The rain had been falling steadily all night, and by morning the ground was thick with mud and the trees dripping with quiet. I looked outside and felt that familiar tug—maybe today we just stay in?
But then my youngest appeared at the door, gumboots already on the wrong feet, hat halfway on, holding a stick like it was a treasure map.
“Mum, can we go play in the puddles before breakfast?”
And just like that, I was reminded: Children don’t resist the season. We do.
Winter gets a bad rap when it comes to outdoor play. It’s too cold, too wet, too dark, too much effort. And to be fair, some days, it really is. But in all my years of working with tamariki outdoors in every kind of weather, I’ve seen something magical: when we step outside in winter, we don’t just “get through it” we grow through it.
The slower pace, the quiet landscape, the sensory richness of mud it offers something that sunny days just can’t. It invites presence. It builds resilience. And for our kids, it supports emotional regulation in powerful, embodied ways.
If winter has you second-guessing your outdoor play plans, this post is for you. Let’s unpack what holds us back, how to move through it, and why nature play in winter isn’t just possible—it’s essential.
What Gets in the Way
If I had a dollar for every time an adult told me “The kids hardly have anything on, but I’m freezing!”—I could probably fund new thermals for half of Canterbury.
Here’s the truth I’ve learned after years of running Bush Kindy and Bush School through all seasons: kids cope with winter better than adults, especially when they’re dressed for it and busy playing. It’s us grown-ups who often struggle more.
And look, I get it. Jeans are comfy, but in the rain, they’re like a sponge strapped to your legs. Yet somehow they keep showing up on bush days! And I always have one or two adults who are surprised they’re cold and uncomfortable… when really, it’s just that they weren’t dressed for the job.
Beyond clothing, here are a few other things that hold us back from winter play:
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Worry about sickness (even though most colds come from stuffy indoor air, not the fresh outdoors)
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Assuming kids will be miserable (spoiler: they usually aren’t if we aren’t)
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Low adult motivation (the darker mornings definitely make coffee more tempting than puddles)
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Not knowing what to do outside when it’s not sunshine and grass
These are real concerns, and they’re understandable. But they don’t need to stop us. With a few mindset shifts and some decent layers, we can reframe winter as a season of richness rather than resistance.
A Season Worth Embracing
We often treat winter like something to survive. But if we pause and look to te taiao, we see that winter is far from empty.
Trees are resting. The soil is soaking. Birds fly lower. Everything is slowing down, conserving energy. And maybe that’s the invitation for us, too.
We don’t expect nature to bloom all year round. So why do we expect that of our tamariki or ourselves?
Honouring the seasons means letting go of the pressure to always be ‘on’. Winter invites us to shift pace, tune in, and reconnect. It’s not about doing more. It’s about noticing more.
And for kids? This slower, earthier season offers incredible opportunities to build emotional strength through play that’s grounded, sensory, and spacious.
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing (Not Just Burning Energy)
Winter play supports our tamariki in ways that go far deeper than just letting off steam. When kids are out in nature, in all weather, they’re exploring their inner world too, especially their emotions.
They stomp through puddles when they’re frustrated. They build quietly in the mud when they’re thoughtful. They squeal with laughter in the rain. They’re learning to move through feelings, not shut them down.
This is emotional development at its best: self-led, embodied, and natural.
Te Whare Tapa Whā reminds us that wellbeing is made up of many parts. And winter nature play supports them all:
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Taha tinana (physical) – active movement in fresh air
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Taha hinengaro (mental/emotional) – space to feel, express, and regulate emotions
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Taha wairua (spiritual) – connection to nature and the wonder of the world
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Taha whānau (social) – deepening relationships through shared experience
When we honour play, even in the messiness of winter, we’re helping our tamariki grow in body, mind, and spirit.
Making It Work: Practical Tips
Let’s be real, winter play can feel like a mission some days. But with a few simple strategies, it can become a rhythm instead of a hurdle.
1. Dress for success
Cold, wet kids = unhappy kids. Same for adults! Layers, waterproofs, warm socks… it all helps.
Check out our full guide: What to Wear for Outdoor Winter Play
2. Take care of yourself, too
Pack a thermos, spare gloves, maybe even a hot water bottle in your backpack. Your own comfort matters—especially if you’re holding space for others.
3. Keep it short and sweet
You don’t have to be out for hours. Even 15–20 minutes outside makes a difference. Build it into your routine—after kai, before lunch.
4. Let go of ‘doing it right’
You don’t need a theme, a plan, or an outcome. Just go outside. The magic often happens when we stop trying to make it happen.
5. Start with a yes
Say yes to the puddles, yes to the mess, yes to the play. You can sort the washing later. The moment is now.
Still unsure? This blog might help: Why Kids Should Play Outdoors in Winter
Simple Winter Play Ideas That Work
You don’t need fancy stuff or heaps of time, just curiosity and a willingness to follow your child’s lead. Here are a few ideas that tend to land well:
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Make a fairy hut or mini where: from sticks, moss, bark and leaves
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Sit quietly for 5 minutes: wrapped up warm, noticing what you hear and feel
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Mud kitchen creations: winter soup, magic potions, herbal ‘teas’
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Texture treasure hunt: something soft, something squishy, something rough, something shiny
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Track prints in the mud or frost: birds, dogs, rodents, possums, even your own!
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Mark the season: plant bulbs, light a candle, or share a story around Matariki
Simple. Soulful. Seasonal.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If no one’s told you lately, you’re doing a great job. Showing up in winter, supporting your tamariki to play and connect, even when it’s messy? That matters.
There’s no badge for perfect outdoor parenting or Pinterest-level nature setups. But every time you say yes to a walk in the drizzle, every time you let them climb that slippery log or stomp in that puddle, you’re saying: You belong out here. You’re strong. And it’s safe to be yourself.
That’s powerful.
Even just 15 minutes a day can help everyone breathe a little deeper. So trust yourself. Trust your kids. And trust that this season, too, has something important to offer.
Lean In this Winter
Let this be the season you say yes! Yes to mud, yes to rain, yes to feeling it all.
You don’t need to do it all. Just start small.
Ask yourself: What’s one thing we could do outdoors this week? That’s enough.
🌿 What was your favourite winter memory as a child? Could you share that with your tamariki this week?
If you’re needing a bit more support, I’ve linked a couple of helpful resources below:
You’ve got this. The mud, the rain, the magic—it’s all waiting.
Celia Hogan is a nature education specialist, parenting coach, speaker and risky play advocate.
Want to improve your own well-being and find calm in the chaos of modern day parenting? Find out more about the Mums Matter Program here: https://ako.littlekiwisnatureplay.com/mums-matter-online-program/