10 Tips for How to Take a Winter Hike With Kids (and Actually Enjoy It!)

Want to get outside more in winter, but feeling totally intimidated? In this post I will be sharing lots of helpful links and tips about How to Take a Winter Hike With Kids.

Winter hiking can be one of the most magical outdoor experiences for families — fluffy snow, crisp air, animal tracks in the trail, and a real sense of adventure. But cold weather also brings challenges, especially when you’re responsible for kids who might get cold, tired, or bored.

Here’s a complete guide to getting out in cold weather with practical tips, links and my favourite gear! I have packed this post full of helpful resources so your next winter hike can be fun, safe, and as close to stress-free as possible.

If you’re already big on getting out, check out my more personal tips and chatter in this video:

1. Choose the Right Trail for Your Family

Picking a trail that matches your kids’ abilities is one of the most important keys to a successful hike.

How to choose a good family winter trail:

• Go for shorter distances (2–4 km is often a good range for elementary-age kids).
• Look for well-marked and flat paths.
• Avoid deep snow or steep hills when kids are beginners.
• If you aren’t an experienced winter hiker, be sure to pick a well-known and ideally groomed trail.
• Pick trails close to home in case you need to cut it short.

Resources:

• Ask a local where to go if you don’t know a good place! Be sure to find out whether or not to expect snowmobiles on the trail, too.
• AllTrails — choose distance, difficulty, and kid-friendly trails near you! https://www.alltrails.com
• Ontario Parks Trail Finder — filter by trail length, difficulty, accessibility: https://www.ontarioparks.com/parks/trails

2. Dress in Layers (And Teach Your Kids Why)

In winter, layering clothing is essential to stay warm without overheating. The basic layering system includes:

1. Base layer (moisture-wicking): keeps sweat off skin
2. Mid layer (insulating): fleece or wool
3. Outer layer (waterproof/windproof): snow jacket or shell

Don’t forget:

Dress children in warm clothing when outdoors in cool and cold temperatures. Children should wear:

• Layers of clothing that can be removed easily.
• A warm hat with ear flaps
• Warm mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves)
• A neck warmer, balaclava or scarf. If wearing a scarf, tuck in the ends to prevent them from catching on things.
• An extra pair of socks (wool or synthetic are better than cotton in this case)
• Warm and waterproof boots.

Helpful guides:

If anyone knows winter, it is our Saskatchewan pals:

Winter Safety

3. What to Pack

Even on short hikes, winter weather can change fast. Always bring these winter-specific items:

Winter Hiking Essentials

✔ Water (in insulated bottles so it doesn’t freeze). I actually like to bring warm water and blackcurrant tea with honey. Childhood memories, unlocked!
✔ High-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, chocolate, boiled eggs, cheese)
✔ Extra layers for everyone (EVEN YOU, MOM)
✔ First-aid kit
✔ Map + compass (even if you have a phone)
✔ Headlamps (days are short in winter and it is so easy to get caught in the dark)
✔ Emergency blanket or bivvy

Winter-specific gear:

• Hand warmers (if you don’t have the chemical ones you can make rice ones and keep them in an insulated pack!)
• Traction aids (crampons/spikes) depending on ice
• And my personal favourite, skis for your stroller!
• For boots we like Sorels because they are dependable and so easy to find, even used.
• For wool base layers I love Simply Merino
• For baby feet I love Nooks!!

4. Keep Moving — But Take Fun Breaks

Kids can get cold fast if they’re just standing around. Plan the hike so that there is a balance between moving and resting.

Ideas for fun breaks:

• Hot chocolate stop
• Snowman building
• Ice skating (safely!)
• Nature scavenger hunt
• Track spotting (look for animal footprints)
• Remember that as soon as kids sit down on snow or ice or a cold frozen rock they will start to get really cold so bring a wool or insulated blanket to sit on or sit on pine boughs etc, if they will be sitting for a while!

Activity idea resource:

Winter nature scavenger hunt printable

Print, laminate and bring this handy nature hunt printable to enjoy on the trail. I send out printables each week, please subscribe if you’d like to stay in the loop!

5. Teach Kids Winter Safety Skills

Use the hike as a chance to build confidence and safety awareness.

Skills to practice:

Before you leave the house, check:

Weather forecast: snow, wind, temperature
Trail conditions: snow depth, ice

As homeschoolers and outdoor enthusiasts, we are told “there is no such thing as bad weather, however, if the temperature or the wind chill is reported as -27°C (-16°F), it is safest for children to stay indoors.

In Canada, you can check:

• Environment Canada weather forecasts: https://weather.gc.ca
• Local conservation area trail status (often on Facebook pages)

This helps you dress correctly and decide if it’s safe to hike.

