3 Tips for Getting Outside With Kids This Winter

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Before I had kids, I was the quintessential outdoors woman. Planning a weekend rock climbing trip to the mountains was just another day. I would spend days-on-end paddling the backcountry white waters of the Rio Grande or Devil’s River in a canoe. And I’d plan a week every year to stay in a small cabin in Northern New Mexico – alone – to reconnect with nature, God, and myself.

Then I had kids.

Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mom and I don’t regret it for a second. But it did lead to major shifts in my life and the way I spent my free time.

There was no free time.

The biggest and hardest shift for me is that I haven’t spent more than 24 hours by myself in almost seven years. You can forget white water canoeing. A week alone would be blasphemous.

Instead, I focus on how we can include the kids in our outdoor adventures. (And my hubby tries to give me a little alone time on these adventures.)  It’s not always easy, and to be completely honest, it’s not always fun.

But it is important.

In fact, the scientific research on environmental stewardship shows that people who feel connected to nature – and have a desire to care for it – had frequent and consistent time outside as kids.

In the winter, this can be a challenge, so I wanted to share a few tips that I use to help get my kids outside, even when it’s cold.

3 Tips for Getting Outside with Kids this Winter

Plan shorter trips without a destination.

In other words, lower your expectations. You don’t have to hike to the top of the mountain. In fact, you don’t have to hike further than 50 yards up the trail. Try to focus on exploring where you are, not focusing on where you think you need to be. This one shift is simple in theory, but it makes a HUGE difference when getting outside with your kids. It takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy just being outside with your kids.

Celebrate small victories.

As you’re packing for your outdoor family adventure, pack something special like hot chocolate. When your kids are starting to get tired just break out the hot chocolate, find a comfortable place to sit, and enjoy your time in nature. When you’re done with your special snack, head back to the car. Everyone will be in a better mood and the kids will remember that you made their outdoor time special! Plus, you’ll prevent any breakdowns.

Wear the right clothes.

During winter, nothing can ruin a fun outdoor adventure like wet clothes and being cold. It doesn’t take a lot of money to dress warmly in winter – just wear plenty of layers and make sure their outer-most layer is waterproof. If you’re going to spend money on winter wear, invest in good quality wool mittens and socks. These are the areas that get cold and wet the quickest. It’s important to search for items that are wool, not acrylic (or mostly wool). Wool is an incredible natural fiber that will keep your kids’ hands and feet warm even if the fabric gets wet.

It’s okay to say that getting outside with your kids is hard. It’s okay to say that you don’t know what to do with them when you’re outside. All you need is the desire to do it!