Let Them Play: The Joy (and Science) of Getting Kids Outside
Because fresh air doesn’t come with a season — and every day deserves a little wildness.
There’s a certain alchemy that happens the moment children step outside — a shift that no curated playroom or glowing screen can replicate. The chaos settles, the mood lifts, and suddenly, everyone breathes a little deeper. Whether they’re chasing waves, collecting conkers, or building kingdoms from wet sand, the outdoors invites children of every age to reconnect with something instinctive: freedom.
It’s easy to forget that, for most of human history, childhood was outdoors. Fields, forests, and shorelines were classrooms long before screens and schedules took over. And while modern life is rich in stimulation, it’s also saturated — too much light, too much noise, too little space to just be. Step into nature, though, and the balance restores itself. Science backs this up: regular outdoor play reduces stress hormones, boosts creativity, sharpens focus, and strengthens immunity. It also fosters resilience — that quietly essential skill we all hope our children will carry into adulthood.
But perhaps the biggest lesson nature teaches is that joy doesn’t depend on conditions. There’s beauty in the drizzle, magic in the mud, and a particular kind of peace that comes only after they’ve run wild in the wind. Parents often say it’s the one thing that never fails to reset a bad day. The only trick? Dressing for it. Because while resilience builds character, comfort builds enthusiasm — and that’s where the right kit makes all the difference.
The All-Weather Edit: For Every Age, Every Adventure
Red Equipment Kids’ Dry Waterproof Changing Robe Alter Evo Pro (from £84.95)
For the children who refuse to come in once they’ve found water, the Red Equipment Kids’ Dry Waterproof Changing Robe Alter Evo Pro is the ultimate shield against the elements. Its fully waterproof shell keeps the damp firmly out, while the super-soft lining cocoons them in instant warmth post-surf, swim, or puddle marathon. With deep pockets, an adjustable hood, and an oversized cut for easy outfit changes, it’s a car-boot essential that earns its keep twelve months a year.
Polarn O. Pyret Merino Wool Thermal Layers (from £28)
Ask any Scandinavian parent their secret to raising weatherproof kids, and you’ll hear the same thing: merino wool. Polarn O. Pyret’s iconic base layers are temperature-regulating, breathable, and whisper-soft. They trap warmth without bulk, wick away moisture, and resist odours naturally — meaning they stay fresh even after hours of muddy mayhem. Designed to layer effortlessly, they’re the unsung heroes of outdoor play: a comfort blanket you can run, climb, and conquer the world in..
Hunter Kids’ Wellies (from £40)
There’s a fine art to a perfect splash, and Hunter has perfected it. These lightweight, flexible wellies feature a non-slip sole that handles everything from slippery pavements to forest trails. They’re timeless, durable, and endlessly hand-me-downable — a design classic that makes even the most persistent puddles irresistible..
Wynken Wilderness Sherpa Jacket (£103)
Who said practical can’t be pretty? Wynken’s Wilderness Sherpa Jacket combines the plush tactility of fleece with the easy silhouette of modern outerwear. The pale pink hue brings subtle warmth to grey days, while the breathable design ensures freedom of movement for everything from woodland scrambles to weekend markets. It’s outdoor dressing that refuses to sacrifice style for function.
Töastie Puddle Suit (£69)
The all-in-one that redefines freedom. Töastie’s Puddle Suit is lightweight, waterproof, and beautifully made — crafted for kids who see a mud patch as an open invitation. A soft fleece lining adds warmth without weight, while taped seams, elasticated cuffs, and an adjustable hood keep little bodies snug and dry. Designed to withstand any downpour, it turns even greyest mornings into golden memories.
Konges Sløjd Pilote Matelassé Alpi Cerises (Recycled Fibres) (£80)
For the littlest explorer, Konges Sløjd’s Pilote Matelassé snowsuit turns winter into wonderland. Quilted from recycled fibres and printed with the brand’s signature cherry motif, it keeps babies warm without overheating. Fold-over hands and feet offer cosy coverage on pram strolls or chilly morning errands. Equal parts sustainable and sentimental, it’s proof that comfort and conscience can coexist — beautifully.
BabyBjörn Winter Cover for Baby Carrier (£92.90)
Because babies deserve the outdoors too. BabyBjörn’s Winter Cover transforms your carrier into an instant cocoon of warmth, protecting little ones from wind, drizzle, and cold. The soft fleece lining keeps them snug, while the water-resistant outer layer shields against unpredictable weather. Lightweight and easy to attach, it adjusts for front or back carrying — the kind of smart design that lets parents stay mobile no matter the forecast. Pair it with a wool hat and good boots, and even the frostiest morning walk becomes a family ritual worth repeating.
Wheat 2 Wool Balaclava “Felix” (£29.95)
When winter truly sets in, Wheat’s wool-blend balaclava keeps heads, ears, and necks snug in one streamlined layer. The fine merino-rich knit fits comfortably under hoods or helmets, providing warmth without bulk or itch. It’s the quiet essential you only notice when you forget it — a staple that makes cold days feel entirely manageable.
Because adventure doesn’t have to wait for the sun — it just needs a wardrobe that works with the weather, not against it. From first steps to first swims, these are the pieces that make the outdoors feel like home.
