7 Ways 'Frozen' Can Inspire Kids to Move

If you’ve already seen the new Disney film, you’ll be able to guess why we love it so much: all the characters are physically literate and active! They skate, slide, and rock climb. Even the adorable snowman, Olaf, gets moving.

Adapted from Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen, Frozen is a delightful tale of two sisters and the power of love over fear. It takes place in northern Europe (fjords are mentioned, so it’s not a stretch to figure it’s Norway). While the story takes place in summer, the land becomes gripped in an unnatural freeze, making it the perfect movie to celebrate winter.

You can use the actions of Anna and big sister Elsa to inspire your children to try some movement skills this winter, too. After you’ve watched the film with your family, why not plan your own outdoor winter activity fun?

Here are seven ways Frozen can inspire your kids to get moving:

Jumping: At the beginning of the movie, Anna leaps gracefully from one snow drift to another as quickly as Elsa can create them with her winter magic. If there’s no snow where you are, take your pick from this list of activities that develop jumping skills.
Running and dancing: Anna dashes and dances through the palace. While singing, no less. Challenge kids to choreograph and perform their favourite songs. But be warned, entrepreneurial types might charge admission.
Horseback riding: When she sets out to find Elsa, who has run away from the kingdom, Anna rides her horse. Later, she and Kristoff ride Sven the reindeer. Though you might not have a horse or reindeer handy in the middle of winter (or ever, for that matter), your kids can certainly pretend to be one.
Snow hiking: Anna tromps through some deep snow. Kristoff wears special shoes, like snowshoes, that help him walk on top of the snow. Recreate Anna and Kristoff’s adventures with a family hike (and, no hiking is not just for summer!)
Rock climbing: Anna doesn’t get very high, but she’s certainly eager to get to the top of the mountain. Later, she and Kristoff have to rappel down a cliff face. Rock climbing takes balance. If there’s no rock face to scale where you live, work on improving this important skill.
Sliding: Anna and Kristoff slide down snowy mountains as well as Olympic lugers. Suit up and head to the nearest snow covered hills or local park with slides.
Skating: We don’t want to give any special endings away, but maybe, just maybe, your kids will also be inspired to learn how to skate. Make sure you have your skates sharpened too because even for grown ups who haven’t skated since they were kids, skating is a great winter sport.