Ten tips for getting your children outside this winter

Burgess Hill Girls Pre-Prep and Prep Head Heather Cavanagh shares her ten tips for getting your children outside this winter. 

I think most parents would agree that outdoor play is healthy for young children. The NCT, for example, cites the following benefits of outdoor play; better sleep, a fun way to learn, development of motor skills, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness, making new friends and positive effects on parents too.

However, as the days get shorter and the weather colder and wetter, we are all guilty of opting to stay inside in the warm when deep down we know we would feel a lot better if we spent more time outside.

Here are some of our tips to help you and the family benefit from getting outside in the fresh air all year round.

1. There is no such thing as bad weather

As Alfred Wainwright, the famous walker and writer, once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” If you can kit your children out with the correct warm clothes, waterproofs, and wellies they will be able to play outside happily for hours. You might be able to cut down on some washing too!

2. Pack a thermos

During winter walks with my children and now my grandchildren I always like to pack a thermos with a hot drink. The Owen family from Our Yorkshire Farm enjoy tea in theirs, but you could opt for hot chocolate or even some hot blackcurrant or orange squash, and if you are feeling generous, maybe a few biscuits or a bit of chocolate. I find it to be a useful little incentive to add a bit of excitement to a winter walk. It often provides a special family moment where we can all have a chat together.

3. Leaves, leaves, glorious leaves

Autumnal walks must be some of my favourite. All the trees are a beautiful array of colours and there is so much you can do with leaves; see if you can catch them as they fall, build big piles, and dive into them or take them home for some crafting. Or why not incentivise your children to clear up all the leaves in your garden or drive for some pocket money.

4. Get sporty

Encourage your children to take part in a sport that can be played in the winter, most can, and there is something for everyone. Team sports are a terrific way for children to make friends and a great incentive for children to want to go out and play or practise in the winter months.

5. Seafront walks

Being in Burgess Hill, we are fortunate that Sussex’s beaches are close by. Children love a seafront walk when the waves are crashing over the seawall and there is a chance to get wet. If you do not have beaches nearby, get your appropriate waterproofs on and seek out some muddy puddles, if it is good enough for Peppa Pig, it must be fun!

6. Pop to the shops

If your children are old enough and you feel it is safe to do so why not encourage them to run an errand to the local shop for you, with a few pence for some sweets in it for them. Or you can all venture out together. Visiting the shop and buying some items is also a good opportunity for some impromptu maths too!

7. Borrow a dog

You may already have a dog but if not, I am sure you know someone who has one and most dog owners I know would be glad of your offer to take their pet for a walk. If your child is anything like our pupils who adore our school dog Jasper, they will jump at the opportunity to take a dog for a walk with you.

8. Night-time adventures

For young children being outside at night has something magical about it, especially if you can combine your adventure with a clear starry night, or a full moon, or just simply to go and check out your neighbourhood’s Christmas lights in December!

9. Painted rock trails

You might have heard of geocaching, but did you know there are now painted rock trails popping up all over the country. Search out your local area’s web or social media pages and you will find details. Even better, paint your own, outside of course, and hide them for people to find on the trail.

10. Walk to school

Some families are lucky enough to be able to walk the whole journey to their school, but everyone can walk at least some of the way. Just park a few streets away or further if you are feeling energetic. This will enable your child to notice the environment around them. It will also teach them about road safety and allow you all to take part in a healthy activity together.