7. Hydration Matters — Even in Cold Weather

People often forget about water in winter, but dehydration still happens because cold air is dry, and you’re still sweating.

Tips to keep water from freezing:

• Use an insulated bottle
• Store water inside your pack, not outside
• Drink frequently
• If you don’t have an insulated bottle, you can wear a plastic bottle on a lanyard under your coat to keep it from freezing.
• You can also keep your bottle upside down because the top freezes first, so you will still be able to drink it.

Fun idea: bring a thermos with warm herbal tea, hot chocolate or soup! Even on short journeys, this can be the difference between being cold and cranky, and being warm and having fun. I rarely go on walks in cold weather without a hot drink, and if I do I usually regret it!

8. Make It a Learning Adventure

You guys know I am a huge advocate for outdoor free play (4-6 hours a day!), and I actually really dislike the pressure as homeschool moms to have all these contrived nature encounters that can be unsustainable. 99% of the time, we just go outside.

However, it can be helpful to have a few trail activities on hand particularly in winter when it is more challenging to be outdoors.

Winter nature activities:

• Track identification: Can you find rabbit or deer tracks?
• Tree bark rubbings: Use paper and crayons to capture patterns of the tree bark. Bark is a great way to help identify deciduous trees when they don’t have leaves on!
• Bird watching: Spot winter birds like chickadees or cardinals
• Bird feeders from ice

Resources for nature discovery:

• Trailside Kids Nature Activities: https://trailsidekids.com
• iNaturalist app (identify plants, animals): https://www.inaturalist.org

9. Plan for a Good Turnaround Time

In winter, days are shorter and temperatures drop as the sun goes down. Decide ahead of time when you will head back, but continue to observe your kids and yourself as you go in case you need to adjust your plan. Don’t wait until kids are cold and tired.

A simple rule:
Plan to be back at least 90 minutes before sunset, plus extra time for rest stops.

Also have a plan B — if conditions change or someone gets too cold, be ready to turn around early.

10. Celebrate Wins & Create Traditions

Winter hiking with kids builds resilience, confidence, and family memories. Celebrate the little successes — finishing the hike, spotting wildlife, or conquering a hill.

Build in some family traditions, such as:

• First snow hike of the season
• Hot cocoa at the halfway mark
• Nature journaling later
• Winter solstice hike
• Feeding the winter birds

Bonus Tips: Fun Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged

Here are extra ways to make winter hikes exciting:

🎒 Trail Bingo: Make bingo cards with winter things to find — pine cones, animal tracks, icicles.
📷 Photography Challenge: Give kids a simple camera or phone to capture their favorite sights.
🧭 Orienteering: Teach basic compass use and let them lead part of the hike.
🪵 Campfire Snack Stop: If permitted, bring a small stove for s’mores or roasted apples.

Safety Check: Cold Stress & What to Watch For

Kids don’t always tell you when they’re cold — they might just get quiet.

Signs of cold stress include:

• Complaining about cold
• Slowed movements
• Whining or crankiness
• Shivering that doesn’t stop

If you see these, it’s time to add layers, drink warm fluids, and shorten the hike if needed.

For more on cold stress and hypothermia signs:
➡️ https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html

Gear & Clothing Recommendations

Here are some general categories of gear to consider:

Winter Hiking Clothing

• Wool socks
• Base layers
• Fleece or wool layer
• Ski jacket or parka
• Waterproof snow pants
• Winter boots

Baby and Toddler Gear

• Sheepskin: I recommend investing in a sheepskin rug for layering in littles one’s sleds or strollers.
• Wind-proofing with a rain cover is also really helpful for strollers, or use a covered sled
• Sled: even if you don’t need to pull anyone in it, you can use it to carry snacks and extra layers!
• Winter skis for stroller
• Wool Base layers (we use Simply Merino)
• I love wool Nooks booties for keeping little feet toasty!

Safety & Navigation

• Headlamp
• Or these touques with rechargeable headlamps are really handy!
• Map & compass
• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket

Fun Extras

• Snowshoes (great for deep snow)
• Trekking poles
• Binoculars

For detailed gear checklists:
💡 REI Winter Hiking Checklist — https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-hiking-gear-checklist

Final Thoughts

Winter hiking with kids can be an incredible experience — as long as you plan, stay safe, and keep it fun. The cold might be brisk, but the memories you make together will stay warm.

Whether you hike through snowy forests, along frozen lakes, or up gentle hills for views, these tips and resources will help you have a successful outing.

💬 Your turn! Have a favourite winter hike or snowy adventure activity with kids? Share it in the comments!