Fun things to do outside when the weather is “slushy”

By Stacie Gaetz

We are finally starting to see more of the sun, but the nights and mornings are still chilly and the mounds of March snow is turning into slush, mud and puddles.

How can we get our kids, who are dying to get outside after too many months of frigid winter, out and about when the weather is starting to turn but not quite “spring-like” yet?

Get equipped

It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is a good idea to make sure you have some essentials before you go out in the slush and puddles.

Ensure your child has a good pair of waterproof boots that they can splash around in.

Puddle pants are also a great addition if you don’t want to increase your laundry load after an early spring outdoor adventure.

Layers are also your friend here (and during almost every season in Calgary!). During days when it can feel as cold as -15C in the morning and as warm as 15C in the afternoon, layers are key.

Start with a t-shirt on the bottom, a sweater over that and a jacket on top. Bonus points if the jacket has a removable lining. Start with light pants on the bottom and add splash pants overtop.

Don’t forget the toque and mitts or gloves (that fit into the jacket pockets) to protect from that early morning nip in the air.

Embrace the mess

Rather than trying to fight your child’s desire to jump in puddles and splash in mud and spending your entire outing yelling “Please don’t do that!” try to go with the flow.

Let them splash and roll. There is no harm in your child getting a little dirty and cold (if you put them in proper clothing and prepare).

Make sure you are close enough to home for them to get down and dirty and then let them have at ‘er!

They will be even more pleasantly surprised if they aren’t normally allowed to play this way. They will absolutely love it and create wonderful memories.

Don’t complicate it

There is no need to try to come up with a whole new list of things you can do outdoors for the off-season.

You can do many of the same things you do in the summer. Go for a long walk around your community (just be sure to tread carefully on any icy patches). If you are stuck for places to go, why not check out how the nearest storm pond is melting or what the creek near your house looks like when it is still a bit frozen over.

Play in playgrounds. Many parents don’t take their kids to the playground until the snow is gone but piles of the white stuff can add to the fun. They can be forts to hide from your friends in or mountains to climb.

You can even take some snacks or lunch with you to your favorite park and have a picnic.

Once you get home from your adventure, why not dig out and start up your backyard fire pit. The perfect way to warm up and dry off after a day of adventuring should always include some s’mores!

Make it fun

Chances are just getting outside after months of being cooped up during the winter will help entertain your kiddos for at least a few hours but if they need a bit more incentive to get out in the slush and ice, try adding some games to the mix.

Encourage your kids to race to the next streetlight on wet walks, pretend to be pirates on a ship in the puddles, or allow your arctic adventurers to come out as you summit a huge glacier.

Play hide and seek in a wooded area near your house. Do a soggy spring scavenger hunt or make an wet obstacle course in your backyard. Challenge them to see who can collect the most icicles.

Invite your kids’ friends along for the adventure as well. This takes some of the pressure off of you to entertain them and chances are their parents are looking for a way to get them outside and active too.