When it’s threatening rain and the wind is bitingly cold, the thoughts of bundling everyone up in coats, hats, and scarves while squeezing those tiny fingers into gloves seems like more hassle than it's worth.
But getting ourselves and the kids outside in winter is just as important as in summer. It may seem more preferable to sit under a blanket and watch Christmas movies but there are so many mental and physical benefits of exploring the outdoors even in the colder weather.
This season, why not get outside for winter fun with some of our ideas. And remember to dress for the weather!
Make Confetti With Nature
Crunching and kicking fallen leaves in autumn and winter is a memory most of us will have. Why not amp up that experience of walking through frosty leaves and gathering a few to make your own biodegradable confetti. All you need is a handful of leaves and a hole punch. Kids will love this activity after spending time outdoors to find the best autumnal leaves.
Kindness With Chalk
We all love chalk! There’s something so creative about drawing on paths with brightly coloured chalk. Next time you go for a walk in the local park, why not bring some chalk with you and write words of kindness, respect, and love hearts as you move along the paths.
Build A Nest
Collect twigs, feathers, pine needles, leaves, evergreen branches, and dried grass on your next forest walk and build a nest together. Weaving the items together using grass for padding is a great way to encourage STEM activities this winter with kids.
Make A Bird Feeder
And while we’re on the theme of nesting, encourage your kids to make their own bird feeder and watch the local birds who live around you. A birdfeeder can be easily made from household items such as bottles and jars.
A Winter Scavenger Hunt
We love our scavenger hunts especially in early autumn when everything begins to fall from the trees. In winter, scavenger hunts can be even more fun as we watch for animal prints, frozen puddles, acorns, pinecones, and everything else in between.
Ice Ice Baby
Of course, if the weather turns to a hint of ice and snow, there will be no stopping the kids from running around building snowmen and having snowball fights. But if snow is not on the cards in our freezing temperatures, try making freezing bubbles if the mercury drops below zero. Simply blow bubbles, and if it's cold enough, it may just turn to ice.
Visit The Quiet Places
And if all else fails, visit the places which are less crowded in the winter compared to the summer. Take a trip to the zoo, explore the botanical gardens, go for a hike, and stop off at the playground.
