My Favorite Outdoor Products for Kids and Families

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Last year we completed the 1000 hours outside challenge and managed over 1000 hours! I have three kids that are 5 and under so it was a challenge, but we did it! We live in an area that has cold winters and warm summers, so we followed the harsh winters guide provided by 1000 hours outside.

Getting hours outside is so important even if you don’t want to do the challenge! I know everyone in my house is a lot happier when we’ve all had a chance to spend some time outside. Right now, kids only spend 4-7 minutes on average outside each day but spend 4-6 HOURS on screens (THAT’S CRAZY!!). No wonder everyone is so dysregulated these days.

My best advice for being able to successfully complete the challenge or to just be able to easily get some time outside is to be prepared! Make sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately, and you have the right gear that will make it possible for you to go outside! Here are my suggestions!

Baby/Toddler Carrier

Before my youngest started walking last April, she spent A LOT of time tagging along in my LILLEbaby carrier! I have had the same carrier that I have used for all 3 kids. It has held up great and worth the investment! Once she started walking, we also invested in a Deuter backpack carrier so that she could sit up higher on my back. We hiked quite a few miles last summer with this backpack carrier and it was comfortable for both me and my husband, as well as my kiddo!

Snow/Rainsuit

Getting out in the winter is always harder because it takes a lot more effort to get your kids ready! A good snow/rain suit is perfect for keeping kiddos dry and warm during the winter and spring months. If your kids are anything like mine, there’s not a lot that will keep them from going outside! Our favorite suit is the Jan and Jul rain suit. I love that they are one piece. We opted for the regular, not the fleece lined, because for the most part our winters aren’t terrible and with good base layers we can use it in both the winter and spring, saving us money. If you have harsher winters, you might want to get the fleece lined, as well, for extra warmth. These suits do fit generously, so we will be able to get 2 years out of them.

Shoes

Here are some of my favorite outdoor shoes for myself and my kids-

• Women’s Sandals: I am big on barefoot style shoes to help with proper foot development, so last summer I lived in my Earth Runners! I wore them literally every day and did everything from hiking to walks at the park in them. They held up perfectly!
• Women’s Snow Boots
• Women’s Rain Boots
• Kids Tennis Shoes: my son has worn these everyday since we got them, they have ZERO wear and tear. He goes to a homeschool co-op twice a week where he spends most of the time running around outside, so he as definitely put some miles on them. I am so impressed because they’re so inexpensive.
• Kids Hiking Boots
• Kids Snow Boots
• Toddler Snow/Rain Boots: these Boggs are a fantastic choice for toddlers because they are easy to walk in, unlike most snow boots that are super bulky. All 3 of my kids have had a pair of these and I’ve always been able to pass them down to the next child. They hold up really well! They are also light enough that they can be worn in the fall and spring months without being too warm for their feet. I love things that can be used for multiple seasons!
• Kids Rain Boots

 Accessories

• Gloves
• Mittens
• Base Layers

Stroller/Wagons

One of the best investments we have made is a good stroller or wagon!

• The BOB stroller is amazing! It can easily go over any terrain
• Veer wagon
• Thule Bike Trailer

Getting outside isn’t always easy with kids, but it is always worth it!