Going outside in the winter with children requires extra time and planning. The effort it takes to put on all the appropriate layers for young children can even be comical. The scene from A Christmas Story comes to mind, when Mrs. Parker gets Ralphie and Randy ready to walk to school in the snow, and Randy can’t put his arms down or get up after a fall. (Such a classic!) Fortunately, layers have become more comfortable and efficient!
If you’ve ever gone sledding with a delighted toddler, taken a stroll through a chilled forest with your kids, or simply stretched your legs on a family walk around the block, you know that getting outdoors in the winter is well worth the effort.
Research also shows that getting outside—even in the cold—is a great way for kids to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. While it might seem tempting to stay inside where it’s warm, fresh air and outdoor activities can actually boost a child’s immune system by encouraging physical activity, which helps reduce the spread of colds and other indoor illnesses. Plus, even in winter, exposure to sunlight helps kids get the vitamin D they need, which is essential for bone health and a strong immune system (NIH).
Beyond physical health, winter play is also a mood booster. Activities like sledding, ice skating, or simply playing outdoors can lift kids’ spirits, release endorphins, and help combat the “winter blues,” which everyone can feel from time to time. (Sledding is our absolute favorite thing to do in the winter!) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting outside during the colder months also helps reduce stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels, thanks to sunlight.
Additionally, winter offers the perfect opportunity for kids to build resilience (AAP). Whether it’s learning how to bundle up for the cold or navigating snowy terrain, they develop adaptability and problem-solving skills. It also teaches kids to love being outdoors, no matter the weather or season. If we all waited for 70-degree days to connect with nature, think of all the magical moments we would miss! Plus, outdoor play in winter is a great way to improve motor skills and social connections—kids can learn teamwork and communication while building snow forts or having snowball fights.
We connected with Joanna, a mom and outdoor enthusiast, to learn some of her tricks for getting outside in the winter so that we can all experience the amazing benefits listed above.
Getting outside with my kids is my lifeline—my way of staying grounded in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. I’m Joanna, a mom of two wildlings, and I’ve spent the last few years proving that adventuring doesn’t have to stop when you have kids. From hiking 700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with a baby to squeezing in quick hikes between naps and snacks, I’ve learned that the outdoors isn’t just where we play—it’s where we connect, grow, and thrive. Every adventure, big or small, reminds me why it’s worth the effort, even on the hardest days.
Here are Joanna’s tips and tricks to getting outside, no matter the season.
The 15-Minute Trick
Getting kids outside in the winter can feel like an uphill battle, but here’s a sneaky hack: tell them you’ll only be out for 15 minutes. Once they’re outside, chances are they’ll find something fun and won’t want to come back in. But even if they don’t, those 15 minutes still count as fresh air and a win for everyone!
So. Many. Snacks.
Winter adventures burn more energy because little bodies are working hard to stay warm. Stock up on snacks with plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep their energy steady—cheese sticks, nuts, jerky, or hard-boiled eggs are great options. Of course, toss in some sweets for fun, too (because who doesn’t love a good hot cocoa break?). Think of snacks as your secret weapon to avoid meltdowns.
Bring a Foldable Bin for Wet Gear
Mud, snow, and wet boots have no chill—literally. Keep a collapsible bin in the trunk to toss all the soggy, muddy gear in before the kids climb into the car. It’s a game-changer for keeping your car clean and your sanity intact. Pro tip: Line the bin with a towel for even easier cleanup. (Genius!)
Have a “Go Bin” Ready to Roll with Extra Layers
Save yourself the stress of packing last minute by keeping a prepped bin of essentials in the car. Stock it with extra layers, underwear (seriously, always pack extra undies), socks, diapers, wipes, plastic bags, a first aid kit, headlamps, and maybe even a small blanket or emergency blanket. That way, if you’re running behind or forget something, you’ll still be set. Bonus hack 1: put the kids to bed in their base layers so they’re half-ready to roll in the morning. Bonus hack 2: pack a bag or two the night before, one less bag to pack in the morning
Plan, Plan, Plan!
If you’re like me, once the kids wake up, it’s chaos until bedtime. Having a plan for winter adventures is key—spontaneity is great, but it’s not always realistic with kids in tow. I try to schedule 2-3 outings a week that are farther from home, with the rest being nearby adventures. Knowing what you’re doing ahead of time makes mornings smoother and keeps everyone on the same page.
End on a High Note
Always leave the adventure while the kids are still having fun! It’s tempting to push for “just 10 more minutes,” but ending on a high note keeps them excited for the next outing. Whether it’s after they’ve slid down the perfect hill, built the ultimate snow fort, or spotted a cool animal track, wrapping things up when spirits are high makes winter outings something they’ll actually look forward to.
Why It’s Worth It
Getting outside with my kids is more than just an activity—it’s a reset for all of us. On those tough, overwhelming days, the fresh air has a way of clearing my mind while giving my kids the freedom to explore, play, and just be kids. Watching them marvel at the world, whether it’s a cool bug or a pile of leaves, reminds me that the magic isn’t in perfection. It’s in showing up, soaking in the moment, and letting the messy, unpredictable adventures bring us closer together.
Aren’t these tips brilliant?! Thank you, Joanna!
We hope that with a little motivation, tasty snacks, and cozy merino layers, you and your kids will find outdoor adventures all winter long. After all, wintertime outdoor activities not only help kids stay physically active but also promote emotional balance and social engagement, making them an essential part of a healthy, memorable childhood.
Happy Iksploring!
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 142(3), e20182058. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2058
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 25). Stay active this winter. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/stay-active-this-winter.html
National Institutes of Health. (2021). Vitamin D. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/