How to Enjoy Winter Outdoor Time With Your Kids
Winter months can be harsh in some places, with very low temperatures and even frequent snow storms but none of that means that the season has to be boring! While heavy rain or snow will most likely keep us indoors, playing outside in cold weather is lots of fun as long as we find ways to withstand the cold and protect ourselves from it to have a great time.
The benefits of outdoor play are undeniable; the best games and activities are the ones that help develop creativity, imagination, strength, social skills and self-confidence and doing them outdoors will always add a certain plus! Here are some ideas to get ready to play outside and games you and your family will enjoy tons!
7 Things to Enjoy Winter with your Backyard Playset
- Make sure to check your backyard and play set:Before the temperature begins to drop too much rake your lawn to get rid of branches or any potentially hazardous debris; inspect bolts and screws on a play set and make sure slides and swings are free of frost.
- Check the weather every day: During the winter months, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast to make sure that no blizzards are on their way and that the outdoor temperature is ok for playing. Check for weather conditions and extreme temperature drops to be on the safe side, before you let your kids outdoors.
- Dress for success:For successful play time outdoors, make sure your kids are dressed accordingly. Thermal underwear, sweaters, jackets, socks, gloves with grips and woolly hats are all important; favor turtle-necks to loose scarves, to be on the safe side, as well as snug boots or waterproof leather sneakers.
- Take short breaks: Keep a close eye on your kids outside and check for frost-tipped noses and ears, chattering teeth and numb feet and hands. In those moments, take a little break to get warm, maybe with some indoor fun exercise, like dancing, or with an irresistible mug of hot cocoa or a warm lunch of energy-giving pancakes. You can also take this time to check for wet garments, like gloves or socks and have your kids change them for fresh, dry ones.
- Teach your child to check for warmth: Kids can get easily distracted by how cold they are when they are having fun, so show your child how to become aware of their own temperature by making stops now and then to simply listen to their bodies, especially the parts that are exposed.
- Get hydrated frequently: Warm rooms indoors and cold winds outside can significantly dehydrate you as much as hot weather can, so it’s important to keep that in check and have a water bottle outside filled with water or juice. Bonus points for using an insulating flask to keep liquids at indoor temperature instead of super cold.
- Plan different activities according to your kids’ age: Create a scavenger hunt for your family that includes your play set, to keep them moving; make a shoveling contest for older kids to shovel a pathway to a play set, a shed, or to the house; build a snowman; set up a hot cocoa stand for the neighborhood children; if you have a picnic table, invite friends over for an outdoor lunch; collect winter nature treasures, like dry leaves in different shapes, chestnut conkers, pinecones, winter bird and animal tracks. There are lots of outdoor activities to choose from!
Sled races, obstacle courses and even a mini version of winter olympics can all be great fun and involve the whole family, with the added plus of exercising and becoming more flexible and stronger as they play.
Find Your Adventure World Play Sets Dealer
As you can see, winter doesn’t necessarily mean having to stay inside! When you take the time to check out the options and to plan your kids’ day, you can be sure that they will enjoy the winter break just as much as the hot, summer one! Dashing through the snow or just enjoying the feeling of being outside in the cold can make for a cool winter, so get out there and enjoy! Then look over our online catalog — or design your own using our 3D Playset Design Center!