The 2026 Winter Olympics offer a perfect opportunity to spark children’s curiosity, inspire movement, and turn screen time into shared family memories. With events spread across snowy mountains and bustling arenas, these Games are full of speed, skill, and stories that naturally capture young imaginations—if they’re presented the right way.
Start With the Stories Behind the Sports
Children connect best to people, not podiums. Before turning on an event, introduce the athletes as characters in a story. Explain where they’re from, how long they’ve trained, and what makes their sport unique. Kids are far more likely to stay engaged in alpine skiing or figure skating when they understand that the athletes spent years learning to balance, fall, and try again. Highlighting perseverance and sportsmanship helps kids see the Olympics as more than just winning medals.
Make Watching Interactive
Passive viewing can quickly lose a child’s attention. Turn Olympic watching into an interactive experience by asking questions during events. Which country do they think will win? How fast do they think a bobsled is going? You can also create simple scorecards, let kids “judge” figure skating routines, or count how many times an athlete wipes out and gets back up. These small interactions keep kids mentally involved and excited.
Tailor Events to Their Age and Interests
Not all Olympic sports are equally engaging for every child. Younger kids often love fast-paced events like short-track speed skating, hockey, or freestyle skiing, where there’s constant movement and clear action. Older children may appreciate the artistry of snowboarding, figure skating, or the strategy behind curling. Let kids help choose which events to watch so they feel included in the experience.
Bring the Olympics Off the Screen
Enhance appreciation by connecting Olympic sports to real-life play. After watching a hockey match, head outside for a game of street hockey or floor hockey. After figure skating, try balancing games or simple dance routines. Even watching curling can inspire kids to slide objects across the floor and aim for targets. Physical play helps children understand just how difficult these sports really are.
Celebrate Global Culture Together
The Winter Olympics are also a gateway to learning about the world. Explore the host country, talk about different flags, or try simple foods inspired by participating nations. This global angle turns the Games into a cultural adventure, teaching kids that sports can connect people across borders.
By blending storytelling, interaction, movement, and curiosity, the 2026 Winter Olympics can become more than a TV event—they can be an unforgettable learning experience that inspires kids long after the closing ceremony.