Easy tips for getting outside with kids this winter

When the weather cools off and things get a bit wetter, it can be so easy to default to staying indoors. But… we know, that you know, parenting is easier out of the house.

Here are some tips to make being outside more enjoyable for everyone, whatever the forecast.

Dress for success

Layer up. A singlet, a warm mid-layer, a jumper and an outer shell will serve you much better than one big bulky coat. Bonus points if you can add merino in there, as it’s moisture-wicking and breathable! 

When kids can add and remove layers as they heat up from running around, they won’t give the temperature outside a second thought. 

Don’t forget a hat and waterproof shoes. A significant amount of body heat escapes through the head, and cold wet feet end adventures faster than anything else!

Wear rain gear in the morning even if it’s not drizzling. The air is damp and the grass is dewy. A bit of water becomes part of the fun rather than a reason to go home if kids are geared up properly.

Embrace the weather

Keep a wet bag with a spare change of clothes in your kit for leaving the house. Just remember to restock it when you get home so it's ready for next time.

Stop trying to avoid the wet and the damp, embrace it instead. Let them jump in the puddle or wade through the mud - these are the moments that make the trip magical.

Keep a small squeegee or towel in the bottom of the pram or in the car for wiping down the slide at the playground.

Make warm food part of the plan

Snacks hit differently in the cold, and they make a great reason to get out of the house in the first place. "Let's go to the park for morning tea" is a surprisingly effective motivator and a thermos filled with hot chocolate, noodles or nuggets feels like a real treat outdoors.

Or, check out the interactive map on the Roam with Kids app to find a new spot with a family-friendly cafe nearby!

Don't forget yourself

It sounds obvious, but how often do you get the kids fully sorted and then head out the door underprepared yourself? 

Now is not the time. Make sure you've got your own hat, waterproof jacket and shoes sorted so you can last just as long as the kids do.

In a nutshell?

A few small tweaks to how you pack and dress make winter outings genuinely enjoyable rather than something to push through. 

Get the layers right, plan to get wet, have a break with warm food, and make sure you're as prepared as the kids are. The fresh air is worth it.