Tips for Winter Travel with Kids
Taking trips in the winter can be a great way to avoid crowds, get better deals on expenses (excepting the holidays, of course), and inject some excitement into those colder, grayer days. But winter travel can also present some unique challenges, especially when traveling with kids. Weather considerations and seasonality make preparation and planning just a bit more tricky. These tips will help you go into your winter travel with kids a bit more confident.
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Get the right gear
The key to successful winter days exploring with children is having them properly outfitted for the weather. Don’t skip on this part! If you want your kids to last in the cold, make sure they have well-fitting jackets, gloves, hats and shoes.
I think these one-piece options are amazing for smaller kids. In fact, these are the most common option you see children wearing in Denmark. Kids are outside, no matter the weather, every day in these.
The one-piece options are also available in adult sizes, if that’s your thing. Maybe one of these interests you? I prefer to go with a longer (think mid-thing to knee-length) jacket – it makes a huge difference in staying warm. Of course, it’s the most important to have a good jacket that fits well – not too big or it will let in air and be heavy to wear, not too small or it will be uncomfortable to move around in.
For older kids or anyone who doesn’t one-piece, try adding an extra layer of thermal pants to their bottom sections. I think this makes a huge difference in keeping them warm.
Lined shoes are clutch if the temperatures are colder. If you’re planning to do a lot of walking, make sure to have your child wear these around a few times prior to your trip. Blisters from new shoes are the death of a good travel day – trust me on this!
Hats and gloves finish the gear list for kids. I think any good beanie/toboggan will do the trick, or one of these if you have younger kids. Balaclavas like this one are great on extremely cold days.
Go at the pace the weather dictates
Weather is the main issue to be tackled during any winter trip. Part of planning a successful winter trip is to go in with a flexible itinerary that accounts for unpredictable weather. This is especially important for seeing sights outdoors. If your temperatures are freezing or it’s raining or snowing, you might choose to delay outdoor events by a day, depending on the severity of the conditions. Instead, stack indoor events that day.
Even if you can make it out (I love a snowy walk anywhere), take into account how long your kids will want to be out in the elements. Plan for shorter bursts of outdoor time with breaks that allow you to dry out. Embrace the weather you have. By all means, get out in it and don’t let it ruin your trip, but also understand the reality of what kind of weather you’re facing. It’s a balance.
If the weather is wet or cold, plan in breaks that allow everyone to dry out, or even change clothes.
Maximize daylight hours
Shorter days mean less time for some (not all) outdoor activities on your trip. Consider carefully what things you’re planning will work in the dark and what won’t. Make sure to purposely place those things that need daylight in the right time slot. Get out when the sun comes up and try to maximize those outdoor activities in the heart of the day.
If you catch a good weather day, maybe sun or mild temperatures, run with it! Get up and get out, knowing that your relax time will be in the evening when the sun has set. It will be an amazing combination, especially for kids.
Embrace coziness
One of the best ways to enjoy a winter trip is to simply embrace the season. You won’t be able to treat it the same as a summer trip, and that’s ok. You might not be able to see or do as much as you would in another season, so let go of those expectations and enjoy what the winter offers. Cozy vacation movie nights, warm drinks, lingering museum afternoons, slower morning starts, etc.
Preaching to the choir here, but sometimes we have to learn to embrace slow. Winter is a great teacher for that. After maximizing those daylight hours or a long day in the elements, kids will love the chance to unwind at your accommodation with movies and games.
Coziness is often a lot easier if you are staying in a cozy place. Consider what elements boost this kind of vibe for your family. Maybe a hotel can’t really provide this atmosphere, so book a cozy apartment, or a place with a lovely view. Look for a comfy hangout area, or a kitchen that allows for throwing together fun snacks and hot drinks. Maybe a fireplace indoors or outdoors. We love to use VRBO to find amazing places to stay wherever we travel.
You may also find that there are closures at certain seasonal, non-winter destinations. Researching this in advance can help to spare some frustration, so look into opening hours before you plan.
Mix indoor/outdoor activities
This is a real game changer if you find yourself dealing with some cold or dark days. Look for museums, libraries, theaters or bookstores that offer a respite from the elements. Kids will enjoy the break from being layered up.
Our favorite options in cities are museums, especially interactive ones that have great spaces for kids to explore. These don’t have to be dedicated kid museums! Most of our more memorable experiences have been in museums that interested the whole family.
Public libraries can also be amazing, free places to take a respite. Here in Copenhagen, for instance, you’ll find incredible spaces for kids to read or play for a bit, with cafes on site for adults to grab a hot drink and a croissant. It’s an incredible resource to take advantage of in any city.
Cafes with amazing treats and coffee are always a lifesaver. Of course, you’ll have to research these based on your location, but having this option on especially cold or wet days will make a huge difference in the success of your trip. Look up options prior to heading out for the day and just keep a short list of choices. It’s not always fun trying to read reviews on the fly, especially in the cold or rain, so a bit of prior research will really help.
If your winter travels take you somewhere in nature, plan a long lunch break at your accommodation with hot chocolate or some reading time by the fire. Take along a few card games and give everyone a solid hour to warm up before heading back out for the afternoon.
All in all, I find that kids are usually pretty good-natured about weather. Sometimes, they keep a better perspective than adults and enjoy any kind of adventure. With a bit of preparation, winter travel with kids can be a huge success. Enjoy your travels this winter!
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