Outdoor play is a great way to support healthy growth and development. Active for Life provides suggestions on keeping children comfortably and appropriately dressed so they can maximize and enjoy their time outdoors.

The article from Active for Life notes that, whilst most parents are pretty good about dressing their children warmly in really cold weather, the surprising thing is how difficult it can be to judge appropriately for temperature ranges of 0 to 5C. Children have a higher ratio of skin area to overall mass than adults and can cool down really quickly, especially if they get wet. The key is to pack extra clothes.

They also note that expensive clothing is not necessary. The most important considerations are:

·       Type of material: “Avoid cotton on cold or wet days. It absorbs and holds water and sweat next to your skin and cools you down. Wool or synthetic materials like polypropylene are best in cold weather, especially next to your skin.”

·       Layering: “In cooler weather, start with a base layer of wool or polyester that fits close to the skin. Next, wear a mid-layer for warmth – fleece works well here – and finally a waterproof outer layer that protects against rain, snow, and wind.”

·       Key features: “Hoods and elastic or Velcro cuffs at the wrists and ankles.”

·       How clothing is worn: “Pull pant legs over boots to keep water and snow out.”

·       And bring several pairs of extra socks!

A related blog also notes that it is easy to be fooled by big puffy jackets and pants. “Just because it’s puffy doesn’t mean it’s warm. Especially if the fabric allows the insulation to get wet and your children turn into kidsicles. Big puffy snowsuits also make it hard for kids to move around, which also makes them cold and bored.” Layering is the key, especially wool,

Two Alberta-based organizations, Be Fit for Life and Get Outside and Play, have developed a free, downloadable infographic Dressing for the Weather with tips on how to dress for weather from 20C to -20C, which has been reviewed by educators who spend a lot of time outdoors in all types of weather with children of all ages.

Some fun outdoor winter activity suggestions for young kids include:

·       Fake snowballs: Fill a child’s crew sock with a crumpled plastic bag, “popper” packing material, or polyfill makeup balls, and lightly baste up with sewing thread or tie with string.

·       A variety of free, printable scavenger hunt sheets can be found at Scavenger Hunts for Kids

·       Look for new plants appearing in your neighbourhood. I have been focusing on looking for snowdrops appearing in my neighbourhood as I go for my daily walks. It is fun to see where they are appearing in stages all around my nearby streets. And I have found three beautiful witch hazels already in bloom. Next will be crocus, and then hellebores and daffodils. Bulbs are especially good for young children to search for, as their close-to-the-ground perspective means they often see them first. Great fun, whilst teaching respect for our neighbours’ hard work by stressing to look and sniff, but don’t touch!

·       Outdoor winter activities for toddlers - Active For Life For toddlers, a simple game of tag or follow the leader (with new movements like walking backward or hopping on one foot) is a great way to get moving and practice new skills.

5 Fun Winter Activities for Kids — With or Without Snow (takemefishing.org) Freeze nature: “Collect pinecones, leaves…. then put each into a plastic container and submerge with water before sliding into the freezer. Encourage kids to peek in on the freezing process to watch air bubbles form and ice slowly crust over their finds. Finally, let them hold and observe nature frozen in time!”