8 ways to encourage outdoor play when the weather turns

As we move into winter, it’s tempting for parents to let their children stay indoors out of the cold and wet.

But there’s nothing better for kids than playing outside, whatever the weather – and the truth is that it’s far more likely to be mums and dads who want to avoid inclement conditions than children themselves.

Liv Chai, manager of Playful Green Planet, a UK-wide network of nature-based play initiatives led by the Royal Society of Arts, says: “When the clocks go back, it’s tempting to keep children indoors until spring – but it’s rarely as bad as it looks from the window.

“Frost, mud, puddles and early dark give children things to explore that summer can’t. And when they’re wrapped up warm and kept moving, they’re often happier outside in winter than we expect.”

And Professor Helen Dodd, director of the Outdoor Play Research Centre at Exeter University, adds:  “Getting children to play outside in winter often isn’t the problem – it’s us adults who can be the biggest barrier. We sometimes send the message that rain or cold means staying indoors, when many children, particularly younger ones, are perfectly happy to get outside and play.

“Playing outside, no matter the weather, benefits children in so many ways. It encourages physical activity, creates opportunities to play with other children and gives them the freedom to express their emotions, explore and have adventures.”

But what are the best ways to get kids outside when the weather’s miserable, particularly when they’r at home for longer periods over half-term? Here are the experts’ tips…

1.  Make sure they’re wrapped up

In winter the key is making sure children have the right clothing, stresses Dodd.

“No matter the age, nobody enjoys being freezing cold or having wet feet, so wellies, gloves and a warm coat are essential,” she says.

Dodd points out that not every family can afford warm clothing and footwear, and says charities including Shoe Aid, Sal’s Shoes and Coats4Kids may be able to help.

“Making outdoor play accessible to every child is imperative and we need to recognise that not every family can afford warm coats, wellies and other winter essentials,” she says.

2.  Make the weather part of the fun

Adele Adams, project manager of Better Place Bradford, which is part of Playful Green Planet, stresses that whatever the weather, it can become part of the fun.

“Children learn that being outdoors doesn’t depend on perfect weather,” she explains. “With warm clothing, waterproofs and a sense of adventure, rain, wind, frost and seasonal change become part of the play.”

And not being deterred by cold and rain definitely has its advantages, she points out. “Families tell us they feel more prepared and confident to get outside all year round, and parents report better sleep, better behaviour and better appetites.”

3.  Show kids how to keep warm

As well as being wrapped up in warm clothing, parents should make sure kids are aware of other ways to keep warm, and Adams suggests: “Small incentives help, like a hot chocolate or a snack outdoors, and show children how to keep warm – even wiggling your toes in your boots keeps the circulation going.”

4.  Short spells outside are fine

When it’s cold or wet, shorter spells outside can be much more manageable, says Dodd. “Parents shouldn’t feel that every outing needs to be an expedition,” she stresses. “Even a quick trip to the local park or a short walk to see the ducks can get everyone out of the house to enjoy some fresh air and have fun.”

5.  Keep kids moving

Gina Lundy, co-director of We are Wonder, an outdoor learning community based in Glasgow which is part of the Playful Green Planet network, says keeping children moving when they’re outdoors in winter is key.

“Dress for it, with layers, waterproofs and warm hats and gloves, and keep children moving with games and making things,” she suggests.

“Bring something warm to eat and drink, and don’t let a grey forecast put you off – it’s never as bad as it seems from indoors! Once you’re out and moving around, the weather quickly stops being a problem, and children are usually far happier than we expect.”

6.  Embrace the mess!

Children playing outside in the wet and mud can, of course, be messy, but as long as they’re suitably dressed it’s worth it for the fun they’ll have , says Dodd.

“Jumping in puddles, splashing around and getting muddy are all part of the fun,” she points out. “It’s natural for parents to worry about the mess, but sometimes it’s important to embrace it and let children enjoy themselves.”

7.  Children love den building

Charlotte Dean, programme director of the Hull-based young people’s outdoor education project Rewilding Youth, part of the Playful Green Planet network, agrees that parents need to accept mud and wet are an almost inevitable part of winter outdoor play.

“Try not to be too precious about children getting muddy or wet,” she advises, suggesting that it’s a good idea for parents to carry spare socks and gloves for the kids (and maybe the adults too), as they often get wet in bad weather.

She suggests children have a go at winter den building outside, pointing out: “Den-building is really popular in winter – give children some rope, string and a tarpaulin and they’ll build their own shelters. Puddles and flooded ground are great for play too, as children make boats and rafts out of sticks and leaves.”

And she adds: “Get as much natural daylight as you can while the days are short, because even 10 minutes a day outdoors makes a difference.”

8.  Have a winter treasure hunt

Dodd suggests parents make a list of things that might be found outdoors and challenge their child to spot them. She says a winter treasure hunt is a great way to encourage children to walk further than they otherwise might, and points out: “Winter transforms the natural world, and parents should embrace these changes with their children.

“Notice how the trees, birds and surroundings change with the seasons, and use these moments to help build your child’s connection with nature.”