Last Updated on 6 January 2025 by Colette
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As the temperatures drops and the weather is generally less kind, it can be really tempting to hunker down and stay indoors snuggled up under a blanket, eating all the snacks. However, getting outside daily has huge benefits for our mental and physical health so, with that in mind, I wanted to share our top tips for winter walks with kids.
Tips for winter walks with kids
Wear the right clothes
I cannot over state this. Wearing the right clothing for a winter walk with kids will make all the difference to everyone’s enjoyment. Layers are best so that you can strip off if you get too warm – but, as we are constantly reminding our kids, it’s far easier to stay warm than it is to get warm so best to be well wrapped up when you set off and then to take bits off if you get too warm.
A good hat and waterproof gloves will make a big difference to how comfortable you are. On really cold days, you know when it’s biting and the cold air is getting up your nose and in your eyes, we find gaiters are really useful as you can pull them right up over your face to protect from the cold and wind. When it comes to trousers, don’t go walking in your jeans – they won’t keep you warm and if they get wet they will take forever to dry. Personally I like thermal leggings as I don’t like wet or muddy trousers flapping round my ankles (if they are waterproof too then so much the better!), of course base layers also come in handy!
Alongside this, I highly recommend getting the kids to carry their own backpacks so they can always be prepared with their own hat and gloves, and also have somewhere to put any layers they strip off!
Check out our favourite outdoor clothing brands here.
Check the weather
It’s all well and good saying there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing . . . but actually there are some days were really you do just have to write it off as a bad job. Make sure that you know what the weather is going to be like and prepare for it – if it’s going to rain, have you got the right clothes on? If it’s going to be really foggy, do you know the route really well or is it safer to postpone your walk? A bit of snow might be quite fun, but if it’s going to come down thick and fast, visibility will be reduced and paths could become dangerous.
A circular route or a clear destination
Walking a circular route or having a clear destination helps to keep my kids motivated – they know there is a specific end to the walk rather than a “let’s just see how far we go” – these sorts of walks are generally met with moaning and, “when can we turn around”. I prefer a circular walk too because it means there is always something new to see and you don’t have to double back on yourself. A winter walk with a clear destination usually means a bit of a reward for your efforts too be that a hot chocolate at a nice cafe, a lovely view or perhaps a play area.
Snacks and hot drinks
Taking snacks and drinks on our winter walks (or in fact any walk to be honest) has been a real game changer for us. Obviously it involves a little bit of preparation before you set off but we take flasks of hot drinks for everyone – Dave likes a flask of coffee, Amy likes a tea and then Ben, Chloe and I tend to have hot cordial. Occasionally I’ll make a pan of hot chocolate before we head out but that takes up a bit more time! In terms of snacks we usually go for a bar or chocolate or a biscuit or two. (Dave and I once packed ourselves mince pies for a winter walk over Christmas and it was so cold they were partially frozen by the time we stopped to eat them!).
Generally when it comes to drinks and snacks on walks, we will drink as we need to en route but we will make a specific stop for a rest and snacks – usually around half way through our walk. Which brings me nicely onto my next point . . .
Sit mats
As a family, we all have individual sit mats in our backpacks not just for winter walks but actually all year round. These waterproof, thermal mats mean we’ve always get somewhere dry to sit for a rest. Even if we’ve found a nice bench to sit on, I will likely put my Rubbastuff patch down first to make sure that my bum is warm and dry – you’d be amazed what a difference it makes. We quite often just unfold our mats and sit wherever the need takes us though – so much nicer than standing to eat.
Distractions
When it comes to keeping little legs moving (or even big legs come to that) distraction is key. Some of our best conversations happen when we’re walking – and I love earwigging on what the kids are talking about with each other too. But, having a few distraction techniques up your sleeve can be really helpful for when legs are tired or boredom is setting in. There’s a whole range of apps that are great for outdoor adventures with kids – Ben likes to try and catch Pokemon when we’re out and about. If you want to avoid going down the tech route why not pre-plan your own scavenger hunt (or grab a free printable one), try geocaching or join an organised trail – the National Trust often have themed “hunts” that provide a brilliant purpose to your winter walks or you could check out the new Zog Trail if you have one nearby!
I hope these tips have inspired you to get wrapped up and out for a walk this winter! If you need some ideas of where to go walking, check out these posts next:
Entwistle Reservoir walk with kids
Ogden and Piethorne Reservoirs with kids
Our favourite walks to do with kids near Manchester
New Year’s Day walks in the Yorkshire Dales
If you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful, here are a few ways you can say thanks and support We’re going on an adventure:
Click here to buy me a virtual coffee – it’s like a little tip jar but with caffeine!
I’d love for you to tag me in any photos of your adventures on Social Media if one of my posts has inspired you to visit
Click here to leave We’re going on an adventure a Google Review
Share this post with your friends – you’ll be helping me and them!
Follow We’re going on an adventure on Facebook or Instagram
