5 things to pack for a winter walk with the kids

Claire Small
Authored by Claire Small
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2020 - 10:08am

It's that time of year when the leaves are turning, there's a fresh crisp breeze in the air, and being outside is just magical, especially with kids.

Nature Is Good For Kids

Being outside in this weather may seem a little crazy, especially if the weather turns a little rainy, but during autumn and winter in the UK, many kids (and adults) don't get enough vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system. If only for that fact alone, getting outside with the kids and enjoying nature is vital!

If you're looking to take an autumnal or winter walk with your kids and take in the great outdoors, there are a few things that you may not have considered taking with you that will make your little hike a bit more comfortable.

Lip Balm

Dry lips are more prevalent in colder weather than they are in warm sunny weather, and dry, sore, cracked lips are horrible for kids to deal with. Invest in some specially designed lip balm for young children to ensure that they're not using any nasty chemicals. Toddle has a great selection of natural, vegan, and cruelty-free dribble proof lip balms especially designed for kids!                    

Clothing to Layer

Unfortunately, autumn and winter in the UK generally mean wet weather. Therefore, around the beginning of October, it can be hard to decide what to pack, as the weather is still warm enough to not quite need a coat yet, but the wet weather makes it vital.

Always pack layers, both insulating and waterproof. If you are extending your walk to camping in the cold weather, your layering system will become even more important, especially the dry socks!

A Towel

Kids naturally want to play in the mud and jump in puddles, and it's actually a great way to build their immune system as well as have great fun!

Pack a small microfiber towel in your bag, as they're lightweight and dry super quick, so kids can get back to being kids!

GPS Device for Geocaching            

Geocaching keeps going in and out of fashion, but it's actually a great game to play with kids and helps get those steps in whilst hunting for the cache! Caches are usually very small, and most consist of a little notebook and a pencil to note down the time and date you found it.

Pick up a cheap GPS unit and give this worldwide treasure hunt game a go, kids are sure to enjoy the chase, and as suggested, the game can be played all over the world too!

Hot Chocolate

After a long and weary hike up to the top of the hill, what can be more relaxing than a nice cup of hot chocolate? Maybe with a few marshmallows?

Pack a good thermos and fill it with hot chocolate to give everyone a boost. If you're going to be camping, this is a great option to warm tummies before bed, too, ensuring everyone starts off warm in their sleeping bags!

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