WinterKids Winter Games Media Kit

WinterKids Winter Games 2021 logo

January 12 – February 6, 2026

Our unique annual academic challenge encourages outdoor physical activity, teamwork, and a passion for learning outdoors in winter.

Learn More at winterkids.org/winter-games/

About the WinterKids Winter Games:

The WinterKids Winter Games is a four-week outdoor learning challenge that inspires thousands of Maine elementary students to move, learn, and explore during the heart of winter.

Schools across the state transform playgrounds into outdoor classrooms, blending movement with hands-on lessons in science, health, math, and more, all while embracing the joy of outdoor winter play.

Students, teachers, and families come together in a spirit of teamwork, creativity, and community, showing that winter is for everyone.

It’s a celebration of curiosity, wellness, and the magic of Maine’s longest season!

#MoveLearnExplore

Media Inquiries:

Marion Doyle
Education Director
WinterKids
207-871-5700 x 103
mdoyle@winterkids.org

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Maine Schools

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Maine Students

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weeks of outdoor learning

This Year's Schedule:

October 1-18, 2026

October 1-18, 2026

Competitive Track Registration Opens

Registration for our Competitive Track is open to Maine classrooms beginning October 1. Across the state, 16 schools in this track will be selected to compete for chase prizes! This participation track requires full-school participation.

December 1, 2026

December 1, 2026

Play-Along Track Registration Opens

Registration for our Play-Along Track is open to all Maine classrooms beginning December 1. All registered students will receive free toolkits, while supplies last. Toolkits go quickly, so be sure you’re signed up for email updates to get a reminder when registration opens.

Play Along Track Label 768x610

December 1-4, 2026

December 1-4, 2026

Competitive Track Toolkit Deliveries

Team WinterKids hits the road to deliver toolkits to all of our Competitive Track schools!

Competitive Track Heart

December 7, 2026

December 7, 2026

Play-Along Track Toolkits Begin Shipping

January 11, 2027

January 11, 2027

Opening Ceremonies

Participating schools across Maine kick off the 10th Annual WinterKids Winter Games with an outdoor opening ceremony!

FY25 Washburn Opening Ceremonies Winter Games Competitive Track Sun Journal

January 11-15, 2027

January 11-15, 2027

Week 1: Physical Activity

Cranberry 3 Cranberry Isles School Winter Games 2025 Large

January 18-22, 2027

January 18-22, 2027

Week 2: Nutrition

FY25 02 Comp Track Non Teaching Staff 3 Woodland Consolidated Large

January 25-29, 2027

January 25-29, 2027

Week 3: Family Engagement

Friendship Village School

February 1-12, 2027

February 2-5, 2027

Week 4: Winter Carnival

FY25 04 Group Shot 2 Woodland Consolidated Large

February 5

Closing Ceremonies

Students across Maine celebrate all they have accomplished together with a Closing Ceremony celebration!

FY25 04 Closing Ceremony Washburn Elementary Large

February 12

Medal Winners and Final Results Announced

“For many of our students, the Winter Games would be their first chance to see winter as an opportunity, not an obstacle.

-SoDeMoCha Schools

“Several parents told me their students were sleeping better at night, and at school, we’ve had much fewer behavior issues.”

-Miles Lane Elementary

“The community has been super excited, the whole school, there’s been a different atmosphere and we’re just really happy to be chosen to be part of this.”

-Leroy H. Smith School

Key Talking Points

  • The WinterKids Winter Games are a statewide outdoor learning and movement challenge that brings thousands of Maine students outside each winter.
  • The program encourages daily physical activity, nutrition awareness, and outdoor winter learning in a fun, school-wide format.
  • Winter Games are designed to be accessible and inclusive, supporting participation from schools and students across Maine, regardless of background, location, or resources.
  • Learning outdoors in winter helps children build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that last beyond the season.

About WinterKids

WinterKids is a Maine-based nonprofit organization that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun outdoor winter activity. With a focus on inclusivity, movement, and experiential learning, WinterKids programs remove barriers to outdoor play and support children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Last season, WinterKids reached 13% of Maine children aged 5-17, across all 16 Maine counties, through school programs, community events, and family-focused initiatives that make winter active, accessible, and fun.

Visual Assets

WinterKids Winter Games 2020 Logo
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