How To Stay Warm And Have Fun On Winter Days Out With Children 

Layer Up: The Secret to Winter Warmth

• Start with a thermal base layer (think thin, warm materials like merino wool)
• Add a cozy middle layer like a fleece or warm jumper
• Finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer
• Don't forget waterproof trousers for muddy adventures!

Essential Winter Accessories

• Thermal socks (pack a spare pair in case they get wet)
• Waterproof boots or wellies
• A warm hat that covers the ears
• Neck warmer or scarf (win a super soft one in our giveaway below)
• Warm gloves. Waterproof designs are a great investment and mittens work better for younger children as they are easier to get on.
• Hand warmers for extra chilly days

Tips for Winter Adventures With Children

1. Check the Weather First

Always check the forecast before heading out. While weather shouldn’t stop you going out, it might impact how long you want to be out for and where you go. Plan indoor backup activities for particularly wet or stormy days.

2. Timing is Everything

Plan outdoor activities between 10am and 2pm when it's warmest and brightest. You will want to spend less time outside than in summer too, probably no longer than an hour at a time when it's really cold. The more active you are the longer you will all enjoy being outside. If you have a little one in a pushchair or being carried remember they will get cold much faster than a toddler who is running around. Ultimately you will want to be flexible with your plan; cold children are unhappy children and bored children feel the cold more easily.

3. Pack Like a Pro

Make sure you pack a bag with handy items, as a bonus wearing a backpack will keep you warmer too! You might want to include:

• An insulated flask with hot chocolate or soup to warm up (and maybe a separate flask with coffee for you)
• Healthy snacks (they help maintain body temperature)
• Spare clothes (especially socks and gloves)
• A small towel for wiping down wet equipment eg seats or swings

It can be helpful to keep a bag of essentials in your car ready for unplanned trips out or incase you forget anything.

Fun Winter Activities to Try

• Winter nature trails (look for frost patterns and winter birds)
• Puddle jumping (with proper waterproof gear as even Peppa Pig knows)
• Winter scavenger hunts
• Feed the ducks (remember appropriate food like peas)
• Visit local parks with winter friendly playgrounds

Indoor Warm Up Spots

Always plan a warm up location to help you have a long adventure. Good options are:

• Local cafés with child friendly spaces
• Libraries
• Indoor play areas
• Museums
• Garden centre cafés

Safety First

The daylight hours are shorter in winter and it can get darker faster so make sure children wear appropriate reflective gear (if their coat doesn't have reflective strips you can buy stickers and transfers to add to bags, coats and other items). Stay visible in darker winter days with reflective gear.

Watch for signs of being too cold (shivering, complaints about cold hands/feet, starting to get irritable).

Have emergency numbers saved on your phone including your car breakdown service.

Making Memories

Remember, some of the best childhood memories come from these winter adventures. Take photos, collect natural treasures and don't forget to join in the fun yourself.

The key to successful winter outings is preparation. But don't let perfect be the enemy of good, sometimes the impromptu puddle splashing sessions turn into the most memorable adventures.  With the right preparation and attitude, it's a wonderful season for family adventures. Just layer up, pack smart and embrace the crisp winter air.

Unicorn Scarf Review and Giveaway

Win this super soft unicorn scarf

To help your little one stay warm on your winter adventures check out this Unicorn Scarf available from Wicked Uncle. It is really cute, but also incredibly soft, you’ll want to keep stroking it.

The scarf is a great size for children, but would be cozy for adults too. It has a loop to tuck one end through to help the scarf stay on without the need to wrap around your neck multiple times. The loop stops it slipping too so you don’t need to worry about it slipping off or dragging along the ground (I speak from experience here). Don’t worry about it being cream either as it’s machine washable.

You can buy a Unicorn Scarf from Wicked Uncle here or enter to win one in the widget below. A scarf was provided by Wicked Uncle to review and giveaway. 

UK entry only, closes 11.59pm on Sunday 26th January. Any sharing of the giveaway is appreciated.