By Julie Leduc

Per Nancy Savoie, a pedagogical consultant specializing in nature-based education at the Association québécoise des CPE, it’s simple: Playing outdoors in winter is beneficial for all areas of a child’s development. “Kids move more when they’re outside,” she says. “This helps them develop their strength, endurance, and agility. Being outdoors also encourages them to discover new things. They can explore and learn a lot outdoors. They also develop their vocabulary and imagination, for example when inventing games.”

“Playing outside in the snow encourages children to experiment with new textures (e.g., ice) and sensations (e.g., the cold). It’s a lot of fun for them,” says Véronique Gosselin, doctor of physical activity sciences. They also take on small challenges, which develops their gross motor skills and balance. For example, they learn that walking in the snow is harder. This requires perseverance, which also builds their self-confidence. “When they go through experiences like dealing with the cold or getting snow on their face, children also learn to manage their emotions,” says motor skills consultant Joël Beaulieu.

Good for their health!

When your child plays outdoors, their whole body gets a workout - their heart, muscles, and lungs. This helps keep them healthy and fit. “It also encourages the production of dopamine, which plays a role in eye development and the prevention of nearsightedness,” continues Joël Beaulieu.

Playing outside generally stimulates the appetite, reduces stress, and improves mood. What’s more, “when children play outside, they spend less time in front of screens and sleep better,” says Véronique Gosselin.

Heading outside at daycare

If your toddler attends an educational daycare centre, their educator is required by law to take the children outside for at least one hour a day, weather conditions permitting. “We do, however, follow the recommendations of the Canadian Paediatric Society,” says Nancy Savoie. “We don’t go out if the temperature is -27°C or below, with or without the wind chill.” When chilly weather sets in, staff consult a wind chill factor chart to determine how long they can safely stay outside.

Educators also make sure that children are properly dressed (e.g., ears covered, pants over boots, mittens on) before going outdoors. “Educators are also watch for signs that children are cold,” adds the consultant. Educators are trained in first aid and can recognize the signs of frostbite.

To make things easier for them, make sure your child has a toque and mittens that keep them warm, and check that their snowsuit is easy to put on. Be sure to bring a change of clothes to daycare (e.g., mittens, socks, sweater, pants) and, gradually, encourage your toddler to get dressed on their own.

Here are some ideas for activities to get your little one moving and playing outdoors in the winter.

1. King of the mountain

Go and down hills and snow drifts, moving differently each time. Try walking up sideways, backwards, with your legs apart, or with one hand on your head. Then slide back down on your bum or sled down together.

2. Shovelling showdown!

Get out big and small shovels and shovel paths together in the yard, alley, or park to create a maze. After a snowstorm, you can also ask your child to help you shovel your balcony, stairs, or driveway. Divide the area in two and race to see who can finish shovelling first!

3. Backyard fort

Build a fort with walls made of snow. Create rooms, just like in a house. Then, your child can have fun making decorations out of snow, like chairs, a fruit basket, or a book.

4. Winter marathon

Walking in the snow, especially after a storm, isn’t always easy ... but it can be fun! Think up challenges, like walking on your toes (in boots), crossing one foot in front of the other, zigzagging ... You can also have races: first one to touch the tree wins!

5. Snow golf

Dig a bucket-sized hole in the snow. Then, challenge your child to get a tennis ball into the hole with their feet, their hands, or a stick.

6. Winter free play

Head out to your yard or balcony, and give your child a variety of different objects to play with (planks of wood, empty boxes, old blankets, twine, etc.). Let them use their imagination, and follow their lead. For instance, they might build a fort, set up an obstacle course, or play restaurant.

7. Snow art

Find a place where the snow isn’t packed down too hard. Then, “draw” a giant picture in the snow using your footprints. Walk one behind the other to make a sun, a heart, or a pine tree. You can also draw with a stick on the snow. Then, decorate your drawings with elements from nature.

8. Snow sculptures

Instead of the usual snowmen, make snakes, polar bears, a birthday cake ... let your creativity run wild! Get out your sandcastle buckets and shovels to help.

9. Snowy scavenger hunt

In your yard, or at the park, ask your child to look for different natural elements: dead leaves, pinecones, animal tracks (e.g., from dogs or squirrels) … You can also hide small toys outside and challenge your child to find them. For example: “You have to find the five toy cars I’ve hidden!” For an extra challenge, use things that are white.

10. Forest observation walk

Take a walk in the woods with your little one and keep an eye out for birds and other small animals that are active in the winter. Listen to the sound your boots make as you walk through the snow, and pay attention to everything around you (e.g., the shape of the snowflakes, solid or melting ice, tree bark). Your child’s curiosity and observations may just surprise you!

Additional reading: 26 ways to enjoy winter

Source: Naître et grandir magazine, January–February 2026 Research and writing: Julie Leduc Scientific review: Caroline Bouchard, professor and director of Université Laval’s Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) Petite enfance, grandeur nature, Faculté des sciences de l’éducation

Photos (in order): GettyImages/FatCamera, GettyImages/AleksandarNakic, GettyImages/eclipse_images, GettyImages/travnikovstudio, GettyImages/SbytovaMN, GettyImages/MNStudio et GettyImages/uschools