“Yikes, it’s freezing!” – We totally get it.
But, did you know that being outdoors, even in winter, boosts physical health, improves mood, and can actually be a blast of fresh energy for you and your kids? Yes, even with the chill.
To get you and your little snow bunnies bundled up and out the door, try these no-fail tips:
1. Dress like it’s an Arctic Expedition.
Alright, maybe not that extreme. But warm gear is a must.
As the noted British travel writer, Alfred Wainwright so wisely said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Think snug-fit mittens, wool socks that mean business, face-covering balaclavas (ninja style!), and those handy hand-warmers.
Layers are your best friends: three up top, two below, and those trusty socks.
2. Start With 10 Minutes.
Half the battle is just getting outside in the first place.
Try telling yourself (and your kids, if they are whining) that your outdoor adventure will be brief. Five or ten minutes, perhaps. If that’s as long as you last, at least you tried.
But chances are the fresh air will feel great, and you’ll all last much longer.
3. Check our daily calendar.
It’s your secret weapon, filled with family-friendly hikes and nature activities. Bookmark it, use it, love it.
Our Daily Events Calendar is packed with local nature centers who offer guided hikes and outdoor adventures for families.
We’ve also put together a list of 14 winter hikes that are great for kids, and Must-Visit Playgrounds that your kids are sure to love.
4. Find Your Happy Place.
If you’re a creature of habit, lean into it.
Even if you head to the same nearby park, or go on the same walk through the neighborhood each day, you’re sure to notice something different each day. It’s especially easy to notice seasonal changes when you visit the same place repeatedly.
Plus, you can carve out a space that you can claim as your family’s own, like a special tree, a small waterfall, or a favorite bench.
5. The Magic Word: Cocoa!
We’re not above bribery. Let your kids know that after your outdoor adventure, you can all enjoy some hot cocoa together. Better yet, pack a thermos and bring it with!
6. Sneak in Outdoor Time
A proven strategy for forming new habits is to attach them to ones you’ve already formed. So try attaching your outdoor adventure to something you already do each day.
Naptime at 11:00 a.m.? Take a quick walk around the neighborhood before hand each day. Pick up the kids from school at 3:30 every day? Stop by the playground before you head home for dinner.
And if you miss a day, so be it. Try again the next day.
7. Stay Home!
Turn your backyard into a wildlife haven. Bird-watch, study local flora, and learn about your neighborhood critters. Adventure awaits, right outside your window.
Bird-watching is a a great way to learn about the nature that’s right in your own backyard.
Do some research about the plants and weeds that grow around your house, and the birds and animals that come to visit.
Especially in childhood, adventure is just outside your door.
Wisconsin’s Winged Wonders: Need a bird guide? Here’s a gem on Wisconsin’s feathered friends.
Related Posts:
100 Fun Things To Do This Winter With Kids
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
