1000 Hours Outside in Winter Weather
Have you heard of the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge? Our family has made a commitment to this goal and we aim to get our kids outside as much as possible. As cold weather descends upon us, I needed a plan for 1000 Hours Outside in Winter Weather. I’ve put together a list of tips and ideas so that my kids can do to enjoy the great outdoors in spite of the cold.
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One. Have the Right Clothing for 1000 Hours Outside in Winter
If it’s cold, and you want to get your kids outside, you need to make sure they can be warmly dressed. You’ll need coats, hats, gloves, and boots at a minimum. Bundle up in layers to stay outside longer without risk. Here are some other great ideas.
Use Handwarmers. Keep those little pocket hand warmers handy so your kiddos can last longer with outdoor play and warm-up without running inside. These are perfect for sledding days and long hours in cold weather.
Use Warm Undergarments. You can buy thermal undershirts or thermal long underwear that is actually very comfortable these days so there is no need to suffer from the itchy wool of old. Kids can keep extra warm and cozy at the same time.
Get Water-Wicking Socks. I do love the smart wool socks that wick water away from your feet to keep them extra dry even when playing in the snow. Get a pair or two for each child, and keep them tucked away where they can easily be found for snow days. These socks are also extra-warm, so you might want to have them for everyday outdoor use.
Two. Pack Warm Food for Park Days and Hikes.
Use a thermos. You can make hot drinks like hot chocolate or hot tea in small thermoses for days when you plan to spend the day at a park or go on a hike. Hikes in winter are fun, but it is super nice to have hot food waiting in the car.
Use a warming case. Glass 9 x 13 pans sometimes come with a thermal carrying case to keep the heat in the dish. Make a casserole or one-pan dish in the 9 x 13 pan and pack it up to have a hot lunch during your time in the park.
Tailgate Style Picnic. Take some clues from the Football fans who tailgate in all types of weather! You can pack supplies for an entire picnic in the back of your car and serve it up fresh and hot to your kiddos just as if you were tailgating in the parking lot of a football field. Miniature grills, smokeless fire pits, soups in a thermos, and insulated containers are all ways that the experts serve hot food from the back of a car.
Three. Try these Ideas to Winterize your Outdoor Spaces
Make an Igloo. Turn your climbing dome into a winter oasis where you and your kiddos can head to warm up when outdoor play gets too cold. Add a Waterproof Canopy to the climbing dome and turn it into an Igloo using a smokeless Solo Stove. Of course, this is for supervised play only, but you could have card games and fun toys and maybe even snacks inside the dome for warm-up periods.
Use an outdoor heater or smokeless fire pit. The smokeless fire pits like the Solo Stove or outdoor heaters are great for outdoor spaces like your back patio, covered deck, or front porch. You should follow all of the safety precautions provided by the manufacturer, but these products can be a great way to warm up your outside spaces. Turn these areas into a fun, and warm place to read a book, finish a school lesson, or have an afternoon chat while also breathing fresh air and maybe even getting a little sunshine.
Four. Pick Fun Activities For 1000 Hours Outside in Winter
Make soup over a fire. This is a fun activity you can do with your kids that will also take care of lunch or dinner. Read the book Stone Soup together. Add a clean stone to your soup for fun. Make sure to add an onion, which is mentioned in the book.
Enjoy SMORES. Smores is a layered treat with graham crackers, chocolate squares, and roasted marshmallows. Kids love them! One day when you have a fire in the fire pit, surprise your kids with smores.
Backyard Ice Skating. If you live in a cold enough area, you can add a small layer of water to your backyard and enjoy ice skating right at home.
Get Everyone Moving. A good hike or a rousing game of Simon Says will get your kids moving. Sledding or a fun playground are also ways to keep little bodies moving, which generates heat.
