5 ways to Get your Kids Outside This Winter

It’s that time of year when we look outside and think hibernation is appealing.  And there are certain days when we love nothing more than being in comfy clothes or pj’s and being able to have a slow day.  Although, that said, there is a fine balance between an enjoyable hibernating indoors day and having cabin fever.  I do find that once we’re out it clears my head, the kids run off some much needed energy and most importantly it makes them sleep better at night.  For the sleep alone it’s worth getting out in all weathers!  I do however recognise that when its’s cold, wet or miserable it’s not always easy to motivate everyone, so I have included some of our ways that we make outdoors in the Winter more appealing.

1. From Torch Light to Fairy Lights From November to January you can pretty much find festive lights around every corner.  And come December we wrap them up once the sun has set and they walk around the block spotting new fairy lights, glimpses of twinkly trees and those houses which are in competition with Clark Griswald’s home in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!  If it’s not fairy light season then grab a torch and get them excited to go and look for bats or owls with their torches.  They will just enjoy shining them all around.

2. Hot Chocolate and biscuits–  Always an absolute hit with our kids.  We invested in a large family-sized Stanley flask, and we use our Ikea cups for our adventures outside. We love taking our treat into the woods and finding a sheltered spot to sit on a log and have a treat.

3.Getting their bikes out– I have been getting them home from school and getting Teddy practicing his bike riding whilst Florence has been scooting about on her ride on.  Even if it’s just up and down the street it’s fresh air for everyone. This has become a bit of a ritual for us!

4. Winter Scavenger Hunt- There are many scavenger hunts available to print on Pinterest or you could simply make up a list of things to go out and spot, such as pinecones, leaves still on a tree, frosty cobwebs, berries and tracks in the mud or snow.  If all else fails and you’re struggling to spot things just remember they love jumping up and down in muddy puddles!

5. Making edible Reindeer food/Widlife food. This Christmas we made edible reindeer food  and headed out into the woods to sprinkle it.  This can easily be adapted to wildlife food for foxes, badgers and birds etc.  Ready made bird seed or a homemade recipe ready to sprinkle from a paper  bag or jar whichever you choose.  Just having a reason to go on a wander is really helpful to tempt little ones into heading out.