How to Get Your Kids Outside in the Winter

I like to pride myself on the fact that I have some “outdoor kids”. There is not much they would rather do than explore outside… in the summer. Getting kids outside in the winter can feel way harder than it should be – especially when the couch is cozy, screens are tempting, and the cold feels overwhelming. Also, it takes no less than FIVE YEARS to get kids bundled up in all their snow stuff, and there is pretty much guaranteed to be a snowman’s worth of snow trekked in to the house after being out in the snow. But, despite those things, I feel pretty strongly that winter outdoor play doesn’t have to be the absolute worst.

With the right mindset, gear, and a few creative ideas, winter can actually become one of the most magical seasons to get kids outside.

Here’s how to make winter outdoor time feel fun, doable, and something your kids actually look forward to.

Why Getting Outside in Winter Is Worth It

Before we jump into ideas, it helps to remember why winter outdoor play matters:

• Burns off extra energy when kids are cooped up inside
• Supports mental health and mood during darker months
• Encourages creativity and imaginative play
• Builds resilience and confidence in different weather
• Helps regulate sleep and reduce screen dependence
• Boosts immunity with all that fresh air and Vitamin D

There are about a million studies on how important it is to get kids outside in the winter. And I’m guessing you know this too. The idea of going outside is great, but the actual getting kids to go outside? That’s the hard part. At least at first. So how do you do it?

Start With the Right Winter Gear (This Changes Everything)

If kids (or adults) are cold, wet, or uncomfortable, outdoor time won’t last long. The right gear makes all the difference.

Winter gear essentials for kids:

• Waterproof mittens (not knit ones)
• Snow pants
• Insulated boots with thick socks
• Warm hat that covers ears
• Neck warmer instead of scarves for younger kids

Sanity Saving Tip:
Keep a winter bin near the door with hats, mittens, and hand warmers so you’re not searching every time you head out.

Set a Simple Winter Outdoor Routine

Instead of asking “Do you want to go outside?” (which can easily lead to a no, or not right now), make it part of your day.

Ideas that work well:

• Outside time right after school
• A short outdoor break before dinner
• Morning outdoor play before snack time
• “20 minutes outside, then hot chocolate”

Consistency makes winter outdoor play feel normal – not optional.

Make Winter Outside Feel Like a Game

Kids are much more excited when winter play has a purpose. Giving kids something to do outside jumpstarts things and gives them a starting place to turn into their own creative outside play.

Fun Winter Outdoor Games & Ideas

• Snow Treasure Hunt – Hide toys or colorful items in the snow (make sure you’re okay not seeing them again until spring, just in case!)
• Snow Painting – Spray bottles or paint brushes with water + food coloring
• Winter Obstacle Course – Climb snow piles, hop over sticks, crawl under benches
• Snow Creature Challenge – Build animals, monsters, or tiny snow families
• Snow Fort Building – build forts with different rooms, with snow tables, snow chairs, snow beds, etc
• Frozen Nature Hunt – Look for animal tracks, pinecones, icicles

Embrace Winter Sensory Play

Winter is full of sensory experiences—cold air, crunchy snow, slippery ice, and quiet surroundings. Perfect for younger kids to learn to enjoy winter!

Try:

• Scooping and dumping snow with kitchen tools
• Filling buckets with snow and “cooking” pretend meals
• Letting kids experiment with melting ice and icicles
• Listening for winter sounds during a quiet walk

These activities are especially great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Add a Cozy Reward After Outside Time

One of the easiest ways to motivate kids is to pair outdoor play with something cozy afterward.

This gives kids something to look forward to—and helps them associate winter outdoor time with comfort and fun.

Keep It Short (Especially at First)

Winter outdoor play doesn’t need to be long to be effective.

You can always stay out longer if things are going well—but short, positive outings build confidence and enthusiasm.

Change Your Mindset About Winter

This should maybe have been the first thing I mentioned. Kids pick up on how we feel about winter. If we treat it like something to survive, they will too. If we treat it like a treat, they will too.

Winter doesn’t have to be something to endure—it can be something to enjoy. Changing your mindset towards winter outdoor play will no doubt be good for both you and them, making it a fun activity for all.

Winter Outside Time Can Be Magical

Getting kids outside in winter doesn’t require big plans or elaborate activities. It’s about making winter feel approachable, playful, and cozy on both ends.

Bundle up, head outside, and let winter become a season of memories—not meltdowns.

But, there will still be a snowman worth of snow in your house after, wet mittens where you least expect them, and it will still take five years to get ready to get outside, just to have someone say that they need to go to the bathroom two minutes after you get out. Embrace the chaos, it’s the best way. Oh, and – let it snow!