Going outside with children in winter – 5 activity ideas

Going outside with children in winter – 5 activity ideas

Taking children outside in winter can be quite a challenge. Understandably, not all children are keen on the cold. However, their displeasure isn't always solely due to the cold itself, but also to the layers of clothing they have to wear.

Especially when I'm getting two small children dressed, I often lose all desire to go out as a mom. I ask myself every day: "Wouldn't it be much easier to stay home?" It certainly would be easier. Or maybe not. Because keeping two restless children occupied at home, who actually need exercise and fresh air, isn't really any easier in my opinion.

We go outside every day, even in winter. Exercise and fresh air are important for children. And for me as a mom, too.

While my toddler either makes himself comfortable in the stroller or enjoys the little things along the way – it's incredible how exciting sticks or stones can be – my older daughter, at almost five years old, often goes on the "outdoor barricades".

She might be cold or bored, her little sister is too slow, or the same old walk just isn't exciting enough anymore.

The only exception is when there's snow. But that's not very common in the city.

Since it's not possible for me as a city dweller to conjure up an exciting afternoon excursion program in nature on a normal afternoon – and I also don't feel like it – I include small highlights that deviate from the usual outdoor routine.

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Going outside with children in winter – 5 activity ideas

1. Going outside with children in winter – children's punch & cookies

Children's punch and some snacks are a big hit with us in winter. They sweeten our breaks – quite literally – while we're outside.

The most important thing when you're outside with children in winter is staying warm from the inside out, so you don't get cold. A warm drink helps with that and also lifts everyone's spirits. My two girls still giggle every time my glasses fog up while I blow on their children's punch to cool it down – even after what feels like the hundredth time.

Our tip: Thermos flask from Blafre in Scandinavian design

2. Going outside with children in winter – playing hide-and-seek

Hide-and-seek is probably one of the most well-known children's games of all time. Who doesn't know it? Hide-and-seek can also be perfectly incorporated into a daily walk.

I can only recommend that you become a child again and join in the fun. My girls love it when I hide and then give them an incredibly loud scare when they find me behind the nearest bush.

3. Going outside with children in winter – night hike with a flashlight

The good thing about winter is that it gets dark early. If we've spent the afternoon at home, then we definitely need to air out the room before (or even after) dinner.

I probably don't need to tell any parent how difficult it is to get going again after a relaxing afternoon at home. However, if I play my "flashlight" card, then it definitely works.

No matter how cold it is, my children are always up for a night hike in winter.

4. Going outside with children in winter – Going on a treasure hunt in the forest

A treasure hunt is guaranteed to liven up any walk, whether through the woods or the city park, and it works even in winter. What do you need? An egg carton and the "Nature Collection Box Forest" PDF template from LillyGo.

You glue the template onto the egg carton and your children now have a little treasure chest and the search can begin.

Here is the link to the template on the LillyGo shop: Nature Collection Box - Forest

5. Going outside with children in winter – catching soap bubbles

Soap bubbles are always a hit with us! Even our older daughter, almost five years old, enthusiastically chases after them and squeals with delight alongside her almost two-year-old. Soap bubbles are guaranteed to lift your spirits – even in winter.

Going out with children in winter – My conclusion

I consider getting outdoors essential for myself and my children. However, it's not as if children always have the opportunity to roam through the woods and fields alone or with friends. We don't live in a fairytale setting, but right in the heart of Munich. Our current radius of movement in nature on a typical afternoon is limited. Furthermore, the desire to spend time outdoors, especially in winter, doesn't always meet with enthusiasm from my children. But with the activity ideas mentioned above, we do manage to get that important outdoor time in.

I hope that the above activity ideas will motivate your children to go outside again – even in winter.

Have fun in the fresh air!