Tips and temperatures for playing in the snow.

How Cold is too cold to play outside?

It’s snow season! And that means that kids will want to be outside playing in the snow. But how cold is too cold to play in the snow? And how do you make sure the kids stay safe and their skin is protected outdoors? How long should they stay outside? Are there things you can do to warm them up when they get back inside? What if you don’t have boots?

While everyone is running to the store to “stock up” on milk and bread, I ran to the store today to make sure I had all the necessary components for hot chocolate – hot chocolate packets (or cocoa and sugar), milk, and marshmallows, and don’t forget coffee and creamer for mom!

My oldest is 36. I have been sending kids outside to play in the snow for years and welcoming them back inside when they are done. Here are some general tips for outside play and ideas to help you make sure they have a good time when a snow day finally arrives.

WHAT TEMPERATURE IS TOO COLD TO PLAY IN THE SNOW? 

(These guidelines are from the Oklahoma government website. I have found similar guidelines from other states. ) Additionally, all temperatures referenced are in Fahrenheit.

My own personal guidelines, for myself, are “if it is cold enough for snow,” I don’t go outside at all. When I was a little girl, I would go outside for literally 3 minutes and beg my sisters to let me go back inside. Obviously, every child is different and has individual thresholds for temperatures. We all know a person who wears shorts all year long or the person who is wrapped in a blanket when the temperature is 70 degrees (raises hand)!

Do not just look at the temperature. You need to be aware of the wind chill (real feel temperature). These recommendations are based on how cold it really feels and not the reading on the thermometer.

Temperatures above 32º are listed as safe to play outside. However, caution still needs to be taken as far as keeping warm and watching for signs that your child is getting too cold.

Temperatures from 13º to 31º: The recommended outdoor playtime is 20-30 minutes for older children. Babies and toddlers can not tell you when they are too cold – shorten the length of time they are outside. 

Temperatures below 13º: Most children should not play outdoors. Older children may play outdoors for a limited time provided they have proper clothing.

I know, I know – we played outdoors for hours at a time, without proper clothing, and we lived through it all. I am giving you recommended guidelines established by experts in an effort to keep all children safe.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN WEAR OUTSIDE?

First, make sure children wear layers. I usually start with thermal underwear, add sweatshirts and jeans or sweatpants. Add two pairs of socks and a heavy jacket. But don’t forget a scarf, hat, boots, and gloves. Also, remember to add sunscreen for the exposed skin during cold weather.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE BOOTS?

I have been that mother. It is the first snow of the season and all the kids are getting ready to play outside. One of the kids goes to put on their boots and they are too small – GROWTH SPURT. You are totally unprepared for this. Here are some suggestions for when one child has no boots:

1. Do you have a pair of larger boots? – Stuff the toes with newspaper. Add an extra layer of socks, and put a pair of “plastic bags over your child’s socks. Tie the plastic bag at the top to keep it on. 
2. Socks, socks and another pair of socks. Plastic bag over socks. Tie the plastic bag at the top (or use rubber bands as long as they aren’t cutting off circulation), and use a pair of slightly larger shoes. 
3. Plastic back over their current shoes. I have done this when nothing else is available. However, caution needs to be taken with this method. The plastic bag will be slippery when walking on the snow or sidewalks.
4. Here are instructions to make “boots.”

DO NOT TRUST OLDER CHILDREN TO DRESS THEMSELVES FOR SNOW PLAY

Children get so excited to play outdoors that even older children forget essentials when going outdoors to play. And often they stay outside too long. 

One time when I wasn’t paying attention (bad mom hangs head in shame) my son came in and took off his rain boots – he told me he couldn’t find his snow boots. He had no socks on. He was in such a hurry to play with his brother that he completely forgot to put socks on. 

WAYS TO WARM THEM UP WHEN THEY COME INSIDE

Hot chocolate and marshmallows are a must after playing in the snow. But the following tip just creates wintertime memories that your children will not forget:

Ten minutes before calling your children inside, toss pajamas and a few blankets in the dryer. When they come in and strip out of their wet clothes, they will love their toasty PJs and blankets to warm up in. You will get the mom of the year award! Or at least the mom of the next 5 minutes award! 

Don’t forget to read some delightful stories while sipping your hot chocolate and snuggling on the couch. Read my picks for the best stories to read with Hot Chocolate. 

Additionally, if it is too cold to play outside, you may need a list of activities to keep your kids busy!

TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILY FOR WINTER STORMS, CHECK OUT MY FRIEND KELLY’S POST!