This year’s theme is HEART – caring for it, and each other, both physically and emotionally. HEART health and following your HEART will guide our learning and adventures outside as we work our way through our classic weekly topics of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, NUTRITION, FAMILY, and WINTER CARNIVAL, all guided along by this PLAYBook. With every heartbeat, WinterKids is here and sincere with you on this winter journey. Best of luck in this year’s competition and play, and most of all – keep having fun!
Welcome to the 2026 Play Along Track!
Tips
Save this page. Bookmark it so you can come back to resources and updates throughout the Games.
Toolkits begin shipping the week of December 8. If you registered for a complete toolkit, you can expect delivery within 1 to 2 weeks of your registration date.
Need help? For questions or support, contact Marion Doyle at mdoyle@winterkids.org.
Winter Games Oath
“In the name of Moving, Learning, and Exploring outdoors; we promise to take part in these Winter Games, honoring and abiding by the rules and the spirit of fairness, inclusion, and equality. Together we stand in solidarity and commit our school community to playing The Games with creativity, with integrity, and without discrimination. We do this for the health of our school and to make our world a better place through the enjoyment of the outdoors.”
WinterKids Mission
“WinterKids helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity.”
Ready-to-Use Digital Resources
Digital PLAYBook
The Winter Games PLAYBook will guide you through four weeks of daily, easy-to implement, outdoor learning activities.
Early Childhood Adaptations
Many of the activities in the Winter Games PLAYBook are designed for students in grades K-8, but they can easily be adapted for early learners.
Expanded Guide Activities
We’ve gathered all of the Learn Outside Guide activities featured in this year’s PLAYBook here for you.
2026 Participation Timeline
January, 2026
January 12
Opening Ceremonies
Participating schools across Maine kick off the 9th Annual WinterKids Winter Games with an outdoor opening ceremony!
January 12-16
Week 1: Physical Activity
January 19-23
Week 2: Nutrition
January 26-30
Week 3: Family Engagement
February, 2026
February 2-6
Week 4: Winter Carnival
February 6
Closing Ceremonies
Students across Maine celebrate all they have accomplished together with a Closing Ceremony celebration!
Share Your Photos & Enter to Win
We’re giving away fun weekly prizes!
