Sweater Weather In The Sunshine State: Our Guide To Florida Winter Play
Hello friends!
Here in Melbourne, Florida, we may not get snow, but we definitely get our own Southern version of winter! Whether you’re local, or recently moved to Florida, one thing is for certain: “winter” in Melbourne can be confusing! Some afternoons can still feel like beach weather, but mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly! And it does get cold enough that shorts and a T-shirt are not safe for little bodies running and playing outside.
Because our preschool believes strongly in daily outdoor learning, we want to share our suggestions for dressing preschoolers comfortably and highlight why a little cold weather is actually healthy for little learners!
So, Why Do We Go Outside Even When It’s Chilly?
Outdoor play is not just a pleasant break from classroom activities—it is an essential part of early childhood education. A well-known academic review by Brussoni (2015) highlights that outdoor, active play supports healthy physical, cognitive, and social development. Outdoor environments give children opportunities to run, climb, experiment, and solve problems in ways that indoor settings simply cannot match. Another study confirms that preschool children who spend more time outdoors are significantly more physically active overall, reinforcing the importance of daily outdoor access in early learning settings.
Organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children emphasize that outdoor time is a required part of developmentally appropriate practice. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recognizes that daily outdoor activity benefits children’s motor skills, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. These findings show that as long as children are dressed properly, cold weather is not a barrier to learning—it is an opportunity.
But How Does Cold Weather Support Children’s Health?
Many families are surprised to learn that cooler temperatures offer genuine health benefits. It’s popular Florida knowledge that cold weather can bring illness- but research shows the opposite! Scientists studying human physiology have found that exposure to mild cold activates brown adipose tissue—often referred to as “good fat”—which helps regulate the body’s metabolism and maintain a healthy energy balance. This activation increases heat production in a natural and healthy way. Research from the Joslin Diabetes Center has also shown that exposure to cooler temperatures can improve metabolic function by reducing inflammation and increasing insulin sensitivity in controlled conditions. For young children, the takeaway is simple: fresh, cool air supports the body’s natural systems, strengthens the immune response, and encourages healthy physical activity.
Cold air also reduces the spread of germs. In winter, indoor environments tend to trap bacteria and viruses, while outdoor play gives children a chance to breathe fresher air and spread out more naturally. When children are bundled appropriately, playing outside in winter can help keep them healthier overall. So bundle up, and head outside for some fresh air and sunshine!
Outdoor Learning in Winter at Our Preschool
Winter is one of our favorite times to be outside. The cooler temperatures allow children to enjoy longer, more active play without the risk of overheating—a concern we monitor closely during our hot Florida summers, especially around July when sun exposure and heat index can create safety challenges. In December and January, however, the pleasant chill encourages movement, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Our preschool integrates winter gardening in the backyard, giving children the opportunity to grow hardy seasonal plants and observe how cooler weather affects nature. We offer outdoor lessons that take advantage of the softer sunlight and comfortable temperatures, and we host outdoor workshops where children can build, create, and investigate materials without the summer heat. Daily play in our outdoor spaces continues through winter, with children climbing, balancing, digging, pretending, and learning through rich sensory experiences that can only happen outside.
Florida Winter In Cozy Clothes
So now that we know all about why we play outside in the cooler temperatures, how should we dress our little ones? While shorts and T-shirts may seem fine in the car or at drop-off, but once children are running, exploring, and sitting on cool surfaces, bare skin loses heat quickly. Cold muscles can stiffen, making play uncomfortable or even unsafe. Proper clothing ensures children stay warm enough to play, learn, and enjoy outdoor activities fully.
Our suggestion: it’s all about layers! A soft base such as a T-shirt or long-sleeved top keeps children cozy without overheating. Lightweight joggers or leggings protect little legs that cool down quickly. A middle layer like a thin sweatshirt or fleece adds warmth when needed. Finally, a jacket or zip-up hoodie keeps out morning chill and wind. Closed-toe shoes and socks are essential in cool weather, and on especially cold mornings, a warm hat or light mittens can make outdoor time much more comfortable. Be sure to label all clothes so they make it back to the correct cubby or hook!
Florida winter may not bring snow, but it brings plenty of opportunities for discovery, movement, and healthy outdoor and hand-on play. With the right clothing and a spirit of adventure, children can thrive in the crisp, refreshing air of our Melbourne winter—and we look forward to exploring it with them every day!
See you on the playground!
Toodleoo!
Academic Sources:
1) Brussoni, M., et al. (2015). What is the relationship between risky outdoor play and health in children? A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(6), 6423–6454. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120606423
2) Pate, R. R., McIver, K., Dowda, M., Brown, W. H., & Addy, C. (2008). Directly observed physical activity levels in preschool children. Journal of School Health, 78(8), 438–444. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00327.x
3) Cypess et al. (2012). Cold but not sympathomimetics activates human brown adipose tissue in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(25), 10001–10005. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1207911109