{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"As the days grow shorter, it\u0027s tempting to stay indoors, but just because the temperature\u0027s dropping doesn\u0027t mean the fun has to! ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EColder weather is the perfect excuse to wrap up warm, head outside and try something new. From wintery adventures to active outdoor games, there\u0027s so much more to do than just sip hot chocolate (though we won\u2019t judge if that\u2019s part of your plan too!). So grab your hat and gloves, get ready to embrace the cold and discover how much fun the frosty outdoors can really be!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20178/a-boy-cub-is-sat-outside-an-outdoor-den-it-is-nighttime-and-he-is-looking-up-at-the-sky-two-other-cubs-are-sat-behind-him.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Cub in a green uniform and yellow necker sits in a den at nighttime looking at the sky with two Cubs sitting behind.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdd some magic to the dark winter nights by experimenting with \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/light-painting/\u0022 title=\u0022Light painting\u0022\u003Elight painting\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Try light painting"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBundle up and enjoy an evening of \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-stargazing/\u0022 title=\u0022Go stargazing\u0022\u003Estargazing\u003C/a\u003E. Use binoculars or a telescope to spot constellations and planets, or use some star spotting phone apps.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Stargazing"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHead to a local ice rink and enjoy practising your balance. Discover our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/example-risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Example risk assessments\u0022\u003Eexample risk assessment\u003C/a\u003E to get you started.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Ice skating"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECreate beautiful sun catchers by freezing leaves and nature items in shallow pans of water. Hang them from trees to catch the sunlight during the day.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Frozen sun catchers"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGather around a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/running-a-campfire-event/\u0022 title=\u0022Running a campfire event\u0022\u003Ecampfire\u003C/a\u003E to share spooky, funny or silly stories while enjoying tasty \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/scrumptious-s-mores/\u0022 title=\u0022Scrumptious s\u2019mores\u0022\u003Es\u0027mores\u003C/a\u003E, then warm up your vocal with our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/campfire-songs/\u0022 title=\u0022Campfire songs\u0022\u003Ecampfire songs\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Campfire story time"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-brilliant-bird-feeders/\u0022 title=\u0022Make brilliant bird feeders\u0022\u003EMake some bird feeders\u003C/a\u003E and spot which feathered friends visit throughout winter.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Feed the birds"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EGive everyone an empty matchbox and see how many small items they can collect during your walk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Matchbox challenge"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EMake the most of rainy days by hosting a puddle jumping contest. See who can make the biggest splash or have the most creative jumping style!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Puddle jumping competition"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EPaint a picture with watercolours, then set it outside in the rain to see how the raindrops change it.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Rain painting"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EUse wax crayons and paper to create bark rubbings from tree trunks and explore textures in nature. Why not turn them into \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/8381f49ed4c64a74a20bff6c8b34a580}\u0022\u003Ebark monsters\u003C/a\u003E?\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Bark rubbing"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EHead out on a torch-lit walk to spot or hear nocturnal wildlife, and create \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/e20ddbb0f4d14fba9314864693d72f34}\u0022\u003Enature bingo cards\u003C/a\u003E with winter elements, such as pine cones and animal tracks.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou could ask everyone to stay quiet for several minutes, taking note of everything that they hear, such as owls.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhy not make journey sticks on your journey too? Give everyone a stick and encourage them to collect items, such as fallen leaves, feathers or flowers during the walk. They can attach these to the stick using string or elastic bands to create a visual record of the walk.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Winter torch-lit treasure hunt"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EBlow bubbles outside on a cold day and watch them freeze in mid-air for a magical experience.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Frozen bubble experiment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EOne player is the \u2018tourist\u2019 who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a torch. All the other players must stay as still as a statue, but they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the torch on they must stay still. When the torch is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue laugh or move. If they do, the statue joins the tourist\u2019s team and they go help the tourist on the next round.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Play statue and tourist"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p2\u0022\u003ETake a night-time walk to enjoy the holiday lights in your area. You could do it with a warm drink or even as part of a \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/e4db6c48b3fc46aaa78b493e041462c8}\u0022\u003Echippy hike\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Christmas light walk"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EUse the winter months to construct and hang a bat house, \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/6641dd4187484ad7af42a99848b5b8d6}\u0022\u003Ebird house\u003C/a\u003E or hedgehog house, and help practice your DIY skills.