How to Get Outside with Young Children: A Parent’s Guide
Spending time outdoors with young children is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and nurture their love for nature. Depending on where you live the weather will be different, but where I live the weather ranges from chilly winters to hot summers, so preparation is key. Here’s a practical guide to make your outdoor adventures enjoyable and stress-free.
You’ll be amazed at how much time can be spent turning over rocks in search of creepy crawlies!
1. Dress for the Weather
Layering is your best friend, especially in a regions like British Columbia where weather can change quickly. In winter, start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off the skin, add an insulating middle layer like fleece or wool for warmth, and finish with a waterproof outer layer to shield against rain and snow. Don’t forget accessories—hats and gloves are essential for retaining body heat, and thermal socks keep little toes toasty. Look for mittens with waterproof shells to keep hands dry while they play.
A Muddy Buddy might be a great addition to your child’s outdoor wardrobe. It’s a waterproof, one-piece suit designed to keep children dry and comfortable during outdoor play in wet or muddy conditions. Think of it as a raincoat, but for their whole body! Muddy buddies are typically made from durable, waterproof materials and often feature elasticized cuffs at the wrists and ankles to keep water, dirt, and debris out. By placing these cuffs overtop of gloves and boots your little explorers will be warm and dry for hours!
In summer, lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking blends are ideal. Choose long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect sensitive skin from the sun and pesky bugs, and always include a wide-brimmed hat to shade their face and neck. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a smart addition to shield their eyes. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before heading out, and reapplying every couple hours - that includes yourself!
Footwear is equally important. Waterproof boots with good traction are a must for winter adventures and rainy-day puddle-jumping, while breathable, sturdy closed-toe shoes provide comfort and safety on warm-weather hikes. Ensuring your children are dressed appropriately for the season helps them stay comfortable, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the adventure. Don’t forget to dress yourself with similar care — happy parents mean happier kids!
2. Pack Smart
Preparation can make or break your outdoor adventure. Here’s a packing checklist to get you started, feel free to add or remove items depending on your needs and wants based on the adventures you’re doing and the ages of your children:
Snacks and water: Bring plenty of water and easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, fresh fruit, or sandwiches. Hydration and energy are key to keeping little ones happy.
Extra layers and socks: Kids are notorious for finding puddles and mud. Pack an extra set of clothes to have on hand or to leave in the car to avoid discomfort.
Sun protection: Sunscreen is essential year-round, even on cloudy days. Add sunglasses and lip balm with SPF for extra care.
First-aid kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Depending on your location, tweezers for bee stings and a tick remover may be a great addition as well.
Fun extras: A magnifying glass, bug jar, or a small notebook can turn your outing into a mini-adventure.
Wipes and bags: Handy for sticky fingers, dirty faces, or collecting treasures like leaves and rocks.
Don’t forget a comfortable backpack, or wagon, to carry all your items in!
3. Engage with Nature
Young children are naturally curious, so nurture that curiosity by encouraging exploration. Here are some ideas:
Play games: Scavenger hunts, such as finding different types of leaves or rocks, can make walks exciting.
Ask questions: Prompt them to look closely — “Can you find something rough?” or “What do you hear?”
Slow down: Let them take the lead and explore at their pace. A short trail can turn into hours of fun when you stop to look at bugs or jump in puddles. Sometimes it isn’t about the destination, but more about spending time together outside.
Bring tools for discovery: A small shovel or bucket can make even the beach or forest floor a wonderland.
Useful apps: Apps like Merlin for bird identification or PictureThis for plant identification can be a great educational addition to your outings. Both are free and quite accurate.
Above all, keep it fun and stress-free. Celebrate the little moments, whether it's spotting an eagle or splashing in a puddle. The goal is to create a love for the outdoors that grows with them — rain or shine. And remember, “there’s no such things as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
