Outdoors

Kids play outside in whatever weather shows up. The gear here has to go on fast and come home in one piece.

20 practical guidesUpdated October 28, 2026

Wet-weather gear

Rain layers and boots. The good ones go on quickly and survive a full wet season.

Navy Columbia kids rain jacket on a wooden wall hook beside a bright window with rain boots on the floor

Rain Gear

Kids rain jackets for drizzly school days

Oaki’s one-piece suit for mud, Columbia’s seam-sealed Watertight II for school, and the cheaper Glennaker, which is water-repellent, not waterproof.

Rides & exploring

Scooters, bikes and backyard tools for kids who want to go a little farther on their own.

Seasonal protection

Cold-weather layers for winter, sun basics for summer. Fit and comfort decide most of these.

Blue galaxy-print kids winter parka hanging alone on a mudroom wall hook

Cold Weather

Warm winter coats a kid can still move in

The Lands’ End Squall has extendable sleeves for cold school days. Columbia’s Mighty Mogul handles snow play. Three researched winter coats, with the tradeoffs on each.

Keep browsing through the parts of family life that overlap with outdoors.

Outdoor PlaySwim goggles, beach towels, water shoes, scooters and balance bikes for pools, splash pads and the park down the street.ToddlersBalance bikes, kitchen towers, toddler headphones, cups and shoes for the stage where they want to do everything themselves.TravelKids suitcases, travel headphones, sleeping bags and small travel toys for flights, road trips and nights at Grandma's.