Weather as an Adventure:
Letting Kids (and Ourselves) Embrace the Elements
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright
As parents, we often dream of sunny days, clear skies, and perfect weather for family vacations. It’s easy to think that the best trips are the ones that happen in ideal conditions—those warm summer days that are easy to plan for. But what if I told you that some of the most memorable family adventures happen when you embrace the weather *as it comes*—rain, snow, or chilly winds included?
While our family tends to gravitate toward warm climates and sunny skies, we know traveling with kids isn’t just about sun-drenched days; it’s about letting them fully explore all weather as an opportunity for adventure. Instead of dreading a change in the forecast, we can shift our focus and follow our children’s natural tendencies to see every type of weather as part of the grand adventure—full of joy, discovery, and connection with nature. Here’s how to embrace the elements, no matter the weather.
1. Rain Can Be Fun
When the sky darkens, and rain begins to fall. The idea of getting wet, cold, or inconvenienced can feel like the end of the fun. But what if we shifted that perspective? Instead of running for cover, why not embrace the joy that rain can bring?
When it’s rainy outside, encourage them to put on their rain boots and splash in puddles. Let them play in the rain—whether it’s running down the street with arms outstretched, discovering how water flows down a hill, or simply watching the world change in front of them. You might even explore a new place in the rain, like a hidden trail that looks completely different when wet, or a quiet, misty park where the world feels more peaceful.
Rain can make the ordinary feel extraordinary, especially when we stop viewing it as an inconvenience. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids how to dress for the weather—rain jackets, waterproof shoes, and maybe a fun umbrella. Learning to adapt and have fun despite weather challenges is an important life skill.
2. Winter Wonderland: Turning Snow into a Playground
Winter often gets a bad reputation, especially if you’re not used to cold weather. And after living on the southeastern US coast, this is definitely true for us. But when you travel with kids in the winter, the world transforms into a playground of possibilities. Instead of staying inside, bundle up and embrace the chill! Soliana was very excited the first time she saw in Utah. Snow creates a magical backdrop for family adventures. Once when we were iceskating in Bryant Park in New York City, snowflakes started gently falling around us. It was truly magical!
Start by introducing your kids to the joys of winter sports, like sledding, skiing, or snowboarding. Or perhaps you’ll enjoy a slower pace with ice skating or building a snowman together. Kids can get creative in the snow—snowball fights, igloos, or simply lying down to make snow angels can turn a gray day into a moment of joy.
Not to mention, winter travel often offers fewer crowds, giving you and your family the space to fully enjoy the beauty and peace that winter brings. Whether you’re visiting a snowy mountain village or exploring a quiet, frozen lake, the crisp winter air and snow-covered landscape can create lasting memories. And don’t forget the warm-up afterward! A cozy cabin or a fire to toast marshmallows will be a delightful end to your winter adventure.
3. Wind as a Playmate: Harnessing the Power of the Breeze
Wind might not always seem like a big deal when planning family trips, but it can become an essential part of the adventure. From kites to windy beach days, teaching your kids to embrace the wind can turn an ordinary outing into a memorable experience.
On a breezy day, why not take your family to a beach or open field with kites? Running alongside the wind, watching your kids’ excitement as their kites soar high in the sky is pure magic. Or, if you’re near a coastline, you could introduce your children to the idea of windsurfing or simply enjoy watching the crashing waves, which look entirely different on a windy day.
Wind can also add an element of fun to hiking or nature walks. Watching the trees sway, feeling the breeze on your skin, and hearing the rustling of leaves can turn an afternoon walk into an enchanting experience. Use the wind to teach your kids about the environment and how nature interacts with the weather.
4. Sunny Days Aren’t the Only Perfect Days
Let’s face it: when the sun is shining, everything feels easy. Sunny weather tends to be everyone’s favorite because it offers so many possibilities: beach days, hikes, picnics, and outdoor play. However, while sunny days are certainly wonderful, it’s important for all of us to realize that the sun doesn’t always have to be shining to have an amazing time outdoors.
On sunny days, be sure to teach your children about the importance of sunscreen, hydration, and sun protection, while also helping them notice how different the environment is when the sun is out. But also remind them that every type of weather is valuable and has its own beauty. Sunny days allow for adventures, but so do rainy, windy, or snowy days—each in their own way.
5. The Unexpected Joy of Fog, Mist, and Clouds
Fog or misty mornings may seem mysterious or even eerie, but they can also add a sense of adventure to your family outings. These weather conditions can turn ordinary places into dream-like landscapes, and kids often find it thrilling to walk through a veil of mist or explore a forest that seems to disappear into the fog. A perfect example is the Fanal Forest in Madeira, Portugal.
Take the time to explore how the fog alters the way the world looks. What happens when the sun breaks through the mist? How do the trees, rocks, and rivers look when the fog surrounds them? There’s something truly magical about these soft, low-visibility days, and kids can learn to appreciate the quiet beauty of these weather conditions.
Even cloudy days can open up opportunities for creativity. Instead of wishing for the sunshine, use the moodier light to your advantage. This could be a great time to explore photography or simply appreciate how the world looks in softer, gentler light.
6. Teaching Flexibility: Adapting to Whatever Comes
One of the most important lessons you can teach your kids through travel is flexibility. Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, but that’s where the real fun happens. Whether it’s an unexpected rainstorm or a surprise chill in the air, kids who learn to adapt to the elements grow stronger and more confident in their ability to handle life’s curveballs.
Use the weather as an opportunity to encourage creativity and resourcefulness. If your planned outdoor activity is washed out by rain, why not head inside and explore a local museum, enjoy a cozy day in, or get creative with indoor games? If the temperature drops unexpectedly, pull out those extra layers, make sure your kids are comfortable, and head outside for an impromptu adventure in the cold. You can teach your kids that there’s no such thing as bad weather—just the wrong attitude.
Weather can be an unexpected ally on your family’s journey, turning every trip into an adventure filled with learning and growth. Kids naturally embrace the elements—whether it’s rain, snow, wind, or sun—and you can too. Fostering this natural tendency, you’ll both develop a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the world around you. Weather doesn’t have to ruin your plans—it can enhance your family’s adventure and create some of the most magical, memorable moments of your travels. So the next time the forecast looks like not your favorite, don’t hesitate: step outside, embrace the elements, and see where the adventure takes you!
Happy Travels!
