WinterKids helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity. We create opportunities for children to be active, vibrant and healthy in the outdoors.
Our Story
WinterKids began in 1997 as part of the Ski Maine Association with a Learn to Ski program for fifth graders. With the increasing rates of childhood obesity and the downward trend in physical fitness in Maine and across the country, there was an opportunity to help children and families enjoy healthy and fun outdoor winter lifestyles while nurturing a connection to the natural environment, at home, at school, and in the communities in which they live.
In 2000, WinterKids became an independent non-profit and continues to develop and expand innovative health education programs for kids in the winter and year-round.
WinterKids App Family Member Laurie Theberge’s Winning 2021/22 Photo Contest Submission, taken at Black Mountain of Maine
Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund Application Window Open
Apply for your Maine school, parks & rec department or Non Profit to receive a grant through the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund!
This fund is meant to help get even more kids outside and active across Maine and beyond, aiming to address barriers to healthy outdoor activity, including but not limited to equipment, clothing, and transportation.
APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 16, 2023.
Find out more »Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund Community Vote
VOTE for your local Maine school, parks & rec department or Non Profit to receive a grant through the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund!
This fund is meant to help get even more kids outside and active across Maine and beyond, aiming to address barriers to healthy outdoor activity, including but not limited to equipment, clothing, and transportation.
Find out more »WinterKids Mountain Mayhem
Join us for an unforgettable day of adrenaline-fueled activities, including mountain biking, trail running, and more, all while supporting WinterKids’ mission to get kids outside and active in the winter.
Find out more »Mt. Abram,
308 Howe Hill Rd.
Greenwood, Maine 04255 United States
+ Google MapGreenwood, Maine 04255 United States
2023/24 Winter Season Family Memberships Available!
Are you looking for a fun and affordable way to keep your family active and entertained during the winter season? Look no further than the WinterKids App! With free kids' tickets and exclusive discounts for the whole family to enjoy skiing, cross-country, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more! The WinterKids App is the perfect resource for families who love the great outdoors.
Find out more »12th Annual WinterKids License to Chill
Join us on November 9, 2023, at our new venue, Apres, located in the heart of Portland, Maine. We’re excited to bring a fresh vibe to this annual tradition as we come together to support WinterKids’ mission of getting children outdoors and active during the winter months.
Find out more »Apres,
148 Anderson Street
Portland, Maine 04101 United States
+ Google MapPortland, Maine 04101 United States
WinterKids’ Welcome to Winter Festival at Lost Valley
Join us for our annual Welcome to Winter festival at Lost Valley, Thursday, December 28, 2023, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This free event offers a chance to get outside and try new activities like: Snowshoeing, Nordic and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow sculpting, and more while enjoying hot chocolate and s’mores.
Find out more »Lost Valley,
200 Lost Valley Road
Auburn, Maine 04210 United States
+ Google MapAuburn, Maine 04210 United States
WinterKids Winter Games
The WinterKids Winter Games is an annual 4-week physical activity and nutrition competition for elementary schools across Maine. Teachers receive an extensive toolkit with supplies and materials for every student to take education outdoors.
Find out more »12th Annual WinterKids Downhill 24
The Downhill 24 challenges participants to ski/snowboard 24 hours while raising money to support WinterKids' programs. The result is an unforgettable experience that brings together a community of outdoor enthusiasts united to support a great cause.
Find out more »Sugarloaf,
5092 Sugarloaf Access Road
Carrabassett Valley, Maine 04947 United States
+ Google MapCarrabassett Valley, Maine 04947 United States
May 24, 2023
WinterKids to Grant $50,000 to Maine organizations through the Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund
via The Irregular
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February 16, 2023
Williams-Cone Elementary snags second place in WinterKids Winter Games
via PressHerald
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February 15, 2023
WinterKids Winter Games wraps up: Winterport school takes home top prize
via WMTW-TV
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February 15, 2023
WinterKids announces this year’s Winter Games winners
via News Center Maine
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February 15, 2023
Topsham takes silver in Winterkids Winter Games
via Portland Press Herald
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February 15, 2023
WinterKids Winter Games: Leroy H. Smith School wins gold!
via Village Soup
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February 15, 2023
WinterKids announces Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in sixth annual WinterKids Winter Games
via Bangor Daily News
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January 29, 2023
Williams-Cone Elementary earns second place in WinterKids Winter Games competition
via Portland Press Herald
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Contact Us
Students at Leroy-H.-Smith-School in Winterport, Maine, enjoying a day on the ice as part of the 2022 WinterKids Winter Games Competitive Track