By Amy McCaffree
Cover photo courtesy of Amy McCaffree
Most kids really don’t mind how cold the weather is as long as they’re staying dry and warm enough—and they should be able to withstand at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity when dressed appropriately for winter. But there are still a few tricks to creating a lasting positive impression of outdoor winter play and sports.
“If you want your kids to be outdoorsy, the best way is if you’re out there leading by example,” says Sam Russell, Spokane father of two, ages 8 and 6. He shreds the slopes with his young son and daughter, who both learned to ski starting as toddlers, and he’s a volunteer ski patroller at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. He also worked 13 years as a ski and snowboard instructor. “The older I got, the more fair-weather I became. But as a parent, I had to kick that habit because my kids don’t care how cold it is outside—I was like that, too, as a kid.”
Russell’s second advice tip: “Always try to make it fun. If kids are not having fun, they won’t want to learn (how to ski)”—or do much else when it comes to spending time outdoors. Fun is made easier with these winter wear must-haves: warm base layers, mid-layer, and socks—made from synthetic fabrics or wool (no cotton, which remains cold when wet); waterproof (or water-resistant) coat and boots; and gloves, hat and snow-boots.
My son, Landon, who learned to ski 12 years ago when he was age 2, says what made it fun for him was “having good equipment and a good teacher.” Also, he says, “I remember you and dad giving me a fruit snack after every run. And I’d want to do it again so I could get another fruit snack.”
Landon also recalls liking how the Edgie Wedgie (ski tip connector) and safety-harness made it easier to learn and increased his confidence. As for the “good teacher,” my patient husband gets most of that credit; I was the assistant and in charge of fun—packing desirable snacks and hot cocoa. Never feel guilty for enticing kids with a sugary treat—it’s not bribery; it’s essential for everyone’s emotional wellbeing.
Russell also advises, “Quit while they’re still having fun. Make the kids leave while they’re still wanting more rather than crying because they’re cold and tired.” You never want an outdoor experience to end with a negative vibe or, worse, misery. This could discourage kids from going again.
So, to recap how to motivate your kids to spend more time outdoors this winter: Be a role model for your kids. Make it fun. And end the activity while kids are still enjoying themselves—don’t wait until things turn bad.
3 Ideas to Start Introducing Kids to Winter Outdoor Adventures
- Snow Tubing: Whether sledding at local hills or at an official tubing hill at a ski mountain, kids of all ages can enjoy this thrilling winter pastime. Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and Schweitzer all offer tubing.
- Outdoor Ice Skating: Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park, Spokane; The Pond presented by STCU, a newly-constructed, nonprofit organization-led, community skating rink just outside of Sandpoint, in Ponderay, Idaho (Skatethepond.com, Niicearena.com); and CDA on Ice, in Coeur d’Alene (open through January 20, 2025; cdaonice.com).
- Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding: Visit a ski area that has a “surface lift” or “Magic Carpet” (think conveyor belt) for littles just starting out on skis or a snowboard. Easier, and less scary, than a chairlift, this is a great way to introduce downhill fundamentals. Parents can ski, walk or run beside or behind their child as they make their way down a short, gentle slope and back to the lift loading area.
Amy McCaffree looks forward to lots of snowfall and downhill skiing with her family and would like to introduce her 1-year-old dog to snowshoeing and/or XC skiing this winter.
