This story is paid for by an advertiser. OaklandCountyMoms.com editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
Cold Weather Hacks To Take Advantage Of Before Spring Spring is almost here. With upcoming days soaring above 50 degrees, it certainly feels like an early arrival.
However, living in Michigan, we know a late winter snowstorm is bound to make an appearance before spring settles in for good. When the inevitable cold front rolls in, here are some helpful hacks from parents just like you on how to embrace the outdoors with your children or grandchildren.
Laura O’Doherty Kids: 2 adult children, 2 grandchildren Favorite Metropark: Dexter-Huron Metropark
“I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life so I know about the cold. I have two adult children, two grandchildren, and work outside with children.
Hand warmers, boot warmers, and tissues are always a must (for you and your kids).
Animal tracking is one of our favorite things to do. Make up stories with the kids on where they think the animals were going. Get an app to identify tracks and scat. Most kids love to talk about poop…lol. Some other games they love to play even in the cold: ‘freeze’ tag, ‘What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?'”
Katie Cook Kids: 3 children, Clara (8), Marshall (6), and Benson (2) Favorite Metropark: Lower Huron Metropark
“Our family resides in Van Buren Township and frequents Lower Huron Metropark—the spaceship playground is a MUST—but we’ve also visited Kensington, Oakwoods (their nature center can be an educational, fun, and warm reprieve in the winter), and Willow Metropark. As a family, we crave being enveloped in Michigan’s beauty.
Here are a few hacks:
We often think of layering up our little ones with thermals, hats, snowsuits, gloves, earmuffs, coats, and boots, but that often means their faces are exposed. A few of our children prefer wearing their cloth face masks (purchased during the COVID shutdown) to protect their faces from the chill.
Oftentimes, the tips of fingers or toes get cold. Try hand warmers the kids can carry or keep in their pockets when their fingers get cold, or stuff warmers in the toes of their boots. Don’t forget moisturizer with sunscreen and chapstick to keep those cheeks and lips from becoming sore.”
Time to Test Out Those Hacks
Now that you’re all bundled up and equipped with hacks to keep the kids entertained and comfortable, where should you go? The Metroparks, of course.
Wildlife is abundant in the Metroparks, and their nature trails are prime locations for spotting animal tracks and scat. Visit on a day when the ground is muddy or covered in fresh snow to make tracking even easier! Right in Oakland County, both Indian Springs Metropark and Stony Creek Metropark boast expansive networks of nature trails perfect for exploration.
For outdoor games like Freeze Tag or What Time Is It, Mr. Fox, the Metroparks offer plenty of open fields. Many of these spaces are conveniently located near other amenities like playgrounds, picnic shelters, and athletic courts—great spots to burn off some extra energy. If you’re looking for the spaceship playground that Katie Cook mentioned, you can find the out-of-this-world playscape at Lower Huron Metropark. It’s a bit of a drive outside Oakland County, but we promise it’s worth the trip.
There are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors with children at the Metroparks—from hiking and biking to learning something new at the nature centers. To discover them all, visit metroparks.com.
