We all have fond memories of spending time outdoors as a child. Unfortunately, for the children of today, stepping outside and reaping the benefits of being in nature is made that much less appealing by the constant draw of technology and digital screens. In fact, according to one study, children are spending 56% more time on their gadgets than they are playing outside.
Children and adults alike can benefit from more time in the great outdoors – both our physical and mental well-being stand to profit. But encouraging your little ones to spend some time each day exploring, playing, and learning beyond the four walls of your home can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to get them out in nature and feel the benefits of more exposure to daylight.
Getting children to embrace the outdoors in winter can be fun and beneficial for their well-being. Here are some top tips to help kids enjoy outdoor winter activities:
Layer Up for Warmth
- Dress in layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer.
- Warm accessories: Don’t forget hats, scarves, gloves, and warm socks. Make sure their extremities stay warm to keep them comfortable outside.
Make It Fun with Winter-Specific Activities
- Winter scavenger hunts: Create a fun scavenger hunt to find winter items like pine cones, animal tracks, or icicles.
- Winter sports: If possible, introduce skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. These are great physical activities that make winter thrilling.
Incorporate Nature Learning
- Observe wildlife: Teach them how animals adapt in winter, look for tracks, or bird-watch. Bring along a book or app to help identify species.
- Explore frozen nature: Observe ice patterns, frost on trees, or how streams and ponds freeze over. Engaging with nature’s winter wonders adds curiosity.
Limit Time Outdoors and Take Breaks
- Short outings: Plan shorter, more frequent outings if the weather is harsh. You can go outside for 30 minutes at a time, and then head inside for hot cocoa breaks.
- Warm-up activities: Create cosy indoor spaces to return to, with warm drinks, snacks, and a chance to rest. Let them warm up, then head back out!
Lead by Example
- Be enthusiastic: If you show excitement about outdoor winter activities, kids are more likely to share that enthusiasm.
- Participate actively: Join in the fun, whether it’s a snowball fight or going on a nature walk. Your involvement can make it more exciting for them.
Build Routine and Familiarity
- Regular outdoor time: Set aside specific days for outdoor play, regardless of the weather, to make it a habit.
- Reward perseverance: Celebrate their willingness to face the cold with little rewards or praise for being adventurous and brave in winter conditions.
Winter Craft and Exploration Kits
- Create a nature kit: Equip them with tools like magnifying glasses, binoculars, or sketchbooks to observe and draw winter scenes.
- Bring crafts outside: Engage in creative activities like making ice ornaments, frozen bubbles, or painting snow with colored water.
Create a Sense of Adventure
- Go on winter hikes: Walking through a frosty forest can feel like an adventure, especially when combined with storytelling or exploration games.
- Campfires and stargazing: Winter evenings are perfect for a small campfire (if safe and allowed) and watching the stars in a clear, crisp sky. Bring warm blankets and snacks!
- By making outdoor winter activities both enjoyable and educational, children are more likely to embrace the colder months and develop a lifelong love for nature.
Start at home
Experts recommend that children should be active for at least three hours every day. This number might seem a bit unrealistic, especially when your focus can’t be entirely on them throughout the day. However, you might be surprised at just how quickly you can reach this target by incorporating small moments of physical activity into their daily routine.
When it comes to spending more active time outdoors, you should first look to ensure your garden is a safe and comfortable place for them to explore. Then, you can allow them to let their imaginations run wild and crawl, hop, run or walk around whatever they imagine this space to be. You don’t have to account for three-hours’ worth of activities everyday. Simply by making their outdoor environment at home a safe place for them to play, you’ll be facilitating more movement and more outdoor time, leaving them to enjoy all the benefits of getting active outside.