WinterKids Winter Games

Join us for the WinterKids Winter Games!

January 13 – February 7, 2025

Competitive Track Applications Will Open October 1!
Sign up for email alerts:

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

WinterKids Winter Games Participation Tracks Explained:


ALL participating schools win cash, up to $5,000 for 1st place.	No cash prizes.
Schools receive 4 weeks’ worth of outdoor learning activities, incentive items for each student to help execute those activities, and BONUS MATERIALS!	Schools receive 4 weeks’ worth of outdoor learning activities and incentive items for each student (while supplies last) to help execute those activities.
Great way to bring the school community together and improve morale during the shortest days of the year.	Great way to bring the school community together and improve morale during the shortest days of the year.
Free for the 16 Maine schools selected from applicants.	Free for all Maine schools, $8.50 per student for schools outside of Maine.
Full school participation is required, adhering to a schedule, with competition scored using a rubric.	Can participate as a class or as a school, moving at your own pace without scoring or competition.

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, this year.

Hillary Hoyt

Teacher / Leroy H. Smith School

Kudos to you and this organization for mapping out such a wonderful program for Maine schools. I have been blown away by every aspect of this initiative.

Christine Bertinet

Principal / Waterboro Elementary School

Win or lose, this has been a wonderful experience for our staff and our community.

Ben Tripp

Principal / Ash Point Community School

Of course we want to win! But I feel like we've already won... It's an immediate result. You can see the difference in the kids."

Crystal DaGraca

Principal / Swan's Island School

Ok, first and foremost, this is the COOLEST program. The amount of thought that has gone into it is incredible.

Sam Person

PE Teacher / Waterboro Elementary School

I am SO thankful for the impact this Winter Kids competition has on our kids. In this short time, the changes in attitudes, physical activity, even the helpfulness of students was very heart-warming.

School Nurse

Piscataquis Community Elementary School

Because of this competition, my family is now rethinking our snack choices and making healthier ones, our kids and community have formed a wonderful bond coming together for one goal, and you managed to get a Mom, who hates winter and the cold, outside embracing the beauty of Maine having fun with her kids.

Dayton Consolidated School Mom

How do you combine a community, school, home, nutrition, exercise, team, kids, parents, teachers, school spirit, awareness, and fun? Participate in WinterKids Winter Games!! Seriously had no idea how amazing this would be and what our community was capable of! The support and Camaraderie is incredible. What a positive experience this has been for our kids and all the parents too!

Christina Barber

It has been inspirational to watch our community unite around a common purpose of healthy, active kids.

Sarah Maxwell

Assistant Principal / Waldo T. Skillen School

Let's just say several parents told me their students were sleeping better at night and at school we've had much less behavior issues this week! Two very big positives for WinterKids Winter Games challenge week #2!!

C. Ellis

Principal / Miles Lane Elementary

This was truly an inspiration to the kids, staff and families to embrace the winters here in Maine, more than they already have.

C. Agreste

School Nurse / Dayton Consolidated School

Recent Winter Games News & Updates

WinterKids Launches 2024 Community Vote for Outdoor Fund, Announces $25,000 in Statewide Grants

WinterKids is excited to announce the opening of the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund 2024 application window. This marks the third year of the Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund, continuing WinterKids’ efforts to expand access to outdoor activities among children throughout Maine.

South Portland Middle School Student D24 Outdoor Fund FY24

Schools, parks & rec programs, and nonprofits across Maine can apply now for a portion of $25,000 in grants through the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund

Winter Games 2024 featured image for web

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Winning Schools announced in the 7th Annual WinterKids Winter Games

The 7th annual WinterKids Winter Games wrapped up this February with 16 schools competing statewide to win a total of $17,750 for their schools! The Winter Games is a 4-week series of challenges in outdoor physical activity, nutrition, family engagement, and winter carnival. All Competitive Track schools received a cash prize based on how they finished.