How Cold Is Too Cold To Take Kids Outside?

Maybe your like

Now that winter temperatures are here for the foreseeable future (for many of us), there is a lot of wondering about how cold is TOO cold to take kids outside.

We often see the question “what are your rules for cold weather?” or “when is it too cold?”. We don’t have any hard and fast rules around here, and every family has a different threshold and level of comfort with cold. Some of us are a bit warmer and others have no problem being sub zero. Finding out your family’s comfort level with cold will help you establish how cold is too cold.

We can often second guess ourselves, whether that’s due to a lack of concrete knowledge in our own heads or questions or comments from others – like your own mother asking you if her grandchildren are warm enough when you send a picture of them outside with rosy cheeks. Or random comments from strangers “she must be cold!” or even other parents in Facebook parenting groups that claim taking kids out in anything below sun-tanning weather is irresponsible.

But there is pure magic in wintertime play and we don’t want our kids to miss out. Plus, if we refused to take our children out once the weather got a little chilly, we parents might start going a bit bananas.

Need some inspiration check out our Affirmation Cards For Getting Outside!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!

So How Cold IS Too Cold to Take Kids Outside?

There’s no defined limit of how cold is too cold, but with the right preparation, kids can definitely play outside comfortably in sub-freezing temperatures. There are so many benefits to heading outdoors in the winter including physical exercise for the whole family, fresh air, and vitamin D.

Letting kids adapt their play outside across all four seasons is 100% worth it, there are just a few things to know (and prepare for) to keep your children safe when playing in the cold.

There are even some really cool things you can do with super cold weather, like building an ice igloo!

Three kids stand next to frozen articles of clothing. — Its cold enough to freeze clothes, but you can still have some outside time!

The Number One Tip for Keeping Warm: Layering

When temperatures drop, you need layers.

Dress babies and toddlers in one more layer than you have on yourself. Older children can occasionally wear less layers than we do. They’re typically running around while the adults are hanging back and watching. But remember, it’s always easier to take off a layer than to put one on (especially one that’s been forgotten at home!).

Types of layers matter too. You need at least three layers: wicking, warming and weathering.

Wicking Layer

This layer keeps sweat off of skin and reduces the chance of hypothermia. You want it to be made of polyester, bamboo, or wool (that is, anything other than cotton). Wool socks are also important for keeping toes warm.

Check out all of our favorite base layers for kids here!

Warming Layer

This layer (or several layers) can simply be street clothes – sweatpants, sweatshirts, fleece. Wool is a great choice and my personal favorite, but whatever you have on hand will also work. Down jackets and pants are also great insulators.

Weathering Layer

This is your hearty and waterproof layer, like a snow or rain-suit. Make sure to adjust sleeves and pant legs around boots and mittens properly so you keep snow away from hands and feet.

Check out our favorite recommendations for winter gear:

Best Winter Gear for Kids
Best Winter Boots for Kids
Best Kids Gloves and Mittens
Best Kids Snow Pants & Bibs
Best Puffy Jackets for Kids
Winter Boots for Toddlers and Babies

Three kids play inside a colored ice fort doing frozen bubbles

Extras and Accessories Make a Difference

Don’t forget that hats, mittens, and scarves or neck warmers can go a long way in keeping children warm. Children often resist wearing them, so its worth investing in ones they will actually wear.

Protecting eyes with goggles is a game changer on windy days! Aurora Heat warmers are also a great addition to mittens and socks.

Use code MTNMAMA to save 10% on Aurora Heat

We’re well versed in getting our kids outdoors in winter time and have put together more information to help our families. Here’s more detail on how to keep babies and kids warm in the winter, and be sure to check out our favorite winter gear for kids. And we’ve got discounts for readers if you need to round out your collection of cold weather gear.

Find all of our TMM Discount Codes here!

Limit Exposed Skin

On realllllly cold days or days with frigid wind chills, it is even more important to keep exposed skin to a minimum. Neck gaiter, balaclavas, goggles are all great for helping protect the face. Hats that come down over the ears and velcro or tie under the chin can help make sure it stays put. Using barrier or protectant creams (i.e. aquaphor) on exposed skin can add a little layer of protection.

