The arrival of winter is the perfect time to embrace outdoor activities as a family. Getting outside for even an hour or two can lead to a better night’s sleep during hibernation season, and an improved sense of health and wellness. But even if your kids enjoy summer activities more, that doesn’t mean cold weather fun outdoors can’t be comfortable and safe—as long as you prepare accordingly.
Keeping safety top of mind is essential when sending your kids outside for winter activities of any kind. Here are six pointers to keep you and your family healthy and injury-free during a variety of activities.
1. Wear Activity-Appropriate Clothing
No matter what you’re doing, you won’t have fun outdoors unless you dress for the occasion. A warm jacket, hat, moisture-wicking gloves and non-slip boots will keep everyone comfortable during most activities. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses or ski goggles. Snow reflects sunlight and can cause sunburn, while cold winds can cause chapped skin, windburn or general discomfort.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
It’s easy to remember to hydrate when you’re at the beach or near a pool. In the winter, though, it might be harder to recognize when you or your kids are dehydrated. Dry air and layers of clothing cause moisture loss and dehydration, and cold air can cause coughing and asthma flare ups. While the amount of water your kids need will change with the weather and their activity level, children ages 4 – 8 need five cups a day, while older children need up to eight cups each day.
3. For Skiing: Buy a Helmet (And Take Lessons)
A well-fitting helmet designed for snow sports, such as Smith’s Glide Jr, is essential if your kids are hitting the slopes. You might have to yell a little louder to get their attention because a well-fitting model can make it more difficult to hear, but the brain injury protection and peace of mind is worth it. For both skiing and snowboarding, invest in a windproof jacket that is water resistant at the cuffs and ankles, as well as moisture-wicking long underwear. Lessons with a trained instructor are helpful for kids of all ages at the start of each season, too.
4. For Snowboarding: Check Your Child’s Equipment
While the above skiing safety tips also apply to young snowboarders, checking your kid’s snowboard release bindings at the start of each day on the slopes is essential to injury prevention. If your child is a committed snowboarder, having their bindings checked by a qualified ski shop technician at the start of each season will ensure they’re the right fit for their weight and ability.
5. For Sledding: Look For Proper Steering and Brakes
The Child Injury Prevention Alliance recommends that kids under five sled only with adults, but any kids under age 10 should be supervised at your local hill—especially on crowded days. Sleds can travel up to 20 mph, and ice, branches or hidden rocks can be injuries waiting to happen. A sled with a built-in steering mechanism and brakes, such as the GoSport 2 Person Premium Snow Sled, has a foam seat to make bumpy rides more comfortable, handles on each side for steering and a strap for braking.
6. For Ice Skating: Invest in Adjustable Skates
A perfect winter sport for kids as young as five, ice skating can be done on frozen ponds, lakes or at your local rink. While it’s essential to obey your rink’s rules if you’re visiting for the day—such as skating in one direction or holding on to walls or handrails as you teach your kids to skate—signing your kids up for lessons will teach them how to fall safely, stop and turn. Skates with laces can be an accident waiting to happen, so getting your kids their own adjustable pair, like Lake Placid’s Nitro Skates, will allow them to grow into their hobby until they’re ready to graduate to an adult pair.
