The 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to Italy, and they offer a perfect opportunity for families to learn, cheer, and spend time together. From figure skating and snowboarding to ice hockey and bobsledding, the XXV Winter Games showcase athletes from around the world competing in sports kids can easily understand and enjoy.
Watching the Olympics as a family is a great way to introduce children to new sports, different countries, stunning opening ceremony outfits, and the value of hard work and perseverance.
Where Are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 through February 22, 2026. Milano–Cortina marks the first time in Olympic history that two cities are officially hosting the Games together. Events will be held across northern Italy, blending historic cities with world-class mountain venues.
Italy has previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and 2006, making 2026 its third time welcoming the Games.
A Brief History of the Winter Olympics
The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France. At that time, only a small number of countries participated, and the events focused on a few winter sports such as skating and skiing.
As winter sports grew in popularity, the Olympic Games eventually separated summer and winter competitions into two distinct events. Today, the Winter Olympics bring together athletes from more than 90 countries to compete in ice and snow sports ranging from figure skating and skiing to high-speed sliding sports like bobsled and skeleton.
Winter Olympics Fun Facts for Kids
The five Olympic rings represent the five inhabited continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. They also symbolize the unity of athletes from around the world coming together to compete. The ring colors – blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white background – were chosen because at least one of those colors appears on every national flag in the world at the time the symbol was created.
– Curling stones weigh about 40 pounds.
– Speed skaters can reach speeds over 35 miles per hour.
– Ski jumpers can soar farther than the length of a football field.
– The Olympic flame is lit in Greece before traveling to the host country.
– Many Olympic athletes begin training when they are still very young.
What Sports Are in the Winter Olympics?
Winter Olympic sports fall into three main groups.
Ice Sports: Figure skating, ice hockey, curling, speed skating, and sliding sports such as bobsled, luge, and skeleton.
Alpine, Skiing & Snowboarding: Downhill skiing, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding competitions.
Nordic Events: Biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined.
In 2026, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut. This endurance sport challenges athletes to race both uphill and downhill on skis across steep terrain.
Team USA at the Winter Olympics
The United States has competed in every Winter Olympics since the first Games in 1924 and remains one of the top medal-winning nations.
At the 2022 Winter Olympics:
– Team USA earned 25 total medals
– Athletes competed in every Winter Olympic sport
– The team included both teenage athletes and experienced veterans
For the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA is expected to be especially strong in:
– Figure skating
– Snowboarding
– Freestyle skiing
– Speed skating
– Ice hockey
Behind every Olympic performance are years of early mornings, long practices, and dedication. Many Olympians begin training in their sport as children, making them especially inspiring role models for young viewers.
Why Watch the Olympics with Kids
The Olympics turn learning into something exciting. Kids can:
– Learn about geography by following different countries
– Practice counting medals
– Discover new sports
– See real-life examples of teamwork and perseverance
Watching athletes from around the world also helps children understand that sports can bring people together, even when they come from different cultures and speak different languages.
USA Medal Tracker
A medal tracker not only gets you invested in these games but turns watching the Olympics into a hands-on activity. Each time Team USA wins a medal, kids can color in or mark a gold, silver, or bronze box on our handing viewing guide! Place wagers to see which teams you think will take home GOLD!
Tips to Amplify your Family Olympics Experience
Winter is looong use this opportunity to turn Olympic viewing into a family event by:
– Letting kids choose a favorite sport (and countries!)
– Decorate your Home for opening day including Flag, Colors, + Winter Gear
– Trying Italian-themed snacks or meals from fave countries
– Create your own Opening Ceremony “fits” or rank your faves like a fashion contest!
– Hosting a backyard mini Olympics with skating or sledding events
The Olympics are about more than winning. They celebrate effort, determination, and sportsmanship, making them a meaningful experience for children to watch and learn from.
Download the 2026 Winter Olympics Family Viewing Guide
Our printable family viewing guide and USA medal tracker are designed to make following the Olympics easy and fun for Mid-Michigan families.
Whether your kids love skating, skiing, or cheering from the couch, the 2026 Winter Olympics offer a chance to make family memories while learning something new together. Print the guide, grab the crayons, and get ready to cheer on Team USA this February one medal at a time!
