Top Tips for Getting Kids Outside This Winter
Ok. It’s winter and the kids are stir-crazy and need fresh air and to move their bodies but getting outside feels like such a hurdle to clear. We get it. Sometimes it feels like a marathon just to get everyone ready. But the reward of happy, healthy, playful kids is totally worth it.
To help battle the elements we’ve pulled together a few tips for getting kids outside in Vermont’s winter landscape.
How to Dress for the Cold
Dressing kids for winter isn’t hard with the right checklist. Follow this list and we promise it will keep your kids warm from head to toe. Because the bottom line is, the warmer your kids are, the happier and longer they will stay outside and play!
- Underlayers. Start with a warm and moisture-wicking base layer to keep the kids dry. Wool, silk and synthetic layers are better than cotton! We love fleece base layers for a snuggly set and Costco’s cheap 32 degree silky base layers. These can be worn together on a frigid day and keep the kiddos warm for hours, or separately for varying temps. Burton’s fleece layers also double as PJs in our house and we feel good about supporting a local brand.
- Midlayers. Puffy coats, and fleece vests and pants are great to add on and take off as needed. They both offer a nice thick insulating layer for staying warm but are easy to remove if the kids get over-heated.
- Outerlayer. A water and windproof top layer is key for winter (and wet) outdoor play. We love the affordable Tuffo muddy buddy rainsuit for toddlers, as it easily goes over many layers for wet or wintry play. Light raingear can be used as jackets and pants, too, but if you want a warm waterproof layer, we recommend insulated snowsuits to keep the snow out and warmth in! You can find these from Columbia, Burton, LL Bean, Kamik, and many other brands, or used at the local shops above.
- Accessories. Don’t forget those extremities. Keep the feet toasty with local Darn Tough wool socks and good winter boots, head covered with Skida’s kid hats, neck toasty with Turtle Fur neck gaiters, and hands toasty with mittens. We prefer mittens over gloves to keep those little fingers close to each other and because they offer space for hardwarmers when needed.
Outside of base layers, socks, hats, and gloves, we tend to find most of this gear used, either from friends or local stores. The durability of midlayers and outerwear usually allows for effective use for many kids. Some of our favorite local shops for used gear are Outdoor Gear Exchange, BOHO baby, and Once Upon a Child.Have other favorites to share? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!
Where to Play and When in Winter
Now that you’re all geared up, it’s time to get outside. There are a few things to consider when venturing outside for a family outing in the winter beside just the temperature. Is it windy? Sunny? Snowing? These questions help us pick where we want to go.
On calm sunny days, we opt for more open spaces, like playgrounds and fields where we can catch some Vitamin D. On windy, cloudy days, we opt for the woods, as the trees help break up the wind. On snow days we don’t need to venture far from home as the snow is all the kids need to find fun!
Playgrounds & Parks. Not just for summer, playgrounds are hoot in the winter, especially snow-covered slides. You won’t find the summer crowds on a winter day, and they are a great place to set up a snowball fight! Find playgrounds to explore.
Many local parks also provide winter amenities like ice skating and sledding, or open fields for building snowmen, playing winter soccer or just running around.
Head to the woods. The forests are magical in the winter, and a walk in the woods can easily turn into a game of hide and seek or a pine cone or stick-collecting mission. It’s amazing to see kids’ creative side come alive when exploring the woods. Some of our favorite forests to explore in the winter are Centennial Woods, Arms Woods, and Ethan Allen Tower in Burlington. Outside of Burlington, there are options galore, from Niquette Bay in Colchester, Hubbard Park in Montepelier, and the vast amount of wilderness along our rivers and in the Green Mountains. Find hiking and walking options near you.
What Kind of Winter Fun Should We Try?
Getting outside in the winter can be as simple as playing in the backyard with snow, a ball, or backyard play equipment, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try new things! We covered playgrounds, parks and hiking, but if you want to embrace winter even more, try some of these winter activities.
- Sledding – Check out this list of sledding hills across Vermont for those snow days, or venture to one closer to the mountains if you don’t have snow at home.
- Ice Skating – While you can enjoy ice skating indoors at a rink, why not explore an outdoor one at your local park, or in a wild place like the Burlington Sea Caves!
- Snow Shoeing - One of the easiest sports for kids to try, looks for free snowshoeing events to give it a try!
- Skiing & Snowboarding – Vermont is home to over 20 ski areas. If your family hasn’t tried skiing, look for an affordable local option and rent to try. Cochran’s and Northeast Slopes are great options for a budget.
- Cross Country Skiing – Not looking for a downhill thrill? Get the kids out on cross country ski and explore one of Vermont’s 30-something cross country areas, or simply explore your nearby trails.
- Sleigh Rides – Want something low-key and magical? Book a sleigh ride this winter and cozy up with hot chocolate as your sleigh explores the winter landscape.
- Sugar Houses – Start looking for operating sugarhouse events in March and enjoy a sweet maple syrup treat while venturing outside for a hike, or to explore one of the farms.
Some of these activities require specific gear. We recommend renting gear when you can if you haven’t already committed to the sport, but used skates, skis, and snowshoes can be found at local spots, like Play It Again Sports in South Burlington and Power Play Sports in Morrisville. Whether looking for new or used gear, check out our Gifts and Gear section to find something near you.
Winter doesn’t need to be just for hibernating! Follow some of our tips and get outside and explore Vermont’s amazing winter adventures with your kids. You won’t be disappointed.
Want to win a winter prize pack?
We partnered with All Mountain Mamas and Ski Vermont to to give away a family four-pack of lift tickets to 2 lucky winners, plus a double family pack of family lift tickets (8) with Darn Tough socks, Burton hats, a Rossignol backpack and more, to one lucky grand prize winner. Check out the contest on Instagram and Facebook to enter, sign up for our mailing list, or do both!