Why Outdoor Play in Winter Is Actually the Best (Yes, Even in the Rain!)

Have you ever heard of the Norwegian saying -“Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” (probably not!) but it translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”

At Made to be Messy our Kids Creative Studio located in Heathridge, Perth, we live and breathe this philosophy. As the cooler months settle in, many families start searching for indoor play options in Perth to escape the chill. But what if we told you that winter might just be the best season for outdoor play of them all?

From jumping in puddles to discovering bugs in wet soil, outdoor play in winter offers rich, real-life learning opportunities - and it’s something we encourage and embrace every day at our studio.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children – Even When It’s Cold or Raining

Outdoor play is always valuable, but winter adds an extra layer of magic. Here’s why:

1. Builds Resilience and Independence

Learning to play through light rain or cold wind helps children develop problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and a "can-do" mindset - essential life skills that begin in the playground.

 2. Boosts Immune Systems

Studies show that regular time outdoors can strengthen children's immune systems - and we totally all want WAY MORE of that!. A bit of fresh air (yes, even the cold air!) supports healthy bodies and reduces the risk of bugs spreading indoors.

3. Encourages Curiosity and Creativity

Nature is a sensory playground only enhanced by winter weather - the feel of wet bark, the splash of muddy puddles, the sound of rain on leaves. These experiences help spark creativity, language development, and early scientific thinking.

4. Connects Children to the Natural World

Children who play outside all year round develop a deeper appreciation for nature, seasons, and the environment - all key elements of play-based learning.

How to Tackle Rainy Day Play Like a Pro

The key to successful outdoor play in winter? Preparation! With the right gear, your child can explore, create, and play for hours—no matter the weather.

Here are our top tips:

Layer Up: Start with a warm base layer and build from there—think thermals, long sleeves, and a fleece or jumper 

Waterproof Outerwear: A quality raincoat or puddle suit is a game-changer! At Made to be Messy, we provide puddle suits , but we also encourage families to bring their own waterproof layers.

Gumboots Are Essential: Cold, wet socks are no fun! Gumboots keep little feet warm and dry, and they’re perfect for puddle-stomping.

Pack a Change of Clothes: Almost the MOST important! Having dry clothes on hand means kids can transition comfortably after outdoor play.

The better prepared your child is for the weather, the more freedom and fun they’ll experience outdoors.

What Happens at Made to be Messy When It Rains?

Spoiler: we don’t cancel play—we adapt it.

As we have an indoor and an outdoor area at our Perth Kids Studio -you may be wondering what happens during wet weather. At Made to be Messy, we provide a flexible, all-weather space that supports indoor and outdoor play, no matter what the weather forecast says.

☀️ On sunny winter days:

We open both our indoor studio and outdoor play areas—encouraging exploration, creativity, and messy fun.

🌧️ On rainy days:

We move most activities inside but still offer access to our outdoor garden for those who are keen to jump in puddles and embrace sensory play.

We provide puddle suits and umbrellas, and we encourage families to pack:

• A raincoat
  

• Gumboots
  

• A sense of adventure!
  

⚡ On stormy days:

If there’s thunder and lightning or really heavy rain, we keep things cosy and safe by transforming our indoor space into a full play zone—ensuring no one misses out on the fun.

It is worth noting though that for our Little Learners, 6-18 month old sessions, all activities are based indoors during winter - parents can absolutely venture outside if they wish but we like to keep our little loves nice and warm and dry until they can toddle aroudn themselves!

Winter Play = Real-World Learning

Outdoor play in winter is more than just a way to burn energy. It’s a chance for kids to:

• Discover the science of weather
  

• Learn to manage discomfort and adapt
  

• Engage all their senses
  

• Strengthen social skills and emotional regulation
  
  

Ready to Let Them Get a Little Messy This Winter?

If you’re looking for kids activities in Perth this winter that are fun, developmentally beneficial, and suitable in all kinds of weather, you’ve found your people.

At Made to be Messy, we don’t just tolerate a bit of mess - we celebrate it. And that includes muddy puddles and rainy-day play.

So rug up, pull on those gumboots and let your child experience the fun of real-world, play-based learning - rain or shine.

We’ll have the puddle suits waiting 🙂