Even in cold weather, get out and play!

With frigid temperatures outside, it may be hard to get motivated to bundle up and get some fresh air with your kids. This can result in a bad case of “cabin fever”. Outdoor play is not only essential for healthy brain development in children, it is also fun. But even though many parents believe outdoor play is beneficial, fewer children are spending time outside. Researchers have looked into this and have identified several reasons parents “keep” kids indoors including safety concerns and time constraints.

However, the negative effects of not spending time outdoors is becoming evident. Childhood obesity is on the rise, as well as mental health issues such as ADHD and depression. Furthermore, children seemed to have developed increased fears and insecurities around nature and exploring the outdoors.

Here is a list of some great activities parents can do with their kids when it is cold outside. Remember to dress properly in layers and so that children can enjoy the activities without feeling uncomfortable.

The key to getting children to enjoy playing outdoors is the parent. They need to see that their parents are enjoying activities, too.

3-5 years

Build a snowman- look for different objects that you can find outside to complete the eyes nose and mouth such as rosehips, flower seed heads, rocks. Pressing objects into the snowman uses fine motor skills that will help strengthen your child’s fingers.

Try this out for fun… technicolor snowman. Put food dye into spray bottles. Fill the bottles with water. Spray the snow man. Spraying strengthens hand muscles that are important for writing and cutting.

Go for a walk! To Change it up, pull the kids in the sled to make it a work out for you, they will really enjoy it.

Try an Animal tracks scavenger hunt. check out a book from the library on animal tracks (who Pooped in the Park by Gary D. Robson is a good one for ages 3-5). As you walk, look on the ground for animal sign. When you see sign (tracks/ scat) stop and ask your child to describe it. Based on the characteristics, find the animal in the book and show it to your child. Make up a story about what the animal may have been doing.

Make a bird feeder. Find a pinecone (preferably open) spread peanut butter on the cone, roll it in seeds. Hang it by a window that you look out frequently. Check a book out from the library on birds. Identify the birds that come and visit the feeder.

For children 5+

Teach your child how to build a fire outside using natural materials. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, check out a book at library.

Get out the shovels and build a snow cave.

Go for a walk in the woods. Look for animal signs like tracks and scat, but also look for animal beds, antlers, maybe a rub? Talk about food sources. Learn about how animals adapt to their environment. Does their fur change colors? Do they fly south? How do we adapt to the season changes?

Play outside games on full moon nights during the winter. Gather some neighbors and friends for a night of fun. Your child/children will enjoy getting away from the TV to play a group game with you. Some game suggestions are “capture the flag” or “kick the Can”.

Go sledding. The hill doesn’t have to be long to be fun. Plus… great opportunity to wear the kids out.