Walking with kids can be difficult at the best of times but winter weather can bring its own challenges. Winter walks, just like walks in any season, can be really fun too as long as you are prepared with snacks and distractions. Here are my top tips for family winter walks. Find more winter activities for kids here.
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In winter, a little bit of thought and preparation can go a long way to ensuring a fun family walk for all. Here are my top tips so you can keep going out in the great outdoors in winter weather.
Dress for the weather
It goes without saying that it is really important to dress for the weather when walking with kids in winter. A cold child is really going to let you know that they are not enjoying the walk!
For young children, I love a good all in one suit for keeping them warm and dry. As they get older, waterproof trousers are still really useful to keep them warm and dry.
Warm hats, scarves, gloves and walking boots all make winter walks more comfortable for everyone. I’d go as far as packing extra gloves in snow as they’re bound to get wet! We even bought thermal, long sleeve vests for all the family. This base layer really does make all the difference.
Think about all your footwear too. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option for a family winter hike.
Don’t forget to think about how you are dressed too. A good winter coat is essential for adults too. Lands End has a great selection of women’s jackets and coats. Make sure you are warm and dry on your next family walk too. Warm clothing and a waterproof jacket are essential items in winter conditions.
Pack plenty of snacks
I don’t know about your kids but my two definitely eat more on a walk so I always have plenty of snacks. Picnics aren’t just for summer either. Why not pack a thermos flask full of soup for something a bit different.
Hot chocolate is another great treat to pack for winter hiking. Hot drinks can help keep you all warmer in the fresh air this winter. Find more Winter picnic ideas here.
Find more ideas for warming winter drinks to fill your flask with./
Plan your route and check the weather
It’s really important to check the weather forecast before you set off and plan an appropriate walk that is suitable for the weather. Perhaps the conditions mean you’ll stay on lower ground rather than heading for the hills. A woodland walk is one of my favourites in winter even in the rain it’s usually dryer in the forest.
Deep snow and particularly bad weather like storms and strong winds are not the best time to set off on a winter walk with kids. If the weather is good but cold temperatures, then short hikes might be the best for a winter adventure rather than a long hike.
It’s a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit too.
Look for local kids trails
Many places have winter or Christmas trails on at this time of year for families. These give walks a real focus and keep kids happily searching for the trail signs. There are some fantastic light trails across the country too throughout December that you might like to visit.
You could also go for a walk after dark to see the neighbour’s Christmas lights or even the ones on your nearest high street. Why not make it even more special a take your own lantern with you.
You can make a really simple paper lantern with your kids before the walk and they will love to take it with you. This one is really simple to make and the perfect addition to a winter after dark walk – How to make a DIY paper lantern with kids.
Print out and take a winter scavenger hunt with you
If you can’t find any family trails on locally, how about turning any winter walk into a fun winter scavenger hunt? I created a beautiful one that you can download for free here – Winter scavenger hunt printable.
There are so many things to spot in nature in winter and a scavenger hunt is really good for getting kids to notice the natural world around them.
I hope I’ve convinced you that going walking with kids in winter is still achievable and can be an enjoyable experience. After all, winter is too long to be stuck inside the entire time!
Find loads more things to do in winter for your well-being here.
You might find this guide to How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill this Winter useful for when you get home!