Blog, Coveralls, Outdoor Activities, Parenting Tips

Why Kids Should Play Outside in Winter

Posted on by Alana from Mud Mates
Why Kids Should Play Outside In Winter
14
Jul

Play outside in winter is just like playing outside any other season, but colder. Yet as parents we are so often against our kids spending time outside in the cold. This attitude is then transferred onto the kids, making it a vicious circle. However, sending the kids to play outside during the colder months does have its benefits.

Why You Should Send Kids to Play Outside in Winter

I’m not a fan of the cold. As I grow older, I have noticed it bothers me more. My kids, on the other hand, don’t seem to be worried at all by it. They’d wear shorts all year round if they could! But while it is my instinct to curl up by the fire, they want to run outside, even if it’s raining! So, I let them! They dress up warm and go play in the dirt, the frost and the rain. If you’re still not convinced, check out these reasons why all children need to play outside in winter:

  • Winter is another season to experience – our kids build a lot of their knowledge through play. By playing in different seasons, they build upon this knowledge. Winter provides different opportunities to summer, such as jumping in frost or muddy puddles, holding ice and throwing snow balls.
    Why Kids Should Play Outside In Winter
  • New muscles are used – it’s harder to walk on sand than a footpath. You need to use different muscles to do the same things in winter. Walking on an icy path requires you to use your balance and leg muscles more. Or running in snow is harder than running on grass, meaning your body is more active doing so.
Why Kids Should Play Outside In Winter
  • Bacteria love inside – a warm or stuffy room makes a great breeding ground for bacteria. Sure, there are germs everywhere. But if you think about it, being in close proximity them inside means you are more likely to catch them than in the same sized space outside.
  • Vitamin D – while we all know the sun can harm us, if we don’t get any, we can get sick too. Vitamin D helps us to feel happy and regulate our moods. SAD or seasonal affective disorder happens when we don’t get enough Vitamin D, leaving us feeling depressed, tired and run down. Just 30 minutes play outside each day can help prevent this.
  • Stops cabin fever setting in – we all know what happens when kids are cooped up inside. They go stir crazy and take us along for the ride! Stop this happening by bundling up and heading outside regardless of the weather!

What should your kids wear to play outside in winter to stay warm and dry?

Mud Mates, of course! If you’re looking for tips on how to dress kids for winter without the bulk, check out this blog post for practical ideas. Our Children’s Coveralls and unlined Overpants are great for splashing in the rain, while our Fleece Lined Pants are amazing for playing in the snow!

If you need outside rainy day inspiration, grab a copy of our free A4 printable: 25 Best Things to do in the Rain.

Whatever you do this winter, make sure you get outside! What are you planning to do? What do your kids like doing outside in winter? Share below and let’s see if we can get a great list of ideas together.


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10 thoughts on “Why Kids Should Play Outside in Winter”

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  7. Celia says:

    It’s vital to get kids outdoors in all seasons! Its vital for their mental health too and that’s why it makes us feel better. Thanks for your post Alana – we need more advocates like you!!!

    Reply
  9. Kate says:

    I love this post! Totally agree when I watch my kids in shorts and T’s on a freezing day on the trampoline my instinct is to call them inside. Really I should be embracing my inner child, racing out and joining them 😉

    Reply

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