel more grounded.

Even 1–2 minutes makes a difference.

Free Holiday Movement Downloads (Grab Yours Below!)

1. Holiday Movement Bingo

Kids complete squares by doing fun, simple movements!

Perfect for: holiday break mornings, indoor recess, or cabin-fever afternoons.

2. The Elf Movement Challenge (7 Days)

A playful week of “elf missions” with short bursts of movement, like Reindeer Runs, Candy Cane Twists, and Snowball Speed Steps.

Perfect for: energetic kids who love a fun theme.

3. Calm-Down Cards for Busy Days

When kids feel overstimulated by holiday fun, these cards help them quickly reset with guided breathing, soft stretches, and gentle balance activities.

Perfect for: tantrum prevention, transitions, and bedtime wind-downs.

4. Winter Movement Scavenger Hunt

Kids search for everyday items and complete a matching movement challenge (find something red → 10 jumping jacks!).

Perfect for: indoor energy release on cold days.

Movement Helps Kids Emotionally, Too

These activities aren’t just for physical health — they support kids emotionally.

Movement helps kids:

• release stress

• handle big feelings

• reset after overstimulation

• improve focus

• transition between activities

• sleep better

• feel proud and capable

This is especially important when routines shift and sensory input increases!

Movement Doesn’t Have to Mean “Exercise”

At Runner2Runner, we teach kids that movement is about:

• Fun

• Trying new things

• Feeling confident

• Exploring your body

• Enjoying the moment

There’s no pressure, no competition, just play.

Download Your Free Holiday Movement Activities

The Runner2Runner Reminder

Kids don’t need perfect plans.

They don’t need long workouts.

They don’t need pressure.

They need space to move, play, and grow. In their own time and in their own way.