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Outdoor Gear For Kids (+ Parents!)

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Playing outside and exploring nature in all weather is a great way to take your nature study to the next level. To study in the cold and rainy months, good gear really makes all the difference. The following items are organized based on layer. For more information on how to dress in layers for the weather, I suggest reading this blog post from Muddy Faces.

Base Layer

For base layers, wool or synthetic fibers are best. When dressing multiple children, wool can get expensive. My favorite synthetic base layers are the 32 Degrees Heat sets. You can sometimes find these at Costco for a really great price. This set for kids is very reasonably priced and all of my kids have this kind! If you're planning to learn alongside your kids, don't forget your own base layer. Like my kids, I also have a set of the 32 degree heat base layers. They're super soft and comfy and keep me really warm in the coldest months.

Mid Layer

The purpose of the mid-layer is to keep you warm. Fleece is often recommended. You should never wear cotton layers because they absorb moisture and keep you wet (and cold). Truthfully, my favorite fleece layers are the Hanes or Walmart brand fleece. They do what they need to do in keeping us warm without breaking the budget.

Outer Layer

For kids, thrifted snow pants are the way to go. Check Goodwill often, especially in the spring and summer when people are decluttering, and search for your kiddo's next size up. You can do the same with coats. For an easier option, I really like the Arctix brand snow bibs. I highly recommend buying a pair for yourself (as the parent) to make outdoor winter exploration more enjoyable. I also recommend a ski coat for moms, and I'll link to the one I have. It keeps you very warm (you're not moving as much as the kids, most likely) and it's very comfortable. For my kids, I also love to thrift coats when I can. But if I'm not having luck finding their size, I usually turn to Swiss Tech. Their coats are heavy-duty and very warm.

As far as accessories, a good balaclava and gloves are a must. We usually put a basic beanie on top of the balaclava on the coldest days. My favorite pair of gloves for moms are the Thinsulate gloves. They are waterproof enough and still leave you with plenty of dexterity to open snacks, re-adjust gloves on kiddos, and help with snowman building. For young kids, I love waterproof mittens. The pair linked below are still soft and not as rigid and stiff as some waterproof mittens. For older kids, I have found good waterproof ski gloves at Walmart for less than $10.

Waterproofing Layer

For kids, I love Reima. There's really not much to say. They're affordable, highly waterproof, and cute! For me, I like a good waterproof pair of pants and a thrifted rain coat.

Shoes

We love neoprene boots. I like to watch these on Amazon, especially in the summer, because prices will drop and certain prints will be discontinued. If you're not too picky about the pattern or color of the boots, you can usually score a good deal.

CNSBOR Kids Waterproof Insulated Rubber Neoprene Rain Boots with Easy on Rainboot for Youth

Backpacks

The $5 Ozark Trail daypacks are perhaps my favorite and best find in the Walmart camping aisle. Waterproof enough and light enough for young kids to carry, these small packs can fit a surprising amount of items. The only downside is that there are no pockets for a water bottle. To solve this, we love our Owalas and they're very leakproof, so we just throw them in our packs and go!