How To Play Outside In Any Weather

Days can feel tough when kids are cooped up inside. Here, Julianne Nienberg, founder of My Outdoorsy Mom, gives fun ideas for getting kids outside in any forecast, supporting their independence and creativity (and letting out all that energy).

1. What are the biggest benefits of outdoor play?

Outdoor play is one of the most powerful, underutilized tools we have as parents.

Physically, it builds strong, capable bodies—kids climb, balance, lift, run, and fall in ways that strengthen muscles, coordination, and resilience in a way no indoor activity really can. But the benefits go far beyond the physical.

Mentally and emotionally, outdoor play helps regulate the nervous system. Fresh air, big movement, and unstructured time give kids a chance to release energy, process emotions, and return calmer and more focused. I’ve seen it over and over again in my own kids; time outside reduces meltdowns, improves sleep, and increases emotional regulation.

And then there’s independence. When kids play outdoors—especially without constant adult direction—they learn confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and self-trust. Outdoor play invites kids to lead themselves, which is foundational for raising capable, resilient humans.

2. What are your favorite outdoor activities for kids when it’s snowing?

Snow is basically nature’s sensory playground.

Some of our favorites are very simple: sledding, building snow forts, rolling giant snowballs, or just exploring the way snow crunches, packs, and melts in little hands. We also love “snow kitchens”—using bowls, spoons, and old containers to mix snow, sticks, and pinecones into imaginary meals.

Animal tracking is another favorite. After a fresh snowfall, we’ll follow footprints and wonder aloud who might have passed through. That sense of curiosity keeps kids engaged far longer than any planned activity could.

The key is letting kids interact with snow freely. Sit in it, scoop it, fall into it. Snow play builds tolerance for cold, body awareness, and confidence in navigating new environments.

3. What are your favorite outdoor activities for kids when it’s raining?

Rainy days are for slowing down, fostering curiosity and leaning into the cozy!

Puddle jumping is an obvious classic, but we also love walking and listening to how rain sounds on leaves, hoods, puddles, and pavement. Mud kitchens come out on rainy days too, and honestly, kids will stay engaged far longer than you expect.

We’ll sometimes grab magnifying glasses to look at worms, wet bark, or leaves plastered to the ground. Even something as simple as walking around the neighborhood and noticing how everything looks darker, shinier, and quieter can feel magical to kids.

After all that mud play, a warm bath not only helps clean everyone up but also helps calm and relax kiddos after all that outdoor play! 

Rainy days teach our kids that not every day has to be perfect for it to be enjoyed.

4. How can parents get kids excited to go outside, even when it’s cold?

Confidence is contagious. If your kids see you going outside in the cold, they’ll eventually follow. Good gear helps, of course, but mindset matters just as much.

I also recommend lowering the bar. You don’t need a grand plan. Sometimes I’ll say, “Let’s just go outside for 10 minutes,” and almost always, those 10 minutes turn into much more.

Another tip: give kids ownership. Let them choose boots, gloves, or the activity. And instead of asking if they want to go outside, state it confidently: “We’re heading out after breakfast.” Calm leadership goes a long way.

5. When playing outdoors, how can parents get more comfortable with letting their kids get a little messy?

Messy outdoor play requires a mindset shift from protection to preparation.

Instead of trying to keep kids clean, I focus on setting them up for success: clothes I don’t worry about, boots by the door, towels ready inside and on the floor. When mess is expected, it stops feeling stressful.

I also remind myself that dirt, mud, snow, and water are not problems to fix—they’re experiences to have. Messy play supports sensory development, creativity, and emotional regulation. It’s how kids learn how their bodies move through the world.

And finally, I try to zoom out. A muddy kid is usually a deeply engaged, happy kid. The mess washes off. The confidence and joy last much longer.