At Muddy Boot Prints, we embrace Vancouver's weather year-round! We aren't sugar cubes and won't melt. When we're dressed well for the weather with warm layers of wool and fleece, there are very few complaints from everyone. Rain is a daily part of life in Vancouver and there's no need to shy away from it!
🎒 Daily Essentials - Bring Every Day
- Extra clothes (socks, underpants, shirt and pants) in a Ziploc bag
- Diapers and wipes if necessary
- Large snack in reusable container that your child can open and close themselves
- Water bottle with easy flip top filled half way (educators carry extra water)
⚠️ Important: No Cotton Please!
Cotton gets wet and stays wet, which can make your child cold and uncomfortable. Always choose wool or fleece for warm layers instead.
🌧️Rainy Weather
Vancouver's specialty! We choose to embrace the rain rather than hide from it.
- Waterproof rain jacket with hood
- Waterproof rain pants
- Waterproof boots (rain boots or hiking boots)
- Warm layers underneath (wool or fleece - NO cotton)
- Waterproof mittens or gloves
- Warm hat that fits under hood
❄️Cold Weather
Layering is key for staying warm and comfortable during outdoor play.
- Base layer (wool or synthetic)
- Insulating layer (fleece or wool sweater)
- Waterproof outer shell
- Warm waterproof boots
- Warm hat and mittens
- Neck warmer or scarf
☀️Warm Weather
Sun protection is essential for outdoor learning during summer months.
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunscreen (educators have extra)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Closed-toe shoes (for safety)
- Light jacket for shade/wind
- Water shoes for beach visits
🍂Muddy Conditions
Getting muddy is part of the fun! Come prepared to get dirty.
- Old clothes that can get dirty
- Waterproof boots
- Full change of clothes
- Plastic bag for muddy clothes
- Towel (if very muddy day expected)
💡 Pro Tips from Our Educators
- Layer up: Multiple thin layers work better than one thick layer
- Label everything: All clothing should be clearly labeled with your child's name
- Easy on/off: Choose clothing your child can manage independently
- Spare socks: Always pack extra socks - feet get wet first!
- Check the weather: We'll send updates if special gear is needed
NOTE: Each child is expected to show up dressed appropriately for the day. The educators do carry some extra clothes, sunscreen, bug spray etc with them just in case, but proper preparation at home ensures your child stays comfortable all day.
Gear Swap: Are you looking for children's outdoor gear? Do you want to sell outdoor gear? Join the Facebook group "Fresh Air Learning Gear Swap". You don't need to be part of Fresh Air Learning to participate, and there's no charge. Group buys for waterproof mittens and woollens are often organized for the fall season.
Remember: There's no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! When children are properly dressed, they can enjoy the outdoors in any weather Vancouver throws at us.
