How long should kids play outside in the winter?

As they’re checking their children to make sure they’re staying dry, parents should also check their watches, according to health experts. In cold, snowy weather, it’s best not to stay outside for too long.

Families should aim for about an hour total of outdoor time on winter days. That hour can be broken up into 15- or 20-minute increments if it’s especially windy or cold.

In fact, kids who are glued to the TV will likely respond better to a request to go outside for 15 minutes than a request to play in the snow for an hour. Having low expectations will probably pay off.

Speaking of being miserable, health experts say that once it’s colder than about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 °C) outside, it’s no longer safe to play in the snow.

What to do with your kids outside in winter

Here are some suggestions for outdoor activities:

• Make frozen bubbles by using bubble solution and a bubble wand to land bubbles on snow piles.
• Figure out what freezes faster: hot water, cold water, soda or juice.
• Play an aiming game with snowballs and a target (hopefully your kids won’t force you to serve as the target).
• Use the shovels and buckets that you typically use at the beach in the snow.
• Build a snowman. Or a snowkid. Or a snowcat!