Looking for an easy, fun, outdoor winter activity as a family? Teach your kids to snowshoe! A versatile winter activity for the whole family, you can snowshoe anywhere. You just need snowshoes and snow: no mountains or frozen ponds required.

This December, WildKind has partnered with Yukon Charlie’s to give members a 40% discount off their entire purchase. Members will receive their code via their December 1st newsletter, and can also check the announcements in the WildKind membership tab.

In the meantime, here are some tips for everyone to get your kids outside this winter, no matter where you live.

Snowshoes for Kids: Find the Right Fit

“One size fits all”: a magical phrase for parents everywhere. That’s right, figuring out what size snowshoes your kids need is super simple. Determine your snowshoe size by the total weight the shoe will carry. That means person + pack/gear. Most kids do not carry a ton of weight while snowshoeing.

Does your kid weigh less than 100 pounds? Excellent - they can wear a 16” snowshoe. It’s that easy. Some brands make a youth 14” snowshoe also. Younger walkers may benefit from that size, but they will also be just fine in a 16”. Whomever set the industry standard for kids snowshoes sizing gets a big hug from this mama. No need to worry each winter if the snowshoes will fit - most likely, they still will!

Yukon Charlie’s snowshoe sizing chart: user weight includes the person’s weight plus any gear they carry. Every company has slightly different sizing recommendations, so be sure to check when shopping.

Once your kids approach 100 pounds, start looking at adult size snowshoes, especially if your kids carry gear. But, again, they can use their first pair of adult snowshoes for a long time - possibly forever, depending on how much gear they plan to carry and how much weight they gain into adulthood.

Hint, women’s snowshoes tend to be lighter, narrower, and shorter than standard unisex snowshoes, which makes them a great transition shoe from youth to adult for your older kids. Keep this in mind, regardless of your child’s gender identity.

Dress for Success: Layering, Waterproofing & Routines

As with any physically demanding winter activity, having a thorough layering system is key to keeping spirits bright while your kids snowshoe. Check out WildKind founder Brooke’s blog on how to properly layer for winter weather. Make sure to take into consideration the temperature, wind, and precipitation predicted for your outing.

Kids’ snowshoe bindings work with any type of shoe, but sturdy, waterproof hiking or snow boots work best. If your kid chooses to not wear waterproof pants or wears lower cut boots while snowshoeing, consider having them wear gaiters to keep the excess snow off their legs.

Getting all your kids’ clothing and gear on can be a daunting task, especially with little kids involved. As with any outdoor winter activity, establish a routine to minimize meltdowns. We like to set out the clothing for each person in a separate pile on the couch and all get dressed together.

Set clear expectations and give everyone a job (even if that job is waiting patiently). Even the littlest snowshoer can help put on winter layers. The preparation time sets the tone for the rest of the adventure, so be sure to make getting dressed go smoothly.

Snowshoeing with Kids: Practice Makes Smiles

When teaching your kids how to snowshoe, start out slow and on flat terrain. Don’t be afraid to practice in your own yard. You don’t even need snow to start learning - grass works great for introducing kids to snowshoeing too. Work your way up slowly. Don’t worry, the hills (and eventually mountains) aren’t going anywhere.

Don’t expect things to look this great at first. Remember to start out short and flat to build confidence. You’ll conquer more difficult terrain with your kids in time.

It may help to hold one of your kid’s hands as they practice. Snowshoeing requires a wider gait as you move, and this can throw off your kid’s balance until they get used to it. Poles may help you, especially if you end up wearing/carrying your kid. But, don’t worry about having your kids use them, at least not at first. It’s hard enough to learn to coordinate moving in snowshoes, adding coordinating poles at the same time may discourage your kids.

Practice different movements while snowshoeing before you set off on your first adventure. You can’t go reverse in snowshoes! Practice making u-turns with your kids so they don’t fall over.

Fair-Weather Snowshoeing Fans: Planning With Your Kids in Mind

When it comes to teaching your kids to snowshoe, we’ve addressed the “how”. Now let’s focus on the where and when.

Pay close attention to the terrain you subject your kids to when learning how to snowshoe. Especially in the beginning, keep it flat and short. Besides practicing in your yard or neighborhood, search for snowshoe specific trails using an app like AllTrails. Also, nearby golf courses are great places to practice. Some even rent cross country skis and snowshoes in the winter. Keep in mind, if you share a trail with cross country skiers, teach your kids to not step on the ski tracks.

Once you have a location in mind, check the local forecast before you head out. Skip windy days, precipitating days, and super gnarly (bitingly) cold days. Teaching kids to snowshoe works best when you have the weather on your side.

Snacks & Lowered Expectations: Preparing to Snowshoe With Your Kids

When it comes to any new adventure with your kids, well thought out plans A, B, and C usually come in handy. When you take you kids snowshoeing, have a back up plan, or two - especially with younger kids.

Remember, your kids don’t have to strap on snowshoes to come on the adventure. They don’t have to snowshoe the entire time either. If they tire out too soon, bring a soft structured carrier or an external frame pack and wear them the rest of the way. You can also pull them in a sled, push or pull them in a trailer, or attach stroller skis to your stroller.

Like any other activity with your kids in tow, lower your expectations, expect the unexpected, plan for things to take much longer than planned, and bring copious amounts of snacks. Speaking of snacks, think of easy to pack foods that kids can consume easily wearing mittens.

Snowshoeing with Kids: Keep It Fun

Above all, teaching your kids to snowshoe should be fun. Don’t be afraid to make snowshoeing more about a fun experience outside than exercise.

Playing games are great ways to keep things light while snowshoeing. Make tracks - polar bears, dinosaurs, etc. Play follow the leader.

Stop and play games that have nothing to do with snowshoeing: build a snowman or a snow fort, have a snowball fight, make snow angels. Look for snowshoes that have easy-off bindings so you don’t even have to bend over and help them take off their snowshoes. Use snowshoeing as a means to an end: snowshoe to a good sledding hill or to a frozen lake to ice skate.

Snowshoeing is just hiking in the snow with helpful shoes on, so all the great games that work for hiking with your kids, work for snowshoeing too. If you haven’t already, check out WildKind expert Tyler’s blog full of hiking trail games.

Snowshoe Discount: 40% Yukon Charlie’s for WildKind Members

Don’t forget, WildKind members get 40% off their purchases from Yukon Charlie’s in December. Yukon Charlie makes two models of snowshoes for kids: the Yukon Penguin™ and the Yukon™ Sno-Bash.

The Yukon Penguin™ is made of ultra-lightweight “bombproof” polypropylene. Thanks to its “mitten-friendly” RIPCORD™ easy-pull binding, kids can put on and off themselves. Great for those emergency bathroom breaks on trail.

Made of aluminum, the Yukon™ Sno-Bash model features the same easy-pull bindings, and a wild, colorful design. Both models come with options to buy just the snowshoes, or to purchase a kit that includes the snowshoes, poles, and carrying case.

Yukon Charlie’s makes great adult sized snowshoes. Enjoy using your discount for the entire family!

Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Snowshoe