It may be cold and dreary outside at times with January feeling like the longest month ever but it’s still necessary to get the kids outdoors this winter - primarily to burn off some post-Christmas steam and have fun. It takes a lot to my kids out (after a bit of moaning) but once they’re actually wrapped up warm and toasty they can have brilliant fun outdoors this time of year.
Getting out and about for a winter walk on a beautiful day (obviously followed by a hot chocolate and some cake) can be a lovely activity to blow the cobwebs away after a lot of time indoors. It can be so tempting to stay in the warm (unless it has snowed!) but I find that the kids need time outside to explore and run around even just for an hour or so. Here are a few suggestions for some great places to visit for an hour, an afternoon or even all day if you can manage to get them out for that long!
- National Trust places - great for kids and all over the country. Most places have kids’ trails, lots of space to run around in and a cafe to enjoy a well-earned treat afterwards! Our favourites include Dyrham Park, Belton House, Croome, Powis Castle and Tyntesfield amongst others.
- City farms - a brilliant and inexpensive couple of hours out, getting the children to meet animals whilst supporting the local community. We are lucky enough to have a few nearby and the kids love going to see the animals and ducks whilst getting rather muddy given half the chance!
- The beach - beaches in the UK in winter can be utterly beautiful and teeming with life! Kids can get exploring and rockpooling and build sandcastles just as well in the winter as the summer.
- English Heritage places - again more fantastic and fascinating places to explore and learn about history whilst outside. Our favourites include Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Montgomery Castle and Old Sarum near Salisbury.
- Woodland walks - there are beautiful woods all over the country to explore and play in. We have one nearby that used to be part of a quarry that is just perfect to wander through whatever the season. To make walks more interesting for kids, try making up your own trails, spotting guides and even blowing bubbles that freeze (if it gets that cold!)
Whatever activity you do, wrap the small ones up warm with gorgeous hats, gloves and coats from Little Skiers and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!