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/
WinterKids Winter Games Media Kit
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:
Kristel Hayes
Marketing & Communications Manager
WinterKids
207-871-5700 x 104
khayes@winterkids.org
Marion Doyle
Education Director
WinterKids
207-871-5700 x 103
mdoyle@winterkids.org
0
Maine Schools
0
Maine Students
0
weeks of outdoor learning
This Year's Schedule:
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!
February 13
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.
Each year, WinterKids reaches 8% 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 joyful.
Visual Assets