The Winter Solstice & Outdoor Nature Play: Nurturing Wonder, Resilience, and Development in Young Children

The Winter Solstice is one of nature’s most powerful and poetic moments. Occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. For centuries, humans across cultures have honored this turning point as a time of reflection, rest, and hope for the return of light.

For families, caregivers, and outdoor educators, the Winter Solstice offers something especially meaningful: a developmentally rich opportunity to slow down, tune in, and help children experience seasonal change through outdoor nature play. Rather than avoiding the darker, colder days, the solstice invites us to lean into them—supporting children’s emotional regulation, curiosity, resilience, and connection to the natural world.

This post explores why the Winter Solstice matters for young children, how outdoor play supports healthy development during this season, and simple, accessible ways families can honor the solstice together outdoors.

What Is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis tilts farthest away from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight all year. After this day, the sun slowly begins to return, and daylight increases minute by minute—a subtle but powerful shift.

For children, this concept doesn’t need to be taught with technical language. Instead, it can be experienced through observation:

• The sun setting earlier

• Longer shadows

• Cooler temperatures

• Bare trees and dormant gardens

• Quieter landscapes and slower rhythms

The solstice is not just about darkness—it’s about transition. It marks the moment when the year begins turning back toward the light.

Why the Winter Solstice Is Meaningful for Children

Young children are natural observers of patterns. They notice when routines change, when days feel different, and when nature shifts. The Winter Solstice provides a concrete, sensory-rich way to explore big ideas such as:

• Cycles and seasons

• Change and impermanence

• Rest and renewal

• Light and darkness

• Patience and hope

When children are invited to experience the solstice through outdoor play rather than abstract explanations, learning becomes embodied and meaningful.

How Outdoor Nature Play Supports Development During the Solstice Season

1. Emotional Regulation & Mental Health

Winter can bring shorter days, disrupted routines, and less sunlight—all of which affect children’s moods just as they do adults’. Outdoor play helps regulate emotions by:

• Increasing exposure to natural light

• Supporting circadian rhythms

• Reducing stress hormones

• Offering space for big feelings

Nature provides a calming, grounding environment where children can process emotions without pressure or overstimulation.

2. Physical Development & Resilience

Cold-weather outdoor play builds strength, coordination, and confidence. Navigating uneven ground, layering clothing, and adapting to changing weather all support:

• Gross motor development

• Balance and spatial awareness

• Body autonomy

• Resilience and adaptability

Children learn that discomfort doesn’t mean danger—and that they are capable of meeting challenges.

3. Cognitive Growth & Scientific Thinking

The Winter Solstice naturally introduces early science concepts:

• Cause and effect (Why are days shorter?)

• Observation and comparison

• Time and sequencing

• Weather patterns

Outdoor play during this season encourages curiosity and inquiry without worksheets or screens.

4. Sensory Integration

Winter landscapes offer unique sensory experiences:

• Crunchy frost or frozen ground

• Cold air on cheeks

• Quiet soundscapes

• Low-angle sunlight

These experiences help children integrate sensory input in a balanced, regulated way—especially important for toddlers and preschoolers.

5. Connection, Culture, and Belonging

Celebrating the solstice helps children understand that humans have always looked to nature for guidance. Sharing simple seasonal rituals builds:

• A sense of belonging

• Cultural awareness

• Family traditions

• Emotional security

Children don’t need elaborate ceremonies—just meaningful moments.

Why Learning About the Solstice Through Play Matters

When children learn about the solstice through outdoor play, they:

• Experience learning as joyful, not performative

• Build trust in their own observations

• Develop respect for nature’s rhythms

• Learn that rest is productive

• Understand that darkness is part of growth

These lessons lay the foundation for lifelong emotional intelligence, environmental stewardship, and self-awareness.

Simple Ways to Honor the Winter Solstice Through Outdoor Play

These activities are intentionally low-prep, flexible, and accessible for families, caregivers, and early childhood programs.

1. Solstice Nature Walk

Take a slow walk at sunrise or sunset. Invite children to notice:

• How long shadows are

• Where the sun sits in the sky

• What plants look like in winter

Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What do you notice today?”

• “How does winter feel different?”

No answers required—just noticing.

2. Lantern Walk or Light Walk

Create simple lanterns using jars, LED candles, or paper bags. Take an early evening walk to symbolize carrying light through darkness.

This supports:

• Emotional regulation

• Mindfulness

• A sense of ritual and safety

3. Shadow Play

Use the low winter sun to explore shadows:

• Trace shadows on the ground

• Compare shadow lengths

• Play with body shapes

This builds early math, science, and body awareness.

4. Nature Offerings or Mandalas

Invite children to gather natural materials and arrange them in a circle or pattern outdoors. Talk about:

• Letting go

• Thanking the earth

• Honoring the season

This supports creativity, mindfulness, and fine motor skills.

5. Winter Sit Spot

Choose a quiet outdoor spot and visit it regularly throughout winter. Sit, listen, and observe for just a few minutes.

This practice builds:

• Focus and attention

• Emotional regulation

• Connection to place

6. Fire & Warmth Exploration (Safely)

If appropriate, observe a small fire pit or light candles outdoors. Talk about warmth, light, and safety.

Alternatively, explore warmth through:

• Hot tea in thermoses

• Warm stones in pockets

• Sun-warmed spaces

7. Storytelling Outdoors

Share simple stories about the sun returning, animals resting, or the earth sleeping. Invite children to create their own stories.

Storytelling supports language development, imagination, and emotional expression.

8. Seasonal Art with Natural Materials

Use sticks, mud, ice, leaves, or snow to create temporary outdoor art. Emphasize process over product.

Letting the Solstice Be Simple

Honoring the Winter Solstice does not require perfection, Pinterest-worthy crafts, or long explanations. Children benefit most from:

• Presence over performance

• Consistency over complexity

• Experience over explanation

Outdoor play during the solstice teaches children something deeply countercultural: that slowing down is valuable, darkness is not something to fear, and rest is part of growth.

A Final Reflection

The Winter Solstice reminds us that even in the darkest season, change is happening beneath the surface. When we invite children to experience this truth through outdoor nature play, we give them tools for resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning.

By honoring the solstice outdoors—with curiosity, warmth, and wonder—we help children grow not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

And perhaps, in doing so, we grow alongside them.

What to join in on our Winter Solstice Hike to celebrate this new season? You can sign up to join us here!