by Rosie Burgess, Customer Operations Manager, Godstone Farm
Why outdoor play shouldn’t stop when the temperature drops
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to fall, it can be tempting to swap muddy wellies for fluffy slippers and keep the whole family tucked up indoors. While there’s certainly a place for cosy afternoons, hot chocolate and movie marathons, it’s important to remember that the great outdoors still has plenty to offer, even when the weather isn’t picture perfect.
In fact, some of the best childhood memories are made wrapped up in hats, scarves and waterproofs. Winter has a unique way of encouraging curiosity, imagination and a sense of adventure, giving children the chance to experience the world around them in a completely different way.
The truth is, children (and adults too!) benefit enormously from spending time outside all year round.
Fresh air does wonders
There’s something wonderfully refreshing about stepping outside on a crisp morning. Fresh air helps us feel more awake, boosts our mood and gives us a welcome break from screens and indoor distractions.
For children especially, outdoor play encourages curiosity and imagination. A simple woodland walk can quickly become a bear hunt, a stick transforms into a magic wand and a pile of leaves becomes the perfect place to jump. Nature provides endless opportunities for creative play without batteries or charging cables.
Keeping active without realising it
One of the biggest challenges during the colder months is staying active. As evenings become darker, it’s easy for everyone to spend more time sitting down.
The good news is that outdoor adventures don’t have to involve organised sport or lengthy hikes. A family walk around the local park, kicking through fallen leaves, building a den, riding bikes, flying a kite on a breezy day or even helping in the garden all count as valuable exercise.
Children rarely think they’re exercising when they’re climbing logs, balancing on tree stumps or chasing each other around a field – they’re simply having fun. That’s exactly how staying active should feel.
There’s no such thing as bad weather – only unsuitable clothing!
It’s an old saying for a reason. With the right layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear, most weather conditions become part of the adventure rather than a reason to stay inside.
Waterproof trousers mean puddles become irresistible. Gloves keep little hands warm enough to build snowmen or collect pinecones and a cosy hat can make all the difference on a chilly morning.
Preparing for the weather rather than avoiding it teaches children resilience and helps them become more confident in different environments.
Winter has its own magic
Every season offers something unique, and winter is no exception.
Bare trees reveal birds’ nests hidden during summer. Frost creates sparkling patterns across fields and leaves. Animal tracks become easier to spot in muddy paths, encouraging children to become detectives as they work out who has been exploring before them.
Even something as simple as watching your breath turn into clouds on a cold morning can be fascinating for younger children.
By embracing the changing seasons, children develop a greater appreciation for nature and begin to notice the small wonders that often go unseen.
Better moods for the whole family
Parents know that energetic children often have – well – lots of energy!
Outdoor play provides the perfect opportunity to burn some of that energy off while reducing stress for everyone involved. After an hour outside running, climbing or exploring, children often return home calmer, happier and ready for quieter activities.
Adults benefit too. Time in nature has been linked to improved wellbeing, reduced stress and better mental health. A family walk doesn’t just tick the exercise box, it offers valuable time to chat, laugh and reconnect away from everyday pressures.
Making outdoor adventures affordable
Keeping children entertained doesn’t need to be expensive. Some of the best outdoor activities cost very little.
Why not create a seasonal scavenger hunt? Challenge children to find five different coloured leaves, a feather, an acorn or something that smells interesting.
Take a flask of hot chocolate on a local walk and stop for a picnic, even if it’s just on a park bench.
Collect natural materials to create crafts when you get home, such as leaf collages, pinecone decorations or painted stones.
Even a short twenty minute adventure can feel exciting when children have a mission.
Setting healthy habits for life
Perhaps the greatest gift we can give children is helping them see being outdoors as something enjoyable rather than something to avoid when the weather changes.
When families make outdoor adventures part of everyday life throughout the year, children grow up understanding that exercise isn’t just about gyms or sports clubs, it’s about exploring, playing, discovering and spending time together.
They also learn resilience, independence and confidence as they experience different weather conditions and changing seasons.
Wrap up warm and get outside
The next time you glance out of the window and see grey skies, don’t write the day off before it’s begun.
Pull on the waterproofs, zip up the coats, grab the wellies and head outside. Whether it’s a woodland wander, a stomp through puddles,
feeding ducks, spotting squirrels or simply racing around the local park, you’ll almost certainly return home with rosy cheeks, happy smiles and maybe a little mud.
After all, childhood doesn’t stop because the temperature drops and neither should the adventure.
Godstone Farm in Surrey offers enriching outdoor experiences all year round. www.godstonefarm.co.uk
