Midwest winters are long & chilly, but they don’t have to be boring! Hit the trails at any of our fabulous county forest preserves for some winter fun. Here’s 4 tips for hiking with kids in the winter (including the keys to layering) and 3 benefits of getting outside in the cold weather to get you inspired to go explore nature with your family!
1. Hike in a group
Exploring is more fun with friends! If you reach out to some friends to see if they want to join you on the trails, you just might be surprised by how many say “yes!” and when your kids have friends hiking with them they are more likely to stay motivated to keep up with their buddies. You’re also likely to find that when one kid is excited about being outside, the excitement spreads to others in the group.
If you’re looking to be part of a community of local families that love to get outside and explore, check out Kids Who Explore: Illinois. Kids Who Explore: Illinois hosts frequent meet ups for kid-friendly hikes and other outdoor adventures. There you’ll meet other families who love to get outside and make new friends. They organize through a private Facebook group where you can ask questions, get ideas for new adventures, and connect with other families.
2. Bring lots of snacks and water
No matter the season, snacks are the number one motivator for little hikers. Sometimes this looks like a promise of a sweet treat when you get back to the car, sometimes it’s a goldfish for every few steps they take. (And sometimes it’s both!) So when you’re packing for your outing, throw in some extra snacks just in case your kids need a little boost. I highly recommend fruit pouches as a trail snack because they are easy to hold even with mittens. My family also loves to pack a thermos of hot chocolate to keep in the car for after our adventures.
Water is easy to remember when it’s summer, but it is important to bring on a hike no matter the season. When you’re well layered, you’re likely to get warm and sweaty (read more about layering in tip 4) and when you’re hiking in the winter, you’re still working hard if not harder. The body needs hydration even when it’s chilly!
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| Photo Credit: Liz Christensen |
3. Don’t forget a carrier
This tip is particularly for those with young kids. Trekking through deep snow can be hard work for adults, it’s even more demanding for little legs. If you’re used to your child hiking a mile during warm months or during clear weather, plan for them to do ¾ or even ½ of that if there is deep snow. If you still want to go for a long hike, have a plan to carry your child when their legs get tired. Soft structured carriers like the Ergo Baby are a popular option for adventure parents. Another popular, though much pricier, option is a framed carrier like the Osprey Poco.
Before you’re on the trail with a tired toddler, bundle everyone up and practice putting on the carrier and getting your child situated comfortably. It might seem obvious, but with all your winter layers, the straps of your carrier are going to need to be adjusted to make extra space.
And if you aren’t a fan of baby wearing, consider pulling your child in a sled when the snow makes trails tricky for strollers.
4. The 3 Layer Rule
When it comes time to bundle up and hit the trails, the Three Layer Rule will set you up for success!
Base Layer
- The base layer will make or break your outdoor experience and it’s where fabrics matter the most. Merino wool is the gold standard when it comes to base layers because of its fantastic moisture wicking properties. But understandably, not everyone has access to wool in their or their kids’ closets. No worries! There are plenty of synthetic options that you probably already have. Snug fitting bamboo or polyester pajamas, snug dry fit shirts, polyester leggings and other moisture wicking fabrics are all a great place to start. The most important thing is to stay away from cotton as your base layer; cotton is a very absorbent material and will trap moisture next to the skin. Don’t forget to stay away from cotton socks as well!
Mid Layer
- This is the layer you probably think of first when considering bundling up to go outside. The goal of the mid layer is to trap body heat and provide insulation, this is the cozy fleece layer. Here a cotton sweatshirt would be okay, though a polyester fleece would be even better. This layer should not fit as snug as the base layer, but you don’t want it to be baggy.
Outer Layer
- This is the shell that’ll protect you from the elements. You want the shell to fit close to the body while still allowing plenty of space for movement. Most winter coats will fit the bill, but if you’re in the market for a new one I highly recommend looking for one that is specifically designed to be water and wind resistant.
Accessories
- Second only to base layers, gloves are another piece of gear that will make or break an outdoor adventure in the cold, especially for kids. It is important to have a waterproof outer layer as snow ball fights are bound to happen. Fleece lined gloves are fantastic and can be easily found at places like Target.
- Wool or synthetic socks will keep toes so much more comfortable inside winter boots.
- Hats are just another place you want to stay away from cotton, fleece is a great option. I particularly like hats without pom poms on top so that I can fit my son's hood over top which helps keep the back of his neck warm.
- On warmer winter days without much wind (I find about 25 degrees and above) I will skip the mid layer and opt for a heavier top layer on top of our base layers. Too many layers will cause you to sweat and the extra moisture will actually make you colder!
If you’re curious to read more about the 3 Layer Rule, check out this blog post from Kids Who Explore here.
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| Photo Credit: Liz Christensen |
Vitamin D
One of my favorite benefits of getting outside even in winter is that you still get mood boosting Vitamin D! That’s right! While you might not get as much as you would on a sunny day while wearing shorts, the sun still shines even in winter and Vitamin D can even be absorbed in small amounts on cloudy days.
Better sleep
Research shows that kids who play outside sleep better at night and who doesn't want to help their kid sleep soundly through the night? Time in daylight helps to align your child’s circadian rhythm which can be especially important for newborns who can get their days and nights reversed. Besides that, time spent being physically active helps kids of all ages sleep longer at night.
Promotes creativity
Playing outside in the summer comes easily for most kids, there’s pool time, water tables, sports, and so much more to keep their minds and bodies occupied. But the truth is that it takes a little bit more creativity to stay entertained in the winter, and that’s a good thing! It’s important for kids to be forced to think outside the box, or outside the house, to flex their creativity muscle. Try searching “Outdoor winter activities with kids” to get some creative juices flowing.
So go on and get outside! And don’t forget to check out Kids Who Explore: Illinois for some outdoor inspiration and community.
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| Photo Credit: Liz Christensen |
This was a guest post from Liz Christensen!
Liz Christensen is an adventure mom, yogi, and wife in the beautiful Midwest. She loves including the whole family on adventures, including their rescue dog Penny. When not on the trail you’re likely to find her on a mommy and me coffee date with her son.
Find her on Instagram @midwestmamahikes
