Just 2 weeks ago, my baby girl turned 6 years old! I can’t hardly believe I’ve been a mommy for 6 years. Time flies. This time last year, we were back in LA playing outdoors at the park, bike riding, or taking strolls along the beach.
We spent SO much time outdoors and I know the kids really miss it now that we’re back East. Even though it’s cold, there are still ways for the kiddos to enjoy outdoor activities, when properly dressed. Cadence specifically requested playtime at the park for her birthday, so we donned our Koolaburra boots the other day for some fun outdoors.
Honestly if it wasn’t for her picking out these adorable hot pink Koola Star Mini boots, I may not have looked twice at this hot pink coat. She’s truly my muse and she challenges me to think like a kid again. I paired my look with the Amalea boot in black. They are so comfy (get them a half size up!), easy to chase my kids in, and they match with my entire fall/winter wardrobe. (They’re also currently on sale, so snag them before they’re all gone!)
Can I tell you we had a BLAST at the playground? During the summer, months I typically let the kids run free and I sit on the benches and watch. But this time, Cadence forced me to get active with her. From jumping around on the jungle gym to pushing her in the swings, I felt like a kid again. For those of you who love outdoor adventures in the winter, but hate the outbursts that come with them – here are some quick tips for you:
1. Dress Comfy and Warm
Cadence’s feet were nice and toasty inside her Koolaburras. Paired with two layers of pants, a sweater and a fur coat, she was both fabulous and ready for playground fun. Always pack extra layers so the kids are warm and comfortable outdoors.
2. Pack Snacks & Warm Drinks
This is a mommy rule of thumb in general, but just in case you have hungry little snack attackers like I do – do not leave home without snacks. If you think you have enough snacks, pack a few more. Bonus points if you pack a thermos with hot chocolate.
3. Be Conscious of Time
My rule of thumb with outdoor activities in the winter is no longer than 1.5 hours. After an hour and a half, my kids are typically over it. Their attention span just won’t allow for an outdoor winter adventure much longer than this. Gauge the time you spend on it based on your kids’ internal schedules, attention span and based on the weather.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any other tricks of the trade in the comments below!
This post was created in partnership with Koolaburra as part of their #KoolaAdventures campaign. All opinions below are my own.
Photos by RaeFaithPhotography
