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.
WinterKids is the only nonprofit in Maine dedicated exclusively to increasing outdoor physical activity in children and families during our longest, most sedentary season.
The shorter, darker, and colder days of winter and the increasing allure of screen time make it all too easy for kids and families to “hibernate.” At WinterKids, we make it our business to provide kids, parents, and teachers with the right option: to get outside, get active, and have fun in the winter – and year-round.
Schools & Teachers
Our school programs target high need, rural counties in Maine and New Hampshire (WinterKids Challenge, WinterKids Elementary & Preschool Guides to Outdoor Active Learning (GOAL), WinterKids Winter Games).
Kids & Families
Our family programs target high demand areas in Maine and New Hampshire close proximity to winter sports areas (WinterKids App, WinterKids Nordic Program, and WinterKids Family Days).
Community Events
Our community events target high population areas in Maine & New Hampshire with the greatest opportunity for broad messaging and impact on local outdoor activity.
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.
Our Impact
More kids are on snow in backyards, on playgrounds, and at mountains. More families are finding joy in outdoor winter activity and healthy behaviors. More communities are nurturing the next generation of active, outdoor citizens. WinterKids is vibrant, healthy and growing – much like the kids we serve.
