During winter, we tend to get cooped up inside our homes. Needless to say, this can cause preschoolers to get bored or, worse, escalate to an increase in screen time. The reason is that you get the children outside for some outdoor adventure. That this can be an opportunity for learning is an added perk. Here is a handy list of fun outdoor winter activities for the child.

Winter Season Activities for Preschoolers

1. Nature Walk

How about setting out on a nature walk? If you can travel up to the hills or the beaches, there will be much to explore. From the local trees to exploring different landforms, there will be much to experience. If travel is not possible, a date in a park will work just as well. It will be an excellent time to identify the various trees and look for birds. You could organise an outdoor scavenger hunt to make the activity even more fun. The clues will add to the fun and a lot of new learning about nature. Starting a nature journal and recording everything the children see will also be great. Over the years, you will have tangible proof of the child’s learning of nature and, better still, the child’s strong, evolving relationship with nature.

2. Bird Feeder

How about a craft activity for preschoolers that also teaches the child the much-needed lesson of empathy and that of caring for the ecosystem? What better than undertaking this activity outdoors? Get out your supplies and build a bird feeder. You could use an egg box or an orange- add a thread to hang it from. Add some birdseed, and voila, you are ready to go. Hang the bird feeder on your lawn or in the local park and teach the child the valuable lesson of caring for our winged friends. It will also be the perfect opportunity to talk to the child about the different species of birds. You can tell them about migratory birds and what they do during harsh winters. The conversation will also lead you to concepts around hibernation and the animals that undertake it.

3. Gastronomical Delight

Winter is also the time to indulge in some sensory delights, particularly of the gastronomical variety. Set up a barbeque outside. Importantly, give the child age-appropriate chores. These fun cookouts with children will teach them necessary life skills while also offering you a great opportunity to bond over food. Remember the saying, “A family that eats together stays together.

4. Colour Matching

If you teach your preschooler different colours, this activity will be enjoyable. Pull out a box of crayons or watercolours and head outdoors. Now, get the child to find a matching object in nature for each colour. The flowers, leaves, trees, there will be so many things to match with. Each time the child achieves a match, call out the name of the colour together. The giggles that you will achieve with each game will be invaluable.

5. Art Activity

How about turning into a winter artist? Even if you do not live in the part of the world that gets snow, why should the child not enjoy some icy fun? All you need to do is to fill your ice cube tray with coloured water. Freeze those colourful ice cubes. Take them outdoors and let the child make fun structures with these colourful ice cubes. The child will be limited only by his or her imagination. You sure will be surprised with what they put together.

6. Kennels

Among the list of winter activities is the need to focus your attention on street dogs who have it hard during the season. Build compassion in the child as you set out to set up comfy dog shelters in your neighbourhood. Remember, charity begins at home! These need not be permanent structures. You could use cardboard boxes, tyres, etc., with warm duvets to offer the dogs a restful place.

7. Blanket Distribution

How about going on a blanket distribution spree with your preschooler? Go around the streets and offer cosy blankets to homeless people. It will teach the child to think beyond his or her own comfort.

8. Winter Picnic

There is no better time to enjoy the sun than in the winter. Pack some favourite eatables for the child, carry a mat, and choose a fun spot. It could be a park; you could visit a historical monument and more. Carry a frisbee or a ball, and you could also get some fun physical activity. If you have a pet, you could take it on this outdoor adventure, too, depending on the spot you are choosing for your picnic.

9. Help a neighbour

If you have old neighbours for whom setting out on chores in winter is a problem, take your preschooler with you as you help them with their chores, walk their dog, and more. It will give you and the child much-needed exercise, teach a lesson in compassion, and, of course, make someone’s day!

10. Plant a winter garden

A child’s early involvement in farming is one of the most popular ways to teach them new things. Plant a winter garden together. You can grow a whole lot of vegetables. It will be miraculous for the child to see his handiwork regarding healthy produce. It will be the beginning of a love affair with clean eating. That it will bring him closer to nature is also a given.

To Sum Up

Winter is a great time for some outdoor fun. Channelise it to ensure the child gets the necessary physical exercise, develops his motor skills, and learns important life lessons.

At Footprints Preschool, one of the largest chains of play schools and creches in India, our focus is on the child’s holistic development. We use the scientifically developed HighScope Curriculum based on more than 50 years of research on early childhood development.

Here’s to raising a generation of curious learners.