Why the cold shouldn’t stop the play
When temperatures drop, it can be tempting to stay inside where it’s cosy. But you would be missing out on so much fun. Wrap up and explore outdoors to show children how the colder season changes nature around them.
Fresh air helps children stay healthy and alert. It builds stamina, strengthens the immune system and gives them a chance to move in ways that indoor spaces cannot always allow. It’s also just so freeing for them to be able to run around and jump with all over the leaves.
And we know that one of the best ways to learn is just by doing. The cold weather brings new sensations that spark discovery. Puddles freeze and thaw and frost starts to shine on leaves in the morning. Each of these changes invites a bit of experimentation for the children to dive straight into.
Keeping warm
Dressing children appropriately is the first step to enjoying outdoor play in cold weather. Layers of clothing with waterproof coats, gloves and boots help keep everyone warm and dry. It is also important to balance playtime so children can explore freely without staying out for too long when temperatures drop or it gets darker. Active games such as scavenger hunts, running races or simple movement challenges help children stay warm and full of energy
Enjoying the outdoors
Children who spend more time outdoors are more physically active, and there is no shortage of research that physical activity drives positive health outcomes. The key to successful play in colder weather is preparation.
At nursery, we treat the garden as an extension of the classroom, and the change in season brings endless new discoveries. Cosy coats and hats are put on and out we go. We turn the walk into a small adventure. The children love collecting little treasures along the way like pinecones, sticks, feathers and rocks. Back at the nursery, these finds become part of the art projects and we can create winter displays.
You can also add in other games like a scavenger hunt or collect some smoother pebbles to take in and paint.
Some of the simple and really enjoyable ways to enjoy outdoors with little ones:
- Nature treasure hunt: Look for interesting shaped rocks, colourful leaves or signs of animals and start a search around the garden or a local park.
- Movement games: Play “follow the leader” or “animal walks” where children stomp like bears, hop like frogs or tiptoe like foxes.
- Listening moments: This is really important too. Outdoors can be loud and exciting but it’s also valuable to stand quietly and count how many sounds you can hear. Is that birds, the wind, footsteps or rustling branches?
- Mini science moments: Check what happens when water freezes overnight, notice melting ice in the morning sun or explore frost through a magnifying glass.
- Creative collecting: Use twigs, leaves and pinecones to make a small den for insects or to create art once back inside.
These small activities help children use their senses and build an understanding of how the season.
Embracing the season
Spending time outdoors in winter builds more than physical strength. It nurtures curiosity and a lifelong connection with nature. When we help children see beauty in a misty morning or joy in jumping through a puddle, we teach them that every day can be full of new lessons and opportunities.
The colder months invite us to slow down and notice the world in a different way. With the right clothing, planning and mindset, the outdoors remains a classroom filled with learning and laughter. There is no such thing as bad weather, only new adventures waiting to be found. So grab those mittens and let the winter fun begin!