How to dress kids for wet weather play
From puddle-jumping to mud-splashing, equip your little Wildlings with the ultimate wet weather gear and watch them embrace the elements with joy and confidence.
Kids don’t care about muddy clothes, wrecked shoes or getting wet – as long as they’re having fun!
But for many parents, especially those that do the laundry, it can be hard to let go of these concerns and let themselves embrace a messy, rainy moment of connection outdoors.
Or worse, it’s easy to think about everything your child needs to be prepared for the rain – only to find yourself getting drenched and dreaming of home.
With the right gear, the wet weather can be a glorious invitation to different kinds of play, and nature truly sparkles when the leaves glisten and the forest is bathed in life-giving waters.
Check out our top tips for staying dry and prepared for nature play in any weather – and let yourself tap into the innocent joy of playing with your kids outdoors.
1. A good rain jacket is your best friend
These don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars, but if you do choose to invest in one, they have a long life and will serve you through many wet seasons. Choose a jacket that can pack down small and light so it will fit easily in your backpack – many can be rolled into an internal pocket or the hood. There’s a huge range of options to choose from but pick something you can be comfortable in with layers underneath or without. We’re partial to jackets with pit-zips, as these allow for extra ventilation under the armpits and help to prevent the feeling of being wet inside your jacket.
2. Gumboots aren’t just for kids
Suitable footwear is key to being able to stay the course outdoors when the weather turns. There’s nothing like wet socks to make you think of retreating inside to the four walls, so we suggest getting yourself some waterproof footwear. Anything that you can get wet to at least ankle-deep will make you feel invincible walking through puddles and water runoff.
Choose something with a good grip on the sole and consider your choice of socks. Woolen socks are far superior to cotton when it comes to wet, cold weather. They are antibacterial, excellent for insulation as the fibers keep heat close to the skin, and they don’t soak easily. Instead, they give off moisture, retaining a third of their weight before completely becoming damp. Cotton socks, by contrast, rate low on breathability and are likely to soak through quickly, become smelly, and essentially ruin your experience outdoors. Look after your feet, and that’s half the battle won when the rain comes.
3. Backpack cover
Ok, you’ve got your rain jacket, your gumboots, your toes are nice and cosy in your woolen socks but... your backpack is completely soaked through. Not anymore – waterproof backpack covers are inexpensive and lightweight, protecting your gear, snacks and spare clothes from the pouring rain. They pack down extremely small, and some backpacks come with them already built in. Alternatively, consider getting some dry bags to keep your belongings dry in wet conditions, they come in a variety of sizes from small to large, protecting your phone, keys and bigger items.
4. SNACKS!
A rumbling tummy is no fun even when the sun is shining, and the same goes for wet weather play. Consider non-perishable and fuss-free snacks, such as trail mix, bliss balls or muesli bars. High-protein snacks will keep you and your kids fueled for fun – jumping in puddles takes energy! It might also be a treat to prep a thermos with hot chocolate or herbal tea for when you need to warm yourselves from the inside out.
5. Towels
When the fun is done, it’s time to get dry – but consider your towel strategy. Traditional beach towels are quite bulky and can quickly become heavy when wet. We prefer quick-dry and compact towels for the outdoors – they’re versatile and pack down to a convenient size when space is limited. They won’t weigh down your backpack and they’re highly absorbent – a great addition to the wet weather adventure kit.
We hope these tips will help you feel better prepared for nature play in any weather.
Remember, being outdoors is not just about your kids – it's also about you having a meaningful and enjoyable experience in nature. Your kids will thank you for it, and so will your toes!
Be sure to share your rainy day adventures with us @wildlings_forestschool.
And if you need a little encouragement and support on your journey with risky play, book into one of our programs and join a community of like-minded families putting the dirt back into childhood. Spaces available in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast here https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/bookings.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.