This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
From the moment my daughter was born, I embraced the mindset that there’s no such thing as bad weather. It didn’t matter if it was sunny, drizzling, or freezing—I bundled her up, tucked her into the stroller, and stepped outside. Some days, we walked for miles; other days, it was just a quick lap around the block. Those early walks weren’t just for her—they were for me, too.
Motherhood, especially in those early newborn days, can feel overwhelming. But stepping outside—feeling the crisp air on my face, hearing birds chirp, and moving my body—kept me grounded. It gave me a sense of normalcy, even when everything else in life felt like it had been flipped upside down. And as my daughter grew, so did our outdoor adventures. Rain or shine, warm or cold, we made it a habit to go outside every single day.
That’s why when I first read There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, it felt like the book had been written just for me. Linda Åkeson McGurk puts into words what I’ve believed since the beginning of my motherhood journey: nature isn’t just something we visit on nice days—it’s where we belong, every day, no matter the season.
The Benefits of Getting Outside—No Matter the Weather
One of the core messages of There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather is that kids thrive outside. Fresh air, movement, and exposure to nature are essential for their physical and mental well-being. And honestly? The same is true for us moms.
In the book, McGurk shares how Scandinavian parenting embraces outdoor play in all seasons. Babies nap outside in the winter, kids have recess outdoors year-round, and nature isn’t seen as an “extra” activity—it’s simply a way of life. Meanwhile, in many parts of the U.S., we’ve been conditioned to think that kids (and adults) should stay inside unless the weather is perfect.
But when we embrace the mindset that there’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad gear or attitude—it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It allows us to move past the excuses and actually enjoy nature, no matter what.
Ways to Explore More—Even in “Bad” Weather
I get it—stepping outside in the cold, rain, or heat with a little one can feel like a challenge. But with a few simple shifts, it can become second nature. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience (and from There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather):
1. Get the Right Clothing and Gear
McGurk’s Scandinavian wisdom rings true: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” If you and your child are warm, dry, and comfortable, being outside is so much more enjoyable.
For my daughter, that means:
- A warm bunting or snowsuit in winter
- Waterproof boots and a rain suit for wet days
- Light, breathable layers for hot summer outings
And for me, it means making sure I’m just as prepared. A cozy coat, rain gear, or moisture-wicking layers make all the difference.
Be sure to check out my post on the best waterproof boots for kids to keep little feet warm and dry on rainy and snowy days!
2. Shift Your Perspective & Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
I’ve noticed that my daughter takes her cues from me. If I act like going outside in the rain is a hassle, she’ll pick up on that. But if I treat it like an adventure—“Let’s go splash in some puddles!”—she’s all in.
Instead of dreading certain weather, I try to see the beauty in it:
- Rain? A chance to watch water drip off the leaves and jump in puddles.
- Snow? A magical winter wonderland to explore.
- Hot? Let’s go to the creek!
This simple shift has completely changed how I experience different seasons with my daughter.
3. Make Outdoor Time a Daily Habit
In There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, McGurk talks about how outdoor time is a built-in part of life in Scandinavian parenting—it’s not something extra, it’s just what they do. That’s how I’ve approached it with my daughter, too.
Some days, we go on big adventures—a hike, a long stroller walk, a park outing. Other days, it’s as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes to play in the yard. The important thing is that we make it a non-negotiable part of our day.
4. Embrace Unstructured Outdoor Play
One of my biggest takeaways from the book is that kids don’t need fancy activities or structured outdoor play. They just need time and space to explore.
Some of my daughter’s favorite things to do outside include:
- Collecting rocks, leaves, and sticks
- Playing in the mud
- Watching birds and bugs
- Running, climbing, and just being free
These simple moments outside are where some of our best memories are made.
How This Mindset Has Changed My Motherhood Experience
Before becoming a mom, I already loved being outside. But There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather reinforced my belief that getting outside isn’t just good for kids—it’s life-giving for moms, too.
There have been so many days when I’ve felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or just stuck in the daily grind of motherhood. And almost every time, stepping outside has been the reset button I needed. Moving my body, breathing fresh air, and getting a change of scenery shifts my perspective and makes everything feel more manageable.
And when I think about the kind of childhood I want my daughter to have, I want her to grow up knowing that nature is a place of adventure, discovery, and comfort. I want her to remember exploring in all seasons, feeling the crunch of snow under her boots, dancing in the rain, and knowing that joy can be found outside—no matter the weather.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a mom who loves the idea of getting outside but sometimes struggles to make it happen—especially in “bad” weather—There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather is the book you need. It’s inspiring, practical, and full of wisdom that will change the way you think about outdoor time with your kids.
So the next time you’re tempted to stay inside because it’s cold, rainy, or a little too hot, try stepping outside instead. You might just find that those “bad weather” days turn into some of your very best memories.
What’s your favorite way to get outside with your kids, no matter the weather? Let me know in the comments!