Cold and Wet Weather

We meet rain or shine, all year. Here’s how we set up the morning when it’s cold or wet, and what helps families stay comfortable.

How we set up the stations

I fill the water the morning of class so it’s still warm when kids use it. That includes the handwashing station.
We use a lot less water at the stations in the colder months. On dry days you’ll see oats, rice, and cornmeal for pouring and scooping, plus playdough, which doesn’t get too cold to use. On rainy days the mud kitchen switches to things that don’t mind getting wet, like pinecones, rocks, and organic coconut coir.
Rain becomes part of the stations. We paint with it, set out pots and tins to catch it, and look for puddles on the walk.
We set out chunky tools that are easy to grip with mittens on, like foam rollers and paint sticks. On cold days we skip the really messy setups so kids aren’t washing their hands over and over. Extra washcloths are always out.
Circle stays short on cold mornings. Little bodies cool down when they stop moving, so we get up and walking sooner.

Bring a blanket to sit on at circle and snack. Cold, damp ground pulls heat fast when kids are sitting still.
Pack two pairs of mittens: a waterproof pair for wet play, and a warm pair that slips on and off easily for when hands just get cold. Our favorites are in the Gear Guide.
Pack two clean washcloths in a ziplock bag. We like one damp and one dry, but use whatever works for your family.
Toddlers often won’t tell you they’re cold. If yours slows down or stops playing, check their hands and feet.
Dress yourself warm too. You’ll be sitting and crouching on the ground for a lot of the morning.
Start using the cold weather pieces now, one at a time, while it’s still mild. Mittens one week, a hat the next, so they’re used to them by the time it’s really cold.
Bring a thermos of something warm for you and your child, like warm water or warm milk.

Our Gear Guide has everything we wear and use, from base layers to rain suits.

We only cancel for unsafe conditions. See the FAQ for how and when we’ll let you know.