If you are following me on Instagram, you may have seen that we have decided to take on the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge this year.
If you haven’t seen my recent post, to give some context, I attempted it a few times when the girls were younger, but I found the first hurdle of averaging one hour a day in January really challenging, and/or lose track of how many hours we’d done. I’d then see how many hours other people had managed on Instagram, get disheartened and scrap the idea altogether!
These failed attempts, whilst discouraging at the time, were not wasted. They gave me plenty to reflect on and slowly I’ve become better prepared for future outings.
One quite big realisation I had (which seems so obvious now) was that our outings needed more of a purpose, because whilst I was ok with the idea of simply going outside for a walk (in the cold), the idea didn’t appeal to my young children (surprise, surprise). If however, there was a purpose or reason for the outing, they would be much more willing!
On a recent family bike ride, it dawned on me; one, to succeed this time round I needed a strategy; and two, rather than trying to strategise on my own, it would be much more fun (and I concluded probably more effective) if we collaborated and worked together as a family to come up with ideas.
After dinner one night I cut-up a few sheets of paper into small slips and asked everyone to think of ideas for getting outside in the winter. Once we got started, the ideas started to flow and it was interesting to see what everyone came up with. The girls were particularly creative – I think a walk to get hot donuts is one of my favourites! We folded each idea up and put them into a container, ready to pick out when we need some inspiration.
I thought I would share our ideas with you in case you also want to get outside more, but find winter challenging. Your goal may not be 1000 hours outside, maybe it’s going on a few new adventures together as a family or a daily walk. Whilst I really hope our ideas will inspire and help you – I would also encourage you, if you are seeking to get outside more as a family, try brainstorming together – it’s lovely to get the creative juices flowing and the collaboration in of itself builds connection.
It goes without saying, but make sure you’re prepared with plenty of layers, water, snacks and a first aid kit – I hope to share more tips, especially in the area of winter layers for kids on Instagram soon.
A final note, I appreciate that not all of these ideas will be accessible or appealing to everyone but I hope they provide a bit of a springboard. Please do comment below and add your ideas so we can help each other! The more the merrier! If you have time to comment, I’d love to hear which idea/s you are most keen to try!
25 Ideas to Get Outdoors with Children in Winter
1: Neighbourhood treasure hunt – e.g. Find a house with (insert idea here).
A red garage / pitched roof / door with the number ** / cat in the window / gnome in the garden etc.
2: Explore a new road/neighbourhood/village/town/city near you.
3: Sunrise breakfast at a scenic viewpoint/special place.
4: Go to a nearby lake/pond to feed the ducks. Why not see how many birds you can identify? According to the Canal & River Trust, ducks can eat; sweetcorn; lettuce, rocket, kale; defrosted frozen peas; oats; seeds; and rice. Please do your own research though to check which foods are safe.
5: Go for a morning run as a family – you could invite some friends along and have breakfast together afterwards!
6: Build a den in the woods.
7: Plan a route together using an OS map, let the kids navigate.
8: Find a new play park or a pond to explore/observe in winter.
9: Go for a litter pick!
10: Sunset picnic in a scenic spot.
11: Build a bridge across a stream.
Make sure to use natural materials like fallen branches or sticks you find around you!
12: Walk to get hot donuts (personal favourite).
Or coffee/hot chocolate/a pub meal/the possibilities are endless!
13: Climb the biggest hill/summit near you!
14: Go to a heath/nature reserve and see how many animals you can observe by staying as still and as quiet as a mouse. You could take blankets/a flash with you!
15: Cook and eat a meal in your garden, or cook a meal (or soup) at home and take it outside to enjoy!
16: Have a mini bonfire with smores in your or a friends’ garden.
17: See if there is any geocaching near you.
18: Winter camp in your or a friends’ garden (for the brave hearted)!
I wonder how many layers you’d need to keep warm!
19: Find some trees to climb!
20: Build a mini-town in your garden/the woods/local park using natural materials (we loved making a little mouse town last year)
21: Visit a historical site.
22: Make a raft for a small toy using sticks and other natural materials and test it out at the beach/a nearby lake/pond or body of water.
Make sure to tie some string to it so if you are at the beach it doesn’t drift off to sea!
23: Go crabbing or learn more about fishing – we have had several conversations with fishermen before who have been happy to share their knowledge/tell us what they’ve caught that day!
24: Go for a family cycle/scooter/rollerblade!
25: Go for a quick wild swim (brrr) and warm up with hot chocolate (another one for the brave hearted!)
