When winter comes, our children can begin to get cabin fever. Hiking is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, but many parents worry that it is too cold to be outside.
In general, any temperature below 32° F (0° C) is too cold for children to go hiking because they cannot take breaks inside to warm up. The windchill is more important than the actual temperature because the wind can decrease the amount of time it takes for frostbite to occur.
It’s possible to have a great time hiking with your children in cold weather, as long as you take the time for extra planning. Here are our best tips for heading outside in chilly weather.
Hiking in the winter with kids
Hiking in the winter can be fun and is a different experience from hiking in the summer, especially if there is snow on the ground. However, cold-weather hiking requires a different kind of preparation and planning. In cold weather, safety and preparedness become much more important.
When hiking in cold weather, it’s especially important to let someone know where you will be hiking, and not to change your plans. In the event of an injury or accident, you will have less time for search and rescue crews to find you in the winter.
You also need to plan more carefully. Make sure that you check your route and the trail conditions before leaving. If you are unsure about conditions, talk to a ranger or call the management for the area you will be visiting. You also need to check the weather to verify that there are no storms coming in, and ensure that the temperature and windchill will be safe.
Small children and infants lose body heat faster than adults and should receive special consideration before taking them outside in cold weather. When hiking with toddlers and infants, check the temperature of their extremities often, and watch for any sign of shivering.
What to Bring When Hiking With Kids in the Winter
When you go cold-weather hiking with kids, make sure you are prepared for accidents, injuries, or other problems. Situations that would ordinarily be an inconvenience can quickly become life-threatenting when you add in cold weather.
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Emergency Foil Blankets
- Extra socks
- Hand warmers
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Whistle
Children can bring their own packs and help carry things as long as you are careful not to overload their packs. As you are hiking, they may get warm and want to take off a layer of clothing, so leave extra room in their packs for a sweater or coat.
Food to take, snacks, etc.
When you are hiking in cold weather, your body will use more energy than normal. Our bodies spend a lot of energy keeping us warm, and hiking through snow is more difficult than walking on dry ground which also uses more energy.
You should plan on bringing more food than you do on warm-weather hikes. You might want to bring twice as much as you normally bring, or even more. Focus on snacks that will give your body protein and energy. Your snacks should have a lot of calories and carbohydrates because that is what your body uses to stay warm.
High-protein snacks for hiking include things like jerky, nuts, summer sausage, and peanut butter. High-carbohydrate snacks include crackers, dried fruit, bananas, and granola bars. These are all excellent snacking choices. While most parents normally try to limit sugar consumption, eating a candy bar on a snack can be a good source of calories, especially if it has nuts in it.
If you need more ideas for foods to bring hiking, I compiled a huge list of snacks which you can read here.
How to Dress When Hiking in the Winter
If you are going to be taking children out in the cold, they must be dressed properly. Wearing high quality clothing that is designed for the cold can make the difference between having a good experience and having a negative one.
When cold-weather hiking with children, dress them in thin layers. This method provides more warmth, because the layers trap air. When children wear layers they can remove outer garmets as they get warm, and they can move easier.
Thin layers allow you the flexibility of movement that you will want while hiking. This last aspect is especially important for children as they are so active and hate feeling restricted. The three basic layers you want when hiking in the winter are:
Inner Layer
Dress your children with an inner layer that will wick moisture away from their bodies if they sweat. Many people use long underwear for this layer but a long-sleeve T-shirt and leggings can also work. Wool or synthetic material is preferred for wicking, as cotton easily gets damp.
Middle Layer
A middle layer that provides insulation, such as a sweater or fleece jacket helps hold in body heat. Again, synthetic material is common in this layer. Flannel is also a good option.
Outer Layer
Finally, add an outer layer the provides weather protection. This layer needs to be waterproof and windproof, and can be something like a light jacket or a coat. Remember to stick with thin layers if possible to allow freedom of movement.
You will also need to provide gloves, a hat, and insulated boots. Gloves should be insulated if possible, but should also be thin or they will frustrate children. If you will be playing in the snow the gloves need to be waterproof. Boots should be waterproof and insulated, but consider hiking boots as opposed to snow boots unless you will be in deep snow. Hiking boots are easier to walk in a less stiff.
Ideas to Make Cold-Weather Hiking Fun
When you are out in the cold, the things you usually do for entertainment or interest may not be available. You won’t be playing in the water or climbing on rocks if the land is all snowy. Instead, look for other way to add interest.
Many children and teens enjoy bird watching, and spotting a bird flitting through the trees can be a lot easier without any leaves. Some birds, like chickadees and many woodpeckers, are lively and active all winter long. Large birds like raptors and crows can also be spotted in the wintertime. Other wildlife like deer and coyotes can also be easier to spot in the winter.
If you are hiking in snowy terrain, stop and play in the snow occasionally! A short snowball fight or snow angel contest is a great way to break up the hike. Just try not to get too wet or cold.
Some staples of hiking entertainment are applicable no matter the season. Try a game of I Spy or Twenty Questions to pass the time while you’re walking. Another favorite is singing together- if it’s near the holidays, carols are always fun. A winter-theme scavenger hunt can also be a fun diversion that kids (and fun-loving adults) will enjoy. Click here for printable scavenger hunt pages for every season!