In a time when indoor activities and screens can dominate, it’s more important than ever to encourage kids to embrace the magic of outdoor play—no matter the season. Not only does it promote physical health and build resilience, but it also fosters a deep connection with nature that will stay with them for life.

Winter brings sparkling snow, frosty mornings, and chilly adventures. For children, this season offers endless opportunities for creativity, exploration, and fun. From building snowmen to sledding down hills, playing outside in winter ignites the imagination and brings the warmth of laughter to even the coldest days.

As someone who was raised in Florida and experiences relatively mild winters in North Carolina, these are some of my go-to items to have for my kids during wintertime to keep them warm and encourage play outside, regardless of the weather. This list also includes items and activities I would have on hand for colder climates that experience more icy and snowy conditions.

So, bundle up and discover the best gear to make winter weather the ultimate playground for young adventurers!

In this blog post:

• Benefits of nature play and exploration during winter
• Best winter gear for cold weather, rain, and snow
• Best gear for winter nature play and exploration
• Winter unit studies from Treehouse Schoolhouse

Benefits of nature play and exploration during winter

Playing outside during winter offers so many benefits for children, both physically and mentally. The crisp, fresh air and natural light boost their immune systems and improve mood, helping to combat seasonal fatigue and the winter blues. Exposure to sunlight, even during colder months, supports vitamin D production, which is crucial for healthy bones and immune function. Outdoor play also promotes physical activity, which strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Activities like sledding, snowball fights, or building snow forts not only burn energy but also foster creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Related: 13 Ways to Beat the Winter Homeschool Blues and How We Do Nature Study in My Homeschool [Video]

Playing outside in winter also helps children develop emotional resilience. Braving the cold and engaging with nature teaches adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges. These moments of exploration and play build confidence and a sense of independence. Furthermore, the opportunity to connect with the natural world—whether marveling at the sparkle of frost or hearing the crunch of snow underfoot—nurtures a sense of wonder and appreciation for the changing seasons. Winter play encourages kids to embrace the beauty and uniqueness of every season, creating cherished memories and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

A quote I came across from Nicolette Sowder says: “Encouraging a child to go outside in all weather builds resilience, but more importantly it saves them from spending their life merely tolerating the ‘bad’ days in favor of a handful of ‘good’ ones – a life of endless expectations and conditions where happiness hinges on sunshine.”

I want my children to thrive in all seasons and learn about the way the world changes over the course of the year, and see beauty and wonder in all of the days.

Related: 30+ Nature Play Ideas for the Early Years

Best winter gear for cold weather, rain, and snow

1. Patagonia Jackets – This is one of my favorite brands for winter outerwear. I love the Patagonia puffer jackets, fleeces, and rain jackets. These are a splurge, but my kids wear them for multiple years or as hand-me-downs. You can also find them used on Facebook Marketplace or at consignment shops.
2. Mud Suits – These are great because the foot strap keeps them from riding up and they are roomy enough to layer over clothes for cold and snow, but can also be worn in spring on rainy days. I size up when I buy these so my kids can wear them for multiple years.
3. BOGS Boots – I love these for kids and adults. There are a variety of styles for different activities and climates. These are warm, waterproof, and easy to put on. They also have good tread for muddy hill climbing.
4. Infant Boots – These are great for keeping small babies warm when you are outside together. 
5. Snow Suits – Depending on the climate you live in or your travel plans, a snow suit can make being outdoors a lot more manageable, especially for younger kids. 
6. Base Layers – Base layers are a thin layer of clothing to wear under coats and jackets that help you keep warm without piling on layers of thick jackets. I love to look for Merino Wool options when possible!
7. Fleece Vests – Fleece vests are so easy to layer over almost anything, and allow for a lot of wiggle room for running outside.
8. Hats – Hats are essential for kids of all ages. My kids love knitted wool hats during this time of year, especially for running around and playing outside. 
9. Wool Socks – Wool socks make it cozy when we are home together, playing outside, or hiking in nature.
10. Gloves and Mittens – Keep little hands warm with gloves and mittens during wintertime. Wool gloves are great for playing, and waterproof mittens are a nice option for toddlers. These are great for babies. (Add in hand warmers for extra chilly days.)
11. Anti-slip Gloves – For active kids who love bikes, scooters, and being outdoors, anti-slip gloves keep hands warm while they are riding bikes and running around.

