Why We Go Outside—Even When It’s Cold
At Hidden Valley Forest School, we go outside every day—rain or shine, warm or cold. And yes, even in the winter!
We often get thoughtful questions from parents like:
“Isn’t it too cold?”
“Won’t they get sick?”
“Do the kids even enjoy it?”
The short answer? They love it.
And here’s why it matters.
❄️ Cold Weather Builds Resilience
When children play and explore outside in the cold, something beautiful happens. They're building joyful memories in weather many consider unpleasant—feeling crisp air on their cheeks, laughing with friends, building forts, and running through the woods bundled in cozy layers. Their minds are forming positive associations with the outdoors in all seasons. Cold becomes part of the fun—not something to fear.
This is the quiet power of forest school: the more time children spend outside, the more naturally they build resilience—without even realizing it. The excitement of play, the pull of friendship, and the wonder of nature gently invite them to move through discomfort. And once they do? They want to stay. They want to keep exploring. And they discover that they can.
In most traditional schools, outdoor time is limited and often treated as a break from the “real learning.” At forest school, it’s the heart of what we do—and it’s not reserved for sunny days. We ask: What message do we send when we only go outside in perfect weather?
We want our children to look out at the world—even on gray, chilly mornings—and see possibility. To see adventure. That mindset doesn’t just shape a happier childhood. It builds a more adaptable, creative, and confident mind.
And here’s the gift: these early experiences stay with them. Children who grow up braving the elements, solving problems outdoors, and finding joy in every season carry a deep connection to nature—and a “can-do” spirit that lasts a lifetime. Because in childhood, nature was home. Familiar, nurturing, and free.
🦉 Winter Is Its Own Classroom
Winter brings a whole new kind of learning—and honestly, it’s one of our favorite seasons for adventure and discovery.
With the leaves gone and many animals hibernating, the forest feels more open—like it’s inviting us to explore a little deeper. And when we do, we notice things we’d completely miss in other seasons: fresh animal tracks in the snow or mud, bird calls echoing through bare trees, and hidden nests high in branches once covered in leaves.
These quiet clues spark curiosity. One set of prints or an unfamiliar sound, and suddenly the questions start flying:
“Whose track is that?”
“Do they hibernate?”
“Where do they go when it gets this cold?”
That spark often leads us down a rabbit hole, leading to so many angles of inquiry and learning. And it all feels effortless—because the learning grows directly from the children’s experience. They’re not memorizing facts from a worksheet—they’re discovering the world by being in it, noticing it, and wondering about it.🧥
🦉 Kids Love It
Here’s something that might surprise you: kids actually love being outside in the winter.
I know that’s not the common narrative—but it’s true. The secret? Gear.
At forest school, we don’t just throw on a hoodie and hope for the best. The right layers make all the difference:
A synthetic or wool base layer
A cozy fleece mid-layer
A waterproof, windproof outer shell
When kids are dressed for the weather and out with friends—running, building, imagining—they feel unstoppable. Complaints about the cold are rare. In fact, most don’t want to come inside.
This is where resilience grows. The more time they spend outside, the more they stop seeing the cold as something to avoid. They adapt. They thrive.
We’ve watched 5-year-olds spend hours in 30-degree weather, fully engaged—climbing logs, digging in frozen ground, building pretend fires. They’re present—body, mind, and spirit.
Interestingly, it’s often the kids coming from traditional school settings who are the most hesitant at first. But after a few weeks at forest school? They’re transformed. They crave the outdoors.
Eventually, cold days barely register. Like someone who’s grown up in Alaska, they experience “cold” differently—it becomes part of the rhythm of daily life.
Our students don’t just tolerate the elements. They build a relationship with them. And when the outdoors is both your classroom and your playground… why would you ever want to go back inside?
🌟 How You Can Support Your Child’s Outdoor Resilience
Want to help your child fall in love with winter? Here are a few simple tips:
Layer them up: Good gear = great days.
Set the tone: Your attitude shapes theirs. Treat cold as an adventure.
Make it playful: Build forts, track animals, or make ice art.
Start early (or start now!): It’s never too late to build a love of the outdoors.
Add friends: Kids are more likely to explore when they’re with others.
🌲 Nature Doesn’t Take a Break for Winter—And Neither Does Wonder
At HVFS, we believe that nature offers something powerful in every season. Winter isn’t something to hide from—it’s a rich, wild, wonderful classroom just waiting to be explored.
And when children experience that magic early on, it becomes part of who they are.
Ready to learn more or get your child outside with us?
📍 hiddenvalleyforestschool.com
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @hiddenvalleyforestschool
Until next time—stay curious, and get outside!