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Build an animal house"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EFill water bottles with coloured water and freeze them for bowling pins. Use a ball, such as a tennis ball, for a fun outdoor game!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Ice bowling"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EPack warm food for a winter walk, such as soup or hot chocolate, to keep everyone toasty.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Enjoy a warm picnic"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEnjoy flying a kite in the winter winds, adding colour to the grey sky. You could even \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/a0484abaf8574956ba6a381e694dec6d}\u0022\u003Emake your own kite\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Fly a kite"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EGrab a frisbee and head out to the local disc golf course during the day to get moving.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Play disc golf"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EUse our guide to \u003Ca href=\u0022umb://document/e09bbfb066684a37b85d7aa832a845d8}\u0022\u003Emorse code\u003C/a\u003E, then race to see who can decode a pre-created message first.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Practice morse code"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EOne player is \u2018it\u2019 and they have a torch. \u2018It\u2019 guards a flag and tries to stop the other players from capturing it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003E\u2018It\u2019 can move around as much as they like, but watch out \u2013 if the flag is left unattended for too long it might get captured.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe rest of the players spread out and have to creep towards the flag as silently and slowly as they can, using trees and bushes for cover.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003E\u2018It\u2019 has to listen carefully and look for players among the shadows, then try to tag the players with the torch beam before they reach the flag.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe winner is the first person to capture the flag, or the last person to be tagged if no-one reaches the flag.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe winner also gets to be \u2018it\u2019 when the game starts again.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Try torch tag"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/10602/campfire-circle.jpg","width":1732,"height":1154,"altText":"A big campfire circle at Gilwell Reunion.","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities in Scouts must be safely managed. It\u2019s important to choose an appropriate, accessible outdoor area. You may need to think about avoiding steps, being close to public transport, or steep gradients or including frequent breaks. You must have permission to use the location.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must complete a thorough\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. You should use our\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Check out our guidance to help you carry out your \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW181642174 BCX4\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways get\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/approving-activities-guidance-for-commissioners/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, and have suitable\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and an\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process. You may need some parents and carers to help.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways check the weather forecast before running the activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou should inform parents and carers of any change in venue, days or times, and have a suitable drop-off/collection point. You could use our\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003Eactivity information forms\u003C/a\u003E, and always make sure everyone knows what people should bring and wear.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore playing a wide game, there are some things you need to do to help keep everybody safe and make sure everyone can be included. Take a look at our advice on \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Running active games safely\u0022\u003Erunning active games safely and accessibly\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/3958/localevents_wintercamp_burnfire2_2019.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A Scout in a knitted hat sits outside.","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"21 October 2024","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Check out our programme blog","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/?term=programme","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Scouts Activity Finder","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Staying safe in Scouts","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Scouts cold weather and winter advice","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/cold-weather-and-winter-advice/","newWindow":false}],"id":82161,"nodeName":"21 activities to do outside in colder weather","title":"21 activities to do outside in colder weather","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/19153/squirrel-lighting-fire.jpg?cc=0.0000000000000001263187085796,0.013332381020403307,0,0.1429778825322\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f49d5c70","caption":"Volunteer interacting with Squirrel around campfire","type":"jpg","size":1091482,"width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Squirrel wearing a red jumper sits next to a volunteer while trying to light a fire."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"21 activities to do outside in colder weather","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"As the days grow shorter, it\u0027s tempting to stay indoors, but just because the temperature\u0027s dropping doesn\u0027t mean the fun has to!","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MjE2MSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/october/21-activities-to-do-outside-in-colder-weather/"}