The Ready Child

“Look, we made a snow castle!” exclaims Mia, proudly showing off the small snow fort she built with friends and family in the yard. “This is where the snow princess lives.”

When the mercury plummets and snow blankets the ground, many of us prefer to stay inside, curl up with a good children's book, and cuddle with our little ones under a cozy blanket.

But here's something you may not know: Outdoor winter play is not only invigorating, but essential to the physical, cognitive, sensory, and social-emotional development of your early learner.

When children play outside during the winter season, their growing bodies benefit in many ways.

Activities such as running through the snow, climbing snowbanks, and sledding help kids develop balance, coordination, and muscle strength. These physical skills are important for kindergarten activities such as sitting at a desk, holding a pencil, or using scissors.

Even simple winter activities—such as walking through deep snow, climbing up a snowdrift, or clambering up a snow-covered hill—will help build your child’s strength and coordination.

Research shows that children who play outside in all kinds of weather are generally healthier than those who stay indoors. This is especially true in the winter! Cold exposure helps strengthen children's immune systems, which means fewer sick days. While the cold air is boosting their immunity, they're also getting a break from germs, which are much more likely to survive and spread from person to person in the warmth and humidity of indoor environments.

Best of all, the immunity benefits of outdoor play are cumulative: All other things being equal, children who spend the most time outside have the strongest immune systems!

To ensure that young children enjoy the full benefits of outdoor play, it’s important to dress them warmly. Layering is key, and be sure your child is equipped with a water-resistant winter jacket or snowsuit, waterproof boots, waterproof mittens, and a thick winter hat that protects little ears from the elements. When children are warm, dry, and comfortable, they can stay outside longer and reap more of the benefits of winter play.

Even short trips outside—just 15 to 20 minutes—can have a big impact on your child’s development. Whether it’s playing in the snow, going for a walk, or simply exploring the winter landscape, every minute counts.

Winter is also a great time to sneak in some learning while having fun outdoors. Take a walk with your child and count the steps you take. Follow the tracks of a neighborhood cat or squirrel in the snow. Discuss where snow comes from, where it goes when it melts, or how animals adapt to the cold. These conversations will expand your child's vocabulary as you explore the wonders of the natural world together.

Here's more good news for those willing to brave the winter chill: Children who play outside in the fresh air are also happier, more energetic, and better able to handle stress. The only downside here is a soggy snowsuit!

When snow blankets the world in white, the outdoor environment is transformed into a winter wonderland that beckons children to explore, discover, investigate, and create.

Whether they’re sharing a sled, making snow angels, identifying animal tracks, or building a snowman, young outdoor adventurers are learning important social-emotional skills such as collaboration and communication.

Outdoor play also fosters a sense of independence and accomplishment. Whether young children are learning how to dress themselves for a winter outing or mastering a new skill such as sledding down a hill, winter play builds confidence and emotional resilience.

So bundle up and explore the wonders of the winter landscape with your little one. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you'll have—and how much your child can learn—during a snowy day excursion.

Looking for more snowy day suggestions? Be sure to check out our Ready Child Activities!