When the temperature drops, it can be hard to drag your toddler outside to get some quality exercise and playtime in. Don’t let the cold weather discourage you from getting your kids outside for an hour or two every day.
Staying active in the winter provides children with many benefits including:
- A heightened immune system because of exposure to sunshine and fresh air.
- An escape from monotonous screen time.
- A chance to socialize with their peers.
- An improvement in mental health, including a reduction in anxiety and stress levels.
Even if your toddler has had an incredibly active summer and autumn, don’t let shelter them from the outdoors during the colder months. Here are 3 ways you can keep your toddler active during the winter season.
1) Try a Winter Sport
Winter is a time to embrace the change that is occurring all around, from the temperature to the scenery. Expose your children to this change and have them try out a winter activity such as:
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Curling
- Ice-skating
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
Even though toddlers lack some of the fine motor skills that we have, introducing them to winter sports is an invaluable experience. You’ll encourage family bonding and potentially acquaint them with a lifelong interest.
If you don’t have any snow or mountains near you, consider making the drive to a spot an hour or two away from home.
2) Host an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
This is another great way to get your young children out of the house and into the real world. Give them instructions to find items like rocks, flowers, and pinecones. Make it a learning experience by asking your toddler to find things that are a certain color, texture, or size.
If appropriate, you can put your own spin on this game. Instead of collecting items, go for a walk or drive and see what kind of wildlife you can spot, whether it be trees, birds, or other animals.
3) Keep Your Trampoline Out
Don’t put the trampoline away just yet! Some people may think they can’t use a trampoline with harsh weather conditions occurring, but as long as you take these precautions, your trampoline will be just fine:
- Don’t allow snow to accumulate, as it can cause your trampoline to cave in and break.
- Anchor your trampoline securely to the ground so it isn’t overturned by a gust of wind.
- Clear snow away before letting your child play on it.
Letting your kids get some energy out on the trampoline is a great way to keep them active during the colder months. If you don’t already own one, consider getting one to have on hand for this winter season!
Are Trampolines Safe for 2 Year Olds ?
Trampoline-jumping makes for a great year-round activity for young children as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Only allow one child on at a time.
- Allow for some clearance around the trampoline’s location.
- Before allowing your child to jump, always check for faulty springs or tears in the mat.
Learn more about trampoline safety from reading the best trampoline product reviews above.
Make Sure They Dress the Part
Don’t send your toddler out into the snow in their pajamas. Bundle them up in the right attire. Depending on your area and whether or not you experience snowfall, these clothes may vary slightly. Evaluate your area’s unique conditions and determine if they need ski pants and a ski coat or if they can get away with a hooded sweatshirt.
In addition to dressing your child properly, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times and make their safety a priority. On especially cold days, never spend more than an hour at a time outside and listen to their verbal and non-verbal cues to determine if the cold is too much for them to handle.
