Olympic hero Helen Glover’s top hacks to get your kids off the sofa and eating their greens this winter

CHILDREN only spend five hours a week outdoors in winter, versus nine in summer

A poll of 1,000 parents of 4–12-year-olds found 31 per cent of children spend 20 minutes or less outdoors each day during the wetter and colder months.

Exactly seven in 10 parents said they even go into ‘hibernation mode’ when the seasons change.

And the majority of mums and dads (86 per cent) admitted they at least sometimes need an ‘excuse’ or a specific task to get the family out the door.

With 70 per cent saying their child is reluctant to go outside when it’s cold – often with protests like “I’ll catch a cold” or “I’m busy doing my homework”.

Screen time is also playing a major role, as 20 per cent often hear their child ask, “can I just finish this level or episode first?”.

The research was commissioned by Aldi to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Get Set to Eat Fresh – the discount supermarket’s long-running programme delivered in partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, which it has also committed a further £2m of funding over the next five years.

Of those who found their kids eat less fruit and vegetables during winter, 38 per cent said this is because their children’s favourite options, like strawberries and watermelon, are out of season.

While 25 per cent said their children are less keen on winter vegetables such as cabbage and sprouts.

To help, parents said they try a few practical ways to boost intake, including mixing vegetables into pasta or rice dishes (27 per cent) and making nutrient-packed smoothies (25 per cent).

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However, the research suggested getting outside could support healthier eating too, as 42 per cent of parents confirmed they find it easier to get their children to eat more fruit and veg after being active outdoors – highlighting the knock-on benefits of even small amounts of fresh air.

Helen Glover, British Olympic rower and mum of three, has worked with the supermarket to support the programme, which provides schools with free education resources to empower every young person to understand the connection between food, movement, and wellbeing.

She said: “I totally understand why so many families slip into ‘hibernation mode’ when it’s cold and wet. Getting everyone out of the door can feel like a whole operation, and it’s all too tempting to stay cosy indoors.

“Sometimes you do need that extra push to get out, and that’s completely normal.

“I find it a challenge too, especially when it’s cold or wet. If you’re stuck for ideas, it can help to think of it as a small adventure rather than a big plan.

“We throw on a warm layer, head outside and see where it takes us – whether that’s a quick walk, jumping in muddy puddles or building a den.

“I often notice the kids come back happier and much more settled afterwards.”

Julie Ashfield, spokesperson for Aldi UK, said: “The colder months can make healthy routines harder to stick to – whether that’s getting outside more often or keeping fruit and veg on the menu.

“This winter has been one of the wettest on record, making it harder still.

“Through our programme, we’ve spent the last 10 years supporting schools across the UK with free resources that help children understand the connection between eating well and staying active, in a fun and practical way.

“We want families to feel supported with simple ideas that are realistic for everyday life whilst offering great value on fresh produce – so healthy choices feel more achievable all year round.”

The research also revealed the outdoor activities parents are most keen to try with their children in the colder seasons, including building campfires, ice skating, and birdwatching.

Other experiences included a winter scavenger hunt, toasting marshmallows over a fire, and building a den or outdoor fort.

Rounding out the top 10 were sledging, roller skating, a winter walk through the woods, and even braving a camping trip in the cold.

When asked what could help them get outdoors and potentially tick some of these activities off their list, parents said a mixture of practical and social fixes could help, including more free or low-cost events and attractions, as well as covered areas to use in the event of bad weather.

Others said they’d feel more confident heading out during darker periods with clearer information on local routes (27 per cent) and better-lit outdoor spaces (26 per cent).

Glover added: “It’s not just outdoor time that takes a hit during the colder months – a lot of families find healthy routines, like eating enough fruit and veg, feel harder to stick to too. I’ve found that the two often go hand in hand.

“After being outside, the kids are usually far more open to healthy snacks, whether that’s a piece of fruit or some crunchy veg sticks.

“We’ll often pack snacks with us or make sure there are plenty of healthy options ready when we get back home.”