12 Ways to get your 1000 hours outside in the winter months. We have decided to take part in the 1000 hours outdoors challenge. I think we will be okay as we are a relatively active family and love spending time outside. Especially at the moment as the boys both need to run wild each day after homeschooling. However, I have read a few articles that have said it can be difficult to make the hours up. If you don’t clock up some hours during the Winter.
Not taking seasonal changes into account you need to clock up 2.7 hours a day. Realistically with work and school during the week that’s a bit of a challenge for us. So I am aiming for 30 hours in January, February, November and December. Making the rest of the hours up during the Spring, Summer and Autumn. So how are we going to manage it?
12 Ways to get your 1000 hours outside in the winter months
1.Geocaching
This is a new found love of ours and something we only discovered recently. It has really helped get the kids out. The excitement of finding something hidden. And although we are yet to find one of those really unusual caches. Even just the thrill of finding a little one and adding plastic beads of our own is enough to get the boys out in the fresh air. You can read more about how to get started with geocaching here.
2. Gardening
We have a veggie patch and it proved a really useful way of getting the kids outside to enjoy the fresh air. This week we have been picking the seeds and they have got really into the varieties we are going to grow. Although they are not so keen on the weeding they do love planting and digging. And now Charlie is older he has his own little part of one of the beds where he can grow whatever he wants. It is a great motivator
3. Mudpies
A big hit with our family. Hence the name of our blog! The muddier and the wetter the better as far as the kids are concerned. Of course, this one can be used over and over again just adding new props to keep the fun and exploration going.
4. Stargazing
With it being darker earlier in the day there is the opportunity for stargazing on a clear evening. All you need to do is make sure you are away from any light pollution so that you can see the stars better. The night sky is a good app to download to help you spot consollations and even planets!
5. Toasting Marshmallows
We get the really big US ones which means that they survive the flame-grilled option a little better than the standard size. The boys love it and the campfire or fire pit helps to keep you toasty. Why not add to the experience by having hot chocolate on standby.
6. National Trust Trails
We are huge National Trust fans and always get good usage of our passes every year. At the moment with lockdown, we are limited to the places we can visit. But once we are allowed again then there’s a long list of wonderful places. Plus National Trust almost always has some sort of trail on for the kids. Just after Christmas, we managed to pick up the Peter Rabbit trail at our closest garden.
7. Climbing trees & tree stumps
The boys love climbing and will happily spend ages just messing around on logs and stumps. Both really enjoy it so it means it is something they can do together. And since the playgrounds are out this is a great way to get some gross motor skills in. The boys will quite often ask to go and find the logs. And if we find a good one then they always want to return on the back for one last climb!
8. Homeschooling outside
Looking at four walls we can all go a little stir crazy so it is a great way to break the monotony of homeschooling. And take it outside. It works especially well with Harry. We go from counting things such as teddy bears to leaves and practising phonics as loud as we possibly can. Because outside we don’t need to worry about conference calls and the like!
9. Finding sticks in the woods
And the bigger the better. The boys love a stick and quite often start duelling each other. Of course, that can end a little in tears but alternatively, we can take the Nerf with us which can be just as fun! If they happen to find a stream in the woods then that’s even better!
10. Feeding the ducks and the birds
The more the merrier, we recently even enjoyed feeding the pigeons. But if you cant get to a local pond then its possible to enjoy feeding them in your garden. By making some easy bird feeders using, seed, glycerine and cookie cutters. Or even just peanut butter spread on toilet rolls covered in seed.
11. Torchlight walk
Another favourite with Charlie is what he calls a nighttime walk. Only it is not really nighttime, more dusk. Which of course is much earlier in the Winter. There is something special being allowed out after dark.
12. Hunting for cobwebs
A great natural treasure hunt is looking for cobwebs that have been frozen or dewy. There is something lovely about walking in the crisp foggy mornings. Or those which are cold but bright and sunny.
Have you committed to the 1000 hours outside? What are your plans to get outside during the winter months?
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12 Ways to get your 1000 hours outside in the winter months
22 Responses
In tis weather, it is much more difficult to get motivated to go outside. Thanks for the suggestions. I love the idea of going out in the dark with torches.
That is a challenge during the week, but you have found some excellent ideas. If you have a stream poo sticks was always fun as well
Lots of good ideas here. Arlo particularly enjoys sticks and climbing trees. He gets bored just “going for a walk” so as long as there is something to do at the end of the walk he is happy
Some fab ideas its always nice to get out and about
Now that the weather has got so much colder it is all so easy to just stay curled up and at home with my kids. But getting out no matter the weather really does seem to do us all the world of good. I love the geocaching and I must get round to downloading that app!
Perhaps I am missing something but I am not sure that those of us with smaller or non-existent gardens can manage anything like 1000 hours in three months with just 1 hour a day for exercise
In a normal year I’d easily get 1,000hrs outdoors with music festivals, camping etc. But this year it’s going to be difficult. Some good ideas here though, thanks
I was not aware of the 1000 hours challenge. We currently spend about 30 minutes outdoors every day, unless the weather is really bad. We will have to add some more outdoor activities.
Great ideas here, hunting for cobwebs sounds fun!
Lots of fun ideas
So much fun to be had ! We wont get bored
I love these ideas. Blimey 2.7 hours a day! We definitely aren’t managing that at the moment everyday, it’s too cold!
Great Ideas I love how there’s always something to do or find outside . The home schooling outside is good. I sit in our greenhouse with my grandson we like reading in there
Some fab ideas here for the outdoor people
I’ve always wanted to toast marshmallows.
We haven’t committed to the 1000 hours but do try to get out as much as possible, these are some great suggestions for ways to get out.
To get some outside time it would mainly be out in the garden either maintaining it or playing games or walking the dog through the village or over the farmers’ fields..
I would love to try geocaching with my son, I think he would really enjoy it.
having lots of fun outside!
Everyone does need to get outside at some point in the day to stay sane at the moment
Lovely ideas how to spend more time outside, I always find this weather puts me off but it is very important especially during these difficult times
All of these are good ideas. A torchlit walk is a favourite. Have you ever tried a night walk, turning off the torch, and letting your eyes get used to the dark? You’d be surprised how much you can actually see.