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How to Get Outdoors With Littles In Cold Weather

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When the crisp fall air finally slips into that unmistakable “yep, there’s winter” chill, it’s easy to assume that outdoor adventures with little ones are about to hibernate until spring…cause I’m ready to hibernate until spring. But hear me, mama: cold weather doesn’t mean the adventures stop - it just means they get cozier, maybe a little slower, but even more magical.


Little kids are built for wonder. They don’t care if it’s 30 and snowing - they care that they get to stomp in crunchy puddles, look for animal tracks in fresh snow, and breathe big, foggy breaths into the cold morning air. And honestly? Kids are usually more resilient to cold than we are. The trick is setting the stage so you can embrace the outdoors without anyone ending up miserable, shivery, or begging to go home 4 minutes into it.


Here’s how to keep adventuring as a family and get outdoors with littles in cold weather - even with a baby and a toddler - in ways that feel simple, fun, and doable for everyone.


Snow-dusted forest path flanked by evergreen trees under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and tranquil winter scene.

Rethink What an “Adventure” Looks Like in Winter

When temps drop, you don’t have to embark on full-blown ski vacations or hours-long hikes to keep kids engaged in nature…although if you want to, that’s fun too! Some of our favorite cold-weather adventures are short, sweet, and close to home:


  • A scavenger hunt in the yard (or anywhere outdoors) with a visual list of colors, shapes, animals, or other things for littles to find

  • An evening walk with flashlights and cocoa for the whole family, bundled up to slowly enjoy the last light together as the sunset fades and the first stars peek out

  • A “winter hunt” looking for tracks and other animal sign, or using our binoculars to try to spot wildlife and birds

  • After-dinner smores in the yard or out in the woods, enjoying each other’s company (and maybe a few books) by firelight

  • A “find something beautiful” challenge with cameras in hand (I love this one for our toddler), teaching littles to look closely and see the beauty in nature


Kids don’t need epic, kids need intentional and they need your own presence and attitude to guide them…because everything is an adventure in the sparkling eyes of a little one when you’ve taught them to love and appreciate the simple joys. Especially in the winter, a mini adventure often counts just as much (sometimes more!) because it’s sustainable and keeps everyone happy.


Save some of the grand excursions for the best, sunshiney days of winter if you can help it. Plan sledding, hiking, camping, skiing, ice skating, and other snowy outdoor recreation for big days, but don’t forget about all the little moments you can spend outdoors with your littles as it gets colder outside.

Child in blue snowsuit and brown hat plays in snow with a dog nearby. Background shows snowy ground and foliage, creating a joyful scene.

You don’t need to be out for five hours. You don’t need to force the adventure.

Winter is best enjoyed in short, joyful bursts - 30 minutes here, an hour or two there. Let your rhythm make sense with your family’s energy and the weather that day.


Think of it like this: Consistency > duration.


Dress for Success (AKA: The Three-Layer Rule)

Layering is everything. When kids are warm, you’re golden. When they’re cold, nothing else matters. Game over.


Here’s the easy formula:


  • Base Layer (keeps them dry):

Wool or synthetic thermals. No cotton - it stays wet from sweat or melting snow.

  • Mid Layer (keeps them warm):

Fleece, sweaters, or insulated pants.

  • Outer Layer (keeps the elements out):

Waterproof bibs + a waterproof jacket or an all-in-one suit (I love a onesie to keep snow out but they do grow out of them fasted than a two-piece set).


And don’t forget:


  • Water wicking socks

  • Waterproof mittens (mittens > gloves for warmth and ease)

  • A warm hat 

  • Neck gaiter instead of scarves

  • Waterproof boots (best if you can cinch them down tight to keep snow out)

  • Kids sunglasses (with lanyard for littles to keep it on their face) to protect their eyes from the sun


Child in green snowsuit and brown hat walks through snowy forest, surrounded by snow-covered trees. Calm winter scene.

Cold-weather freedom begins with warm and dry kids. Adjust layers based on the specific day and activities. In Colorado, the sunshine makes all the difference between 30 feeling chilly or being a sit-outside-for-lunch day. You may want to have a baseball hat on standby, lose the neck gaiter, or even swap an insulated snow coat for a lighter waterproof jacket on the warmest days. 


As you build your cold weather wardrobe, you can find layers that are meant for different temperatures, but if you’re more of a minimalist, just reach for medium weight thermal layers and socks that are warm without being stifling.


Pro-tip: When you’re dressing kids, put mittens on before the outer layer jacket. Jacket cuffs (especially if they have those elastic or velcro bands) will keep slippery little gloves on tiny hands…which is (in my mom-fessional opinion) one of the harder parts of dressing for cold weather.


Choose Adventures That Fit the Season & Add Cozy Elements to Make It Magical

Some activities shine in colder weather and winter is a natural playground for children, building their imagination and strengthening their resilience and motor skills. Try:


  • Tracking animals in snow, mud, or frost

  • Frozen bubble blowing (so fun!!)

  • Evergreen nature hunts

  • Stargazing before dinner (early sunset perk!)

  • Collecting pinecones + winter treasures (and using them for crafts)

  • Imaginative play in the snow

  • Flashlight hikes at dusk


If you have the opportunity where you live, simply open the door and see where outdoor wanderings take you. Let the wonder of glittering snow and sparkling sunshine lead the way. Then add little touches that make cold adventures irresistible:


  • Bring warm drinks in thermoses

  • Pack a snack pouch of winter “trail treats”

  • Use hand warmers in their pockets (and yours!)

  • Turn on an audiobook for the drive or bring a winter themed book outdoors

  • Bring nature journals or simple scavenger cards

  • Add a flashlight or headlamp in dimming light

  • Build a campfire or light a fire table for warmth and ambience

  • Wrap up in comfy jammies and blankets when you come inside after play

  • End your days with warm meals like soup

Smiling toddler in blue snowsuit and brown hat sits on snowy ground near a vehicle in a forest, surrounded by dry grass.

Pack Smart: Winter Adventure Essentials

Your winter bag doesn’t need to be big, but it should be well thought out. Include:


  • Extra mittens (always)

  • A backup hat

  • A small towel for wet hands

  • Dry socks for when snow sneaks into boots

  • Thermos with warm drink

  • High-energy snacks

  • A tiny first-aid kit

  • A lighter blanket for curling up when adventure is over


You’ll rarely use everything… until the day you need it. Even leaving a basket of these things in the car is a good idea if you live in a wintery locale, ensuring that you have snowy day essentials in case of a spontaneous adventure or even inclement weather that closes the road. Been there, done that. Take it from a mama living through 8 months of winter every year.


GEAR WE LOVE FOR WINTER ADVENTURES

These are the items that have truly changed our ability to get outside in cold weather with littles:


Best Base Layers:

Game-Changing Outerwear:

Cold-Weather Accessories:

Adventure Extras:


Child in green snowsuit and brown hat smiles in snowy forest, holding hands with an adult. Snowy trees in the background.

The Most Important Part - Remind Yourself Why Getting Outdoors with Littles in Cold Weather Matters

Cold-weather adventures aren’t just about fresh air - they’re about giving your children:


  • Resilience

  • Awe and wonder

  • Curiosity about the world

  • Confidence in their own bodies

  • Memories built in nature instead of indoors or in front of screens


And giving yourself…


  • A break from the walls of the house

  • A moment of groundedness

  • A reset button


Winter doesn’t shrink our adventures - it deepens them. So bundle up, step outside, and don’t worry about logging hours of outdoor time. Follow your kiddos lead and enjoy the moment…always prepared for chilly fingers and wet toes.


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