View my full list of ideas on my Amazon storefront.

Best gear for winter nature play and exploration

1. Snow Sleds – On a snowy day grab a sled and enjoy the fun sliding down a hill.
2. Ice Skates – Teach children how to skate outdoors or at your local ice skating rink and enjoy all the season has to offer. (These are a great option for toddlers.)
3. Snow Toys – Prep for snow days with toys for building and playing with snow. Use buckets and shovels to dig and spend the day in the snow! (If you live in a warmer climate, make your own snow with this snow kit.)
4. Bird Feeder – Bring the winter birds to you with a cute bird house (preferably squirrel-proof).
5. Maple Syrup Tapping Kit – Try your hand at gathering your own sap to make maple syrup.
6. Wildlife Guide – Learn about the birds and wildlife in your area with bird watching books (and journals to write down what you see).
7. Binoculars and Magnifying Glass – Give children the tools to spot and document what they find in nature with binoculars and magnifying glasses.
8. Telescope – Survey the winter sky with a telescope for kids.
9. Outdoor Microscope – Collect items in nature and let kids look at them up close with this portable microscope.
10. Hiking Compass – Let kids learn as they explore forests and woods together with a handy hiking compass.
11. Kid’s Hiking Backpack – Encourage independence with a hiking backpack. Let kids pack a couple of toys, notebook, or supplies for an afternoon outdoors.
12. Plein Air Painting Kit – Take art outdoors with a plein air painting kit. Let children observe the world around them and thy their hand at painting outdoors.
13. Thermos – Mix hot chocolate and take it outdoors for a special treat.
14. Kid’s Snow Shovel – Snowed in? Enlist your kids for help with these children’s snow shovels.
15. Kid’s Gardening Kit – Review your region’s planting calendar and see what you can plant during the wintertime.
16. Walkie Talkies – Let kids have a little fun exploring together with walkie talkies. 
17. Kid’s Fishing Set – If you live near water, try out fishing with your kids. You can fish in a lake, ocean, or even in freezing temperatures!
18. Kite – Bundle up and fly a kite during windy wintery days!
19. Flashlights and Headlamps – Give kids a flashlight or headlamp and go on a night walk or hike in the dark.
20. Outdoor Blanket – For trips to the park, hikes, and walks in the woods!

View my full list of ideas on my Amazon storefront.

Related: Winter Solstice Activity for Kids [Free Worksheet PDF]

Winter unit studies from Treehouse Schoolhouse

If you are looking for more ways to nurture a love for nature and the seasons in your home, consider these winter unit studies from Treehouse Nature Study.

Treehouse Nature Study, Primary Years

Treehouse Nature Study, Primary Years is a seasonal nature study curriculum designed with family-style learning in mind. It is a gentle guide designed to invite various ages to connect with each other and the world around them through living books, nature notebooking, hands-on projects, and beauty subjects such as poetry, picture study, and folk songs. 

From preschool through upper middle school, it appeals to every age and is easily used with multiple ages at the same time. 

Related: Six Core Values of Treehouse Nature Study

Treehouse Nature Study, Primary Years: Winter is a 13-week guide with a week for different seasonal nature themes. The winter themes include winter birds, wind, winter solstice, coniferous trees, seasons, mountains, animals in winter, and more.

Try a free week of Treehouse Nature Study: Primary Years.

Treehouse Nature Study, Intermediate Years

Treehouse Nature Study, Intermediate Years takes nature study deeper, geared towards children in 4th-8th grades. Experience a seasonal study that invites your older children to connect with each other and the world around them through living books, nature notebooking, hands-on projects, poetry, and picture study. Deepen your child’s learning through advanced language arts and scientific experiments.

Related: Overview: Treehouse Nature Study: Intermediate Years

Treehouse Nature Study, Intermediate Years: Winter includes subjects such as snow and ice, shadows, nocturnal animals, maple sugaring, weather, moss and lichen, and so much more.

Try a free week of Treehouse Nature Study, Intermediate Years.

Do you have any tips for encouraging outdoor play during the winter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.