Every day a play day

Our favorite Swedish clothing company, Polarn O. Pyret and our friends at Active Kids Club have declared this week “Every day a Play Day” week. Fun, no?

They are asking bloggers to post about how they get their kids out in less-than-lovely weather. That sounds right up our alley, so I decided to play along.

Tonight (Nov. 14), Polarn O. Pyret and Active Kids Club will be hosting a Facebook chat from 8-10 p.m. EST. They’ll be talking with about great ways to get kids outside in the fall + winter and some creative ways to make the cold fun for everyone. We’ll be giving away a $25 gift certificate to all who are participating. Hope you can join us.

I’ve posted a lot about outdoor activities in the past. I shared about skiing to a Forest Service cabin, getting out for a winter walk, how to have fun with ice, or even while shoveling snow. I’ve written about embracing the snow, even while wishing for summer and painting in the rain. And there have been so many more posts about getting out regardless of the weather–because of the weather.

And yet, we still have a hard time mustering the enthusiasm sometimes. Some mornings it seems a lot easier to stay in our jammies and play with Legos. But, I believe so strongly in the power of getting out in nature, that we usually do.

Here are a few of my tips for getting out no matter what. I’d love to hear yours, too.

** Plan ahead. If everything is set out the night before (appropriate clothing and gear, lunches or snacks, water etc.) it makes the exit that much quicker and easier.

** Keep gear handy. If you have the space, keep the jackets, boots, skis and anything else you might need for the season near the front door. Or keep it all together somewhere else where it is easy to get to. Since we are fond of soaking in our local hot spring I keep our swimsuits. towels and swim coupons in a bag that I can grab and go any time.

** Just get out. It doesn’t have to be an expedition, even a walk around the block can turn into a hunt for red leaves or a search for the longest icicle. Kids can make almost anything fun.

** Have the right gear. Let’s face it, no one has fun when kids are wet and/or cold. Good clothing can be pricey, but with a combination of new stuff and thrift store finds, you can keep your little ones warm and dry. I’ve never regretted buying good gear when it’s allowed me to spend more time outside.

Are you ready to make every day a play day this week (and every week)?

Your turn, how do you make sure your kids are getting outside regularly?