5 Tips to Help You Have a Successful First Day Hike

Let’s face it. As the temperature drops, so can our motivation to bundle up the family and get outside. The same can be said for other “less than ideal” weather conditions. However, getting outside is wonderful for the soul as a stress-reliever and a memory-maker. Use these tips to enjoy the outdoors with your family even in unfavorable weather conditions.  Dress Appropriately “I’m cold, I want to go home!”. These words are enough to shatter plans and kill the joy that comes from exploring nature. That’s why our number one tip for enjoying the outdoors with kiddos is always to dress appropriately. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a young baby or are just starting to warm up to the idea of “all-weather” exploration (pun intended). However, a few key clothing items can make all the difference!  Two phrases to remember are “cotton is rotten” and “layers, layers, layers!”. Cotton is a non-wicking material that will keep the moisture next to your skin, chilling you quickly in cold temperatures. Better materials include wool and synthetics, which wick moisture away from the skin and insulate the body, keeping you warm and dry. This is true for hats, gloves, and socks as well. Layering these materials is a great way to keep everyone comfortable in chilly temperatures. For example, a wool base layer followed by a fleece mid-layer (such as these options for kids, women, and men from L.L. Bean) and a weather-resistant or waterproof outer layer can do the trick in most conditions.  We highly recommend a fleece bunting mid-layer to keep babies nice and cozy in cold temperatures. For more information, check out this article on keeping your family warm on the trail in winter. Start Slow, Short, and Close to Home While epic adventures in the snow can make for incredible memories, we recommend starting with short adventures close to home. Start with a walk around your neighborhood, and ease into rainy-day hiking at a nearby trail or testing out snowshoes at a local state park. This gives everyone time to acclimate to spending time outdoors in cold or rainy conditions. It also gives the caregiver time to ensure their family has the right gear to keep them comfortable. For example, I learned the hard way that my younger son needs both a warm mitten liner and an outer mitten waterproof “shell” to satisfy his need to play in slushy puddles while also keeping his little hands warm and dry. Try a New Outdoor Activity  Growing up I remember dreading going outside in the snow for a walk, but the minute my dad said the word “sled”, I was up and dressing in my warm gear within seconds. There is just something magical about an activity that can only be done in less than “ideal” conditions!  Whether it’s sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or even ice skating on a frozen pond, adding in the extra equipment can be just what you need to motivate your family to get outside. Many places will rent equipment, such as snowshoes and ice skates, for you to test out.  Looking to buy? Check out these equipment options from L.L. Bean. Bring Along a Favorite Warm Beverage or Snack There’s nothing better on a cold outing than a nice warm drink or snack to stave off the chilly temperatures! Before heading out, grab a thermos of hot chocolate, cider, or tea for the family (or coffee for the adults) to enjoy on a hike or sledding break. A favorite soup, stew, or even oatmeal works well as a nice warm snack that can be easily carried in a thermos. Another great option is to plan an outing within close proximity to a favorite cafe or coffee shop so that you can run in and grab a warm treat before continuing on your way. Peak Their Interest with a “Themed” Outing If you have ever tried to motivate your kiddos (or partner for that matter) to get outside in unfavorable weather conditions, you may be familiar with the “are you crazy?!” glares and the epic groans that follow. However, adding a theme or activity to your outing can pique their interest enough to get them moving out the door. It can be anything from a hunt for the deepest puddle to a scavenger hunt challenge or stargazing adventure. Check out our free Winter Workbook to get you started with your family. For more fun ideas, check out this fun Winter Scavenger Hunt/Sensory Walk printable. Looking for more tips to help you get outdoors with your family this winter? Check out these tips and hacks from our wonderful Hike it Baby Community for hiking and getting outdoors with your family this winter. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach

What is the Winter Solstice? It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in many places across the United States. The temperatures are dropping and the landscape has transformed into dull greens and browns as the deciduous trees are now mostly bare. Probably most noticeable of all are the short days and long nights. We are approaching the winter solstice (also known as Yule for some cultures). On this day we have the shortest day and the longest night of the year as one of the earth’s poles (the north pole for those of us in the northern hemisphere) tilts furthest away from the sun at 23.44 degrees. It also marks the first day of winter—December 21 in the northern hemisphere. Celebrating Winter and the Return of Light Celebrations of the winter solstice date back to ancient times. From Soyal, the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona to Dong Zhi, the “arrival of winter,” in China, people around the world observe the solstice in unique and special ways. Although it's the shortest day (and longest night) of the year, this important astrological occurrence is viewed by many cultures as the return of the sun. After all, the days grow in length and light starting on December 22. We think this transition from fall to winter on the longest night of the year is worth a celebration! Check out these activities, crafts and book recommendations to help your family celebrate the winter solstice. Activities Night Walks and Hikes: Nature transforms at night with different sights and sounds to experience. Winter offers the unique opportunity to partake in night events without having to throw the kiddos routine out the window. Check out this list for ideas on how to take advantage of the long nights of winter. Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Welcome winter with each of the five senses. Review this printable checklist or create your own based on your region. Create a winter nature table: Creating a space where your kids can place items that remind them of winter is a great way to kick off the season! It can be as small or big as you want, and the items that you place on it can vary widely. You can include pine cones, pine needles, twigs, winter crafts (see below), etc. Or better yet, following principles of “leave no trace”, you can take photos of these items in nature to include on your table. Read this article for more creative ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family this winter. Craft Ideas Stick Art: Sticks and pinecones are plentiful this time of year. Here are 4 easy winter crafts to make using materials you can find in your own backyard. Craft or Bake a Yule Log: The Yule Log tradition started as a medieval Nordic tradition. The yule log was lit as a symbol to entice the sun to return and lengthen the days again. Check out this article for a fun Yule Log craft. Looking to add some baking into your winter solstice celebration? Check out this recipe for a yummy Yule Log cake! Winter Solstice Lanterns: Bring light to the longest night of the year by creating a nature-inspired lantern. Books to Read As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” These beautifully illustrated books help children of all ages understand what happens as fall turns to winter — starting with the shortest day of the year. Birth - 3 Years Winter in the Forest By Rusty Finch - Follow two little raccoons as they learn about winter in the forest. Even the littlest kiddos will enjoy lifting the flaps to discover hidden surprises in the snowy landscape. Winter Board Book By Gerda Muller - This chunky board book shows the joys of winter through beautiful illustrations. This book is part of a four-part, no-text series on the seasons. One Short Day in December By Lilith Rogers - This fun book follows a deer family of two moms and their baby deer as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. 4 Years and Up The First Day of Winter By Denise Fleming - Follow a little boy as he discovers all the trimmings needed to make a perfect snowman. This cumulative tale will have children chanting along to the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas” starting with the first day of winter. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter By Kenard Pak - Join a sister and brother as they greet the signs of winter while they explore nature and take a stroll through their town. The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice By Wendy Pfeffer - This book explains the science, history and cultural significance of the winter solstice in lyrical prose that kids can enjoy. How does your family celebrate the winter solstice? Let us know in the comments below!   Photos courtesy of Krystal Weir, Deanna Curry and Jessica Human. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.