My number one tip I love to share with parents is to use goggles! My kids will stay outside way longer when their eyes are protected from cold, wind, snow, and/or sun. Its a simple piece of gear that makes winter play outside more enjoyable.
TMM Team Member Jami

A child is all bundled in a snowsuit with goggles on a frigid winter day. — A down snowsuit paired with an Oaki Rainsuit with some goggles on makes for a toasty toddler on a frigid winter day.

Important Cold Weather Factors to Keep in Mind

Every family will have their own personal “Brr – it’s too cold outside today!” Some of our TMM families will start hunkering down indoors below 10°F on a cloudy day and 0°F on a sunny day (although at those temperatures outings might be fairly short – 30 minutes to an hour).

Kids run on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.

The windchill is just as important as the air temperature when it comes to preparing for outdoor play. Even a windspeed of just 10 mph can take an ambient air temperature of 20°F down to a feels like temperature of 9°F.

If the ambient air temperature or the wind chill is below -13°F, pediatrician groups start recommending keeping children indoors. When wind chill temperatures hit double digits below zero, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes.

But even at significantly warmer temperatures, hypothermia can be a concern if someone gets wet. If your child gets soaked from falling into water or if their clothing is freezing rain, head inside to warm up immediately and get dry clothes.

Taking Babies Outside in the Cold

Parents of babies need to pay extra attention to their comfort as they might not be able to effectively communicate their comfort level. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that:

“Newborn infants are prone to hypothermia because of their large body surface area, small amounts of subcutaneous fat, and decreased ability to shiver.”

If you are wearing a little one in a carrier, keep in mind they might not be getting as much circulation in their legs. Dangling legs and feet tend to get colder faster than when your little one is walking, so make sure to do frequent checks.

If you have a jacket large enough, wear it around both of you for an extra layer of warmth. Otherwise, consider a jacket extender so your jacket can wrap around your little one too. If they are old enough, encourage them to walk periodically. A carrier cover also works great for babies.

Stroller covers or a multipurpose trailer are another great way to keep little ones protected from the wind while on a walk. Add a hot water bottle or cozy blanket in the stroller with the little one for some extra warmth.

A girl carries a babydoll on her back and a hand is pushing a stroller with a stroller cover on it. — Getting some fresh air for everyone on a frigid day, even the under dressed baby dolls.

When to Go Inside

All good things must come to an end eventually. Typically, our outdoor play ends when my toes just can’t take it anymore, even if my kids would keep going. But it’s important to be aware of their signs signaling that’s too cold to stay outside, especially if they don’t want to stop playing.

For older kids, shivering, goosebumps, lethargy, and disorientation are signs of hypothermia and mean it’s time to seek warm shelter immediately. If skin is looks bright red, it’s also time to go warm up as it could be an early sign of frostbite.

After you make it back inside, check your baby’s belly, hands, and toes. Hands and toes should be cool – not cold or warm. Their belly should be warm, not cool or hot.

If belly, hands, and toes are too warm, it means they were likely overdressed for the weather. Warm up their fingers and toes if they feel chilly, and make a mental note to dress them warmer next time.

If you are concerned that your child may have gotten too cold, remove any wet clothing immediately. Seek medical attention if their temperature is below 95°F.

Place any areas potentially affected by frostbite or frostnip in warm water, and warm them under dry blankets. Don’t rub or massage these areas and do not use heaters or heating pads to warm them. Once you start warming, do not stop warming until normal temp has resumed.

Don’t Stay Inside All Winter

It’s easy to fall into a trap of saying “It’s just too cold out today.” If we stayed indoors every time temperatures dropped, we would miss out on plenty of wonderful family memories. (But we can bring outside play in when it’s just not possible to go outside).

With a little knowledge and preparation, it’s (almost) never too cold to take kids outside. Playing outdoors all winter long is not only possible, but absolutely beneficial for our kids – and for us.

But if You Need to Stay Inside…

Here are some great ideas for you on those days where you just can’t seem to get out or weather conditions don’t permit. Check out our Best Indoor Active Toys for Kids (and Games too) or how to Bring the Outdoors Inside.

Hiking in Cold Weather with Babies
Cold Weather Gear
How to Build an Ice Igloo
Staying Connected to Nature in the Winter