During the winter season, we tend to spend a lot more time inside because we might find it too cold, too wet or just because we struggle to catch the few hours of free time we have in the daylight. It’s a shame because there is so much that can still be done at this time of the year, and there is a lot of different fun to be had compared to the warmer months. We need to re-learn to appreciate it and make sure we dress for the weather to reap all the benefits the fresh outdoors brings mentally and physically! We’ve got some advice regarding winter-proofing your garden toys and ideas on how to make the best use of them!
Benefits of Fresh Air and Outdoor Activity During Winter Month
It is no secret that spending time outdoors benefits us in many ways. We receive Vitamin D from the sun, and unfortunately, during the winter months, we don’t get enough of it, mainly because of all the time we spend inside, away from the little sun we can get. The sunlight and physical activity will do wonders for the mood! Exposing children to colder weather will only help to boost their immune systems. Just make sure they are appropriately dressed. Usually, we as parents feel the cold and might be reluctant to hang out outside, but the children don’t feel the same way. If we could fake the excitement of bracing the cold, they would follow suit and love it!
Being outside will also spark new play creativity through imaginary games and adventures, as opposed to the ones they are used to within the four walls of their homes. The ideas for outdoor adventures are endless; you might have to nudge them in the right direction by using, for example, some basic storytelling.
Tips for Encouraging Outdoor Play Despite the Cold
· Make sure to dress for the weather! – As robust as children might seem, the joy of playing outdoors may quickly fade if they are wearing clothes that have gotten soaked through in the cold snow or sweating due to too-warm clothes that lack breathing properties. Consider layering up with thermals, layer and waterproof layer. This way, it is easier to adjust while outside and avoid disruption to their creativity.
· Set up a Warm-up station – In the very cold instance, you could be prepared with blankets, hot chocolate and heaters or fires to make sure they can heat up properly of their play or take a quick break before getting back into it.
· Make it a Family Affair—As mentioned, they will love it so much more if we are all taking part and playing together. Try to model enthusiasm for outdoor play!
· Create a Routine—You might find including outdoor time in your routine helpful. Decide that you’ll make an hour every day for regular playtime.
Winter-Proofing Your Garden Toys: Trampolines, Swing Sets, and More
You’ll need to ensure the toys are safe and sound to play with during these months. To get the most out of them, you must keep any ride-on car, kids' buggy, or drift-kart protected from the weather using waterproof covers or storing them in a sheltered space. You can find Titan Toys Waterproof Car Covers here.
If you have a trampoline, getting it adequately anchored down is highly beneficial to keep the trampoline and its surroundings safe in case of bad storms. Although the Titan Toys Wooden Swing set range ‘Go Wild’ is sturdy, ensure your ground anchors are anchored down properly following the instructions.
Also, remember to inspect for wear and tear caused by harsh conditions. This could be cracks in plastic parts. Double-check if any rusty parts need replacing and if there are any loose parts.
In general, try investing in sturdy, high-quality outdoor toys made using durable materials. These toys have a better chance of withholding harsh weather and having a longer life span. At Titan Toys, we take pride in the quality of our products. For us, it’s not just about making something fun—it’s about creating something that lasts. Whether a wooden swing set, a ride-on car, or a drift-kart, Titan Toys believes toys should stand up to the wear and tear of actual play in all weather.
How to Safely Use 24v Ride-Ons and Drift-Karts in Winter Conditions
· Check that the tyres have enough grip to tackle snowy or muddy terrains.
· Keep the battery charged and stored in a dry place.
· Encourage children to avoid icy patches where they could be slipping.
· Layer up with clothes to fit the temperature while ensuring movement is not restricted.
· Carry out regular maintenance by checking the motors, brakes, and connections.
Fun Cold-Weather Games for Trampolines and Swing Sets
As mentioned, if your children are not used to enjoying the cold outdoors during winter, they might need a little nudge and inspiration to get in the mood. We have a few ideas for fun garden play!:
Trampoline or Swing Snowball target practice! – Let them create their snowballs to throw at a target while going down the slide or jumping on the trampoline. Why not increase the fun level by making that target yourself?
Swing set challenges—Set obstacle courses around the swing set and climbing frames. For example, climb up and down, swing five times on the swing, slide down the slide, and then run around the whole set two times! This is an excellent energy-burning exercise!
Themed Playtime: Decorate the garden and outdoor toys with any props, transforming them into a pirate ship, winter wonderland, or Antarctic Research Station!
Winter Scavenger Hunt—Kids love scavenger hunts! Hide items around the garden and give them a list of what to find. For minor children, use pictures or just give them clues about what might be hiding.
Snowy Trampoline Art—Sprinkle Food Colouring into the snow and letting kids create art while bouncing on the trampoline. Use it in the mud kitchens or build different colourful art pieces like a snow lantern.
You can always get a lot of inspiration using things like Pinterest if you are looking for more ideas of things you can do to ensure your kids are enjoying the colder outdoors than they are maybe used to!
