Best Winter Weather Gear to Get Your Family Outside

Get outside and brave the elements

The wet weather in the Pacific Northwest can be a challenge, but having the right gear can be a game-changer. Getting outdoors and exercising is important for our physical health and even more important for our mental well-being. Scroll through the arrows above the image or the link below for some excellent gear that will keep the whole family warm and dry when venturing out in foul weather. 

First step: Waterproof yourself

Waterproof yourself

Rain pants and bibs

Everyone in the Pacific Northwest needs good rain pants. Lightweight fishing bibs will keep your kids’ legs as dry as can be and are easy to rinse off after playtime.

Soggy jeans and leggings are a major reason why adults give up on outdoor recreation in inclement weather. Just say no to freezing cold extremities and protect your whole body from storm surges. Invest in good rain pants, such as these options from Patagonia and Marmot. 

Toddlers can play and splash all day while staying toasty warm and cozy in this all-weather fleece onesie.

When you need to put a quick and easy waterproof layer over your toddler or preschooler before heading outside to play, you’ll want to have some waterproof coveralls on hand. 

Rain jackets

You might already own a raincoat, but do you have one made with heavy-duty fabric, an adjustable hood and deep pockets to hold snacks, or one roomy enough to fit over midweight layers? Check out this deluxe version of a basic slicker for women. Eddie Bauer also offers a good option for men with this vented, adjustable and packable coat that will repel some of the harshest weather. You can even get an entire rain suit for kids from Frogg Toggs that will outfit your family for almost unlimited nasty weather frolicking.

Umbrellas

It might be time to upgrade your umbrella to something that can withstand gale-force gusts. Or to grab a bumbershoot that will match your kids’ sensibilities, from a pop-up shark to a 3-D unicorn that will keep them excited about rushing out into the rain.

Next Step: Keep your feet warm and dry

Keep your feet warm and dry

Boots

Warm, dry feet power marathon rainy day romps. Invest in comfortable galoshes or insulated snow boots and you’ll have staying power when it comes to outdoor play. 

For kids whose feet are still growing, you might want to look for lower-priced options such as Crocs, always popular with the under-10 crowd, or splurge a bit on Bogs, which make great hand-me-downs if you have multiple kids. 

Socks

Almost as important as boots themselves are what’s inside. Merino wool wicks away moisture and is one of the best weaves for warmth and dryness. Consider Darn Tough socks (with a lifetime warranty!) for men, Wigwam’s 40° below socks for women and Meriwools for kids.

Final step: Stay warm all day

Stay warm all day

Base layers

High-tech long johns will keep you unbelievably toasty, whether you’re wearing them under jeans, rain pants or snow bibs. Try base layers once and you’ll become a convert. Consider kids Rocky thermals, women’s merino wool thermal pants and men’s merino wool thermal shirt. 

Protect your neck

Never underestimate a neck covering when it comes to making you feel infinitely cozier in harsh weather. If you’re playing hard and don’t want to bother with a scarf, a Turtle Fur fleece neck warmer will do the same job with fewer gaps and less fuss.

Hand warmers

Take advantage of power-activated heat with a hand warmer that uses a lithium-ion battery and doubles as a phone charger. Slip one inside each mitten or in your pockets to keep your digits limber.

Touch screen gloves

Want to get outside but need to stay semi-available for a work call or important text? Or maybe snap some cute photos of your kids dodging raindrops? Consider a pair of touch screen gloves woven with copper wire to allow easy iPhone or Android access.

Editor’s note: This article was first published several years ago and was most recently updated in November 2023. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through links on our site, ParentMap may earn an affiliate commission.