Playing outdoors in the wintertime can be very beneficial for children. It boosts their immune system, develops resilience in discomfort, enhances their gross motor skills with games like sledding or building a snowman, and encourages social bonding with family and friends.
Cold weather also burns off energy much faster than warm weather, so even a few minutes of outdoor play in cold weather can help regulate high-energy children. Every parent and teacher can get behind that reason to let children play outside in the cold!
If possible, parents should encourage their children to play outdoors in the cold to reap these benefits. But some days seem too cold to play outside, even for the most eager of children. How do you know if it’s too cold for your child to play outside?
Guidelines for Playing Outside In Cold Temperatures
Generally, children should avoid playing outdoors if it is below 20 degrees F. Below this temperature, children are much more likely to experience cold stress but not know how to recognize or communicate their needs. Children should stay inside to avoid frostbite or other injuries.
Use caution if the temperature is between 20°F and 30°F. Dress the children in layers so they can take off a layer as they warm up, but will still be appropriately dressed. Monitor them carefully and give them breaks to warm up.
Children can play outdoors when the temperature is above 30°F. Of course, layering, monitoring, and taking breaks are still recommended, but there is much less risk of injury. Offer plenty of liquids, as breathing cold air is dehydrating.
Other Factors of Playing Outside In Cold Weather
If you’re unsure of the safety of the temperature, include these factors in making your decision:
- Sun: The sun shining can significantly change the feeling of the weather. Coats absorb the heat from the sun, which can make the temperature feel several degrees warmer.
- Wind Chill: Wind chill can make the temperature feel much colder. The sharpness of the wind can also give children earaches and chapped lips.
- Available Clothing: If your child can’t dress in appropriate layers, they should stay inside. In addition to the typical hat, mittens, boots, and coat, children might need a sweatshirt, a double layer of socks, or leggings underneath jeans. Snow pants are a wonderful and easy layer to wear, even when there’s no snow.
What Is Cold Stress?
Cold stress occurs when your child is experiencing early signs of hypothermia, a potentially deadly drop in body temperature.
- Exaggerated shivering
- Chattering teeth
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pink, red, or blue changes to their skin color
If any of these signs are present when checking on your child playing in cold weather, bring them inside immediately to warm up. A hot bath, warm beverage, heating blanket, or space heater are almost instant ways to begin getting a child warm. Monitor your child carefully over the next few hours to ensure their body temperature returns to normal.
Is Playing Outside in Cold Weather Worth It?
Although avoiding cold stress may seem like a good enough reason to keep your child indoors all winter long, parents who take appropriate precautions can usually let their children enjoy the benefits of playing in cold weather. Encouraging kids to play outside despite the low temperature is worth the time it takes to bundle them up and put everything away when they’re done.
Not only will your children reap the health and social benefits mentioned above, but it will also help them learn how to care for their bodies in different temperatures. It helps them become aware of their body–when they are too hot and too cold–and what to do with these signals. This is potentially a life-saving skill you can practice under the safety of your supervision.
Additionally, playing in the cold gives children an appreciation for their warm house. They are more content to sit quietly and play kindly once they’ve expended energy in the cold. That’s something every parent can appreciate!