Take a Weather Walk

In this activity, we invite kids to focus on something that is always around and always changing—the weather! With the help of printed weather cards and their imaginations, kids can go on a “weather walk” and practice adjusting to the weather.

The Guide

Step 1: Notice the weather.

Head outside with kids and take a moment together to notice what is happening with the weather where you live. What does the air feel like? Smell like? What do kids notice about the light and shadows? What do they notice about the temperature?

If you can, lie down on the ground and look up at the clouds. What shapes do kids see in the clouds? Are the clouds moving fast or slow?

Step 2: Introduce the play scenario.

Ask kids what types of activities they like to do in this type of weather. Wonder, what would happen if the weather suddenly changed? How might we adjust our plans and our activities?

Step 3: Take a pretend Weather Walk!

Grab the printable Weather Walk cards and, if you'd like, a few props kids can use for pretending (e.g. umbrella, blanket) and head out on a Weather Walk in your outdoor space. Every so often, stop and pick a new card to look at together. For each card, wonder: "How could we adjust to this type of weather?" Then, act it out together!


To support play, model and/or suggest some play ideas. For example:

  • Wind: Enjoy bed sheet parachute play or twirl with wind flags.
  • Too Hot: Use a leaf as a fan, make cooling wind with bed sheets, turn a bed sheet into a cool cave.
  • Too Cold: Turn a bed sheet into a cozy blanket and pretend to sip warm tea/cocoa.
  • Thunderstorm: Drape bed sheets over a table, chairs or other objects and take shelter!
  • Sunshine: Turn a bed sheet into a picnic blanket or beach towel. 
  • Rain: Turn a bed sheet into a shelter or a puddle.
  • Snow: Pretend to put on snow gear and turn a sheet into a sled.
Want more ideas like this? Try some of these DIY activities to inspire kids to make discoveries about the weather and the air around them:

Why is this activity great for kids?

The weather is always shifting, from day to day, and even from one moment to the next. If we can adjust their focus and stay playful with the weather, we can help them stay safe and still have fun—no matter what the weather brings! Pretending to go on a weather walk is also a great way to help kids stimulate multiple senses and develop creativity, problem solving skills, and persistence.

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