“No Bad Weather:” Simple Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers in Winter

There’s a Norwegian expression that says “There’s no bad weather.”  When it comes to winter, I try to embrace this philosophy as much as possible- especially with my two daughters.  Winter is such a great time to explore the world in an entirely different way!  So here’s some ideas for outdoor activities for preschoolers in winter to stave off the cabin fever.

“Follow the Leader” with Footprints in the Snow

If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with snow, this can be a great way to get your preschooler moving and active outside!  Play rounds of “follow the leader” in the snow with everyone having to stay in the leader’s footprints.

You can make it silly by having them leap into different footprints (especially if your stride is a lot longer than yours) or making different zig zag patterns.

You can also adapt this to being “hide and go seek” where you use the footprints to find someone’s hiding spot if there’s a safe place to do this!

We also made a trench in our yard that our preschooler had to balance her way through (kind of like a balance beam) and eventually she was leaping over it!

It was a great way to burn off some energy, get moving, and have fun- all while developing those gross motor skills.

Looking for Animal Tracks and Signs

Another great one if you live somewhere with snow (or a lot of mud)!  Look for animal tracks in the snow and see if you can identify what animals they belong to.

Talk about where they might be going and what animals do during the winter to stay warm and find food, and where you would shelter if you were that particular kind of animal.

Talk about materials that are insulating- such as leaves and twigs that animals might use to make their homes a little cozier.  

(And if you’re looking for an indoor animal track activity- check out my “Matching Animal Prints” downloadable here.)

Star Gazing

There’s something about the clear winter skies that really make the stars incredibly visible.  (And even better- you don’t have to stay up past their bedtime to wait for it to get dark enough!)

Bundle up, make some hot cocoa, and look at the stars together.

If you have an older preschooler, see what pictures they can make in the sky with the stars OR even look for some actual winter constellations.

(And for an indoor extension- you could even have your child do a connect-the-dots activity for winter constellations.)

Winter Hike

To me, there’s nothing better than the still and the quiet of the woods in the winter.  The hush of the snow, the absence of leaves, the scurrying of woodland creatures- it’s just magical.  If you can, go on a winter hike or a nature walk.

Ask your child what sounds they notice.  Ask them what animals they notice that have stuck around for winter.  Observe what those animals are doing to stay warm and fed during these winter months.

Winter might just possibly be my favorite time to hike.  (And if you need more hiking tips with littles- check out my post here.)  If possible, take your child on a hike.

Even a trip to a familiar neighborhood park can be an entirely new world to explore under a blanket of fresh snow.

Nature Sketch

After going on a nature walk, have your child sketch what they observed.  Give them different mediums to use (pastels, colored pencils, crayons, etc) in winter tones.  

Encourage them to remember what the trees looked like while bare or the different kinds of trees they saw.  Have them add in any colors they saw along the way (red berries, green pine trees, brown pine cones)

Ask them about how the light looks different in the winter- how shadows grow longer in the evening or snow on the ground can cast off a blue hue.  Get them to really slow down and pay attention to the world around them.

Nature Scavenger Hunt/Collage/Suncatcher

While on your nature walk or hike, collect some items that represent winter.  Look for pine cones, evergreen needles, twigs, birch bark that has fallen off, and dried leaves.  

If your child is working on counting, turn it into a challenge to find a certain number of each item.

When they’re done, display their collection in a treasure box or if they can be pressed in between sheets of contact paper- a winter suncatcher to hang in their window.

Bird Feeding

A classic- with the bare trees and potential for snowy backdrop, winter is a great time for bird watching.  Set up a bird feeder or make one with pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed for a fun craft AND nature activity.  

While you’re observing the birds, talk about which birds stick around and which birds migrate.  Talk about other places birds might find food in the winter.  Look at the bird tracks left behind if there’s any snow.  This is a great way to tie back in other outdoor activities to create a comprehensive learning experience.  

Winter Garden

If you’re inclined to, try a winter garden!  Go simple with things like garlic or go fancy with winter vegetables and frost covers.  Talk to your child about different crops that grow in the winter.

And if you don’t want to start a winter garden, try a winter’s farmer’s market to learn about which vegetables grow in the winter.

And then plan a meal around it (with your preschooler included) and spend a cold winter evening cooking together!  (For more ideas on how to include your preschooler in the kitchen, check out my post here.)