10 Best Weather-Proof Clothing to Maximize Outdoor Time

In the Charlotte Mason method, we understand the value of time out in nature. Miss Mason recommends children to be outdoors 4 to 6 hours a day in good weather, but also to find time to get out of the house even when the weather is not ideal. 

If you’re like me, it’s not that easy to get the kids out when it’s raining, much less when it’s freezing! But in Home Education Volume 1, she devotes an entire chapter on “Walks in Bad Weather,” and talks about how crucial it is for us to experience nature through all seasons: learning how trees shed their leaves in the fall, and how they start to come alive again come spring. She even goes into detail about the kind of clothing to use! 

Surprisingly, she doesn’t recommend using waterproof gear, but instead emphasizes the importance of changing into dry clothes as soon as we get indoors. However, in this day and age when our outdoor time doesn’t usually mean we get to change clothes right away, we prefer to use waterproof clothes for our kids to be out in the rain and snow. 

Highly Recommended Weather-Proof Clothing to Encourage Outdoor Play 

Here are some of our recommendations of the best clothing options to help you get the kids outside for the not-so-sunny days: 

1. Oaki Rain & Trail Suit 

The great thing about the Oaki is that it’s not only waterproof, it’s also breathable—which seems to be Miss Mason’s main concern with clothing! Because it’s in one-piece, you also do away with getting wet at the gaps or intersecting points. It’s also easy to clean so you can quicky get it up and ready again for your next adventure. 

2. The North Face Little Kids/Big Kids Boys’ Reversible Perrito Jacket

This jacket boasts of its insulation and water repellent fabric to keep your little ones warm and dry. It also comes with a three-piece hood that’s also insulated, making sure you keep your kids’ heads warm. With pockets on the outer jacket and a chest pocket with a secure zip, your kids can also pick up and bring their different nature finds during the cold weather. 

3. Wantdo Boy’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Ski Jacket Warm Winter Snow Coat Fleece Softshell Jacket Raincoat 

This waterproof jacket, with elastic fabric and a zipper closure, is sure to keep the kids warm and dry, both in snow or rain. Its tough outer shell means it’s durable against accidental tears, and it comes with a hood and fleece filling and insulation to keep the little ones warm. It’s also machine-washable, making cleanup easy for your next trip out. 

4. WindRider Toddler Elbow Length Waterproof Mittens

These mittens go all the way up to the elbows, ensuring that no snow gets inside! They are also waterproof, so you can let them play and know their hands will stay completely dry and warm inside. Oh, and when it’s time to store them? Clip them together and keep from losing one of the pair while playing in the snow or in the laundry! 

5. N’Ice Caps Kids Thinsulate Waterproof Warm Winter Snow Ski Glove with Ridges 

Mittens are nice at keeping our kids’ hands warm, but they can usually play better in gloves! These are insulated and fully waterproof, so you can rest assured their hands will stay dry and warm even when playing with snow. You can also tuck the knitted cuff under your child’s coat sleeves to keep snow from getting in the gloves. 

6. Jingle Bongala Boys Girls Lighteweight Breathable Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket 

If you live in a climate that doesn’t snow, consider this waterproof and windproof rain jacket and windbreaker for the cooler months. It comes with pockets, a hood, zipper closure, and is easy to fold up and bring in your backpack for those hikes with the kids. 

7. Columbia Boys’ Glennaker Rain Jacket 

This jacket comes in a waterproof nylon shell, making it lightweight despite the protective layer, making it perfect for layering once the cold weather sets in. Some buyers have commented that it seems more suited to light rain rather than extremely heavy rain, but at least one customer tried it under waterfalls and found that it’s waterproof enough to shed the water! 

8. Columbia Girls’ Katelyn Crest Jacket 

This jacket comes with waterproof protection in a puffy insulated fabric. It also comes with an adjustable storm hood, and faux fur for an extra bit of pretty that most little girls like. But, note that you will need to take the fur part off before putting the coat in the dryer. It also comes with two front hand warmer pockets, so if you’re looking for more pockets, you may need to check out other options. 

9. ALEADER Kids Snow Boots Insulated Waterproof Boys Girls Winter Boots 

These adjustable snow boots gives a comfortable but secure fit for your children’s feet. The side zipper design makes it easy to put on and take off, and because they’re water-resistant, you can be sure your kids’ feet stay warm and dry in snow and rain. It comes with textured heel and sole for a non-slip outdoor experience. 

10. Dream Pairs Boys & Girls Knee High Winter Snow Boots 

These rubber-soled boots make for great playdates out in the cold, and its waterproof shell bottom unit makes sure your kids’ feet can stay dry and warm. They are known to be durable and long-lasting, with the added plus of coming in cute designs. It also comes with an adjustable cinch at the top of the laces so you can easily adjust them even when you’re out in the freezing cold. 

Investing in Weather-Proof Clothing for Outdoor Play

If I hadn’t gotten into the Charlotte Mason method of education, I probably would never have dreamed about getting the kids out in all weather! But because of her strong convictions on the value of outdoor time, we have since seen buying weather-proof clothing and other paraphernalia more as investments in our children’s growth! Join us?