Celebrating Outside: Why and How You Should Host a Party in the Colder Months

Chilly mornings are here, friends; it's 37°F as I write this and while I know today’s temps are going to reflect a perfect fall day, it’s quite frigid right now if you step outside. We’re excited to be heading to a birthday party outside today to celebrate a friend, and it got me thinking about fall and winter celebrations and how we tend to take them inside when it’s cold. Naturally, that’s more convenient (and cozy), but there’s something magical about celebrating outside, even in crisp fall weather or the chill of winter.

We have a small house which, at times, can be a challenge, but overall, I’m grateful for it. It invites us to be intentional about what we bring into our home and how we spend our time inside. Most of our celebrations happen outdoors: playdates, gatherings, and yes, even winter birthdays. We've even hosted "Thanksgiving" outside.

For the past three years, we’ve hosted one of our Explorers’ birthdays outside in January! One year was absolutely frigid, another year it snowed, but each one was special. I often see caregivers asking where they can host a party in winter. I’ve considered renting space, too, and honestly...holy $$$. It's not something I want to spend money on.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether an outdoor party in cold weather is possible (or worth it), here’s your sign: it is! And it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Why Celebrate Outside?

• Kids love being outside in any weather, the biggest challengers are usually us grown-ups. Give kids an open space, some natural materials, and each other, and they’ll create the fun themselves.

• It also keeps your house clean (no joke here). No crumbs on the floor, no toys to clean up. If you don't have space in your own home, host it at your favorite playground or greenspace. (Check with your local town/city to see if you need a permit for an organized event.)

  
  

• There’s no need for decorations/it's easier to keep them simple. Nature becomes your backdrop, branches, snow, leaves, set the scene better than anything store-bought. And if you love a good theme, there are endless nature-inspired options to tie in, see below!

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How to Make It Work

• Set the expectation early. When you send your invite, let guests know the celebration will be outdoors. We always include “dress for outdoor play” so everyone comes prepared with layers, boots, and gloves.

  
  

• If you can make a fire — do it! A small fire (or even a propane heater) becomes an instant gathering place. Kids love roasting marshmallows or warming their hands, and grown-ups appreciate the cozy atmosphere. If you think grown-ups may be uneasy with their kids around a fire, give them a heads-up.

  
  

• Keep it short and active. An hour or 2 is plenty of time in cold weather, especially if there’s movement involved.

  
  

• Warm from the inside out. Offer hot cocoa, cider, coffee, and/or tea. Serve simple warming foods like grilled cheese and soup. We usually get little lunch boxes and fill them with crackers, fruit, and a sandwich. Kids just want snacks anyway, so I try not to fret. Tip: don't make peanut butter sandwiches and then leave them prepped in the lunch boxes in a cold basement away from your dogs, they will freeze. (Yes, this happened and yes I have totally gone overboard with food given my background but it doesn't have to be this complicated.)

  
  

• Plan for comfort. Bring out extra mittens, blankets, or even hand warmers. (Taking note to do this for our January party this year!)

  
  

• Lean into the season. Let the weather become part of the fun; snow, frost, leaves, or even mud. It’s all part of the experience.

Simple themes/activities

Fall

Pumpkin Decorating Skip the carving and set out paints, glue, and baskets of nature treasures, acorns, leaves, sticks, seed pods, shells. Skip the paint and glue and use tacks or golf teas to place nature treasures or tie string/yarn. Kids can create their own pumpkin to bring home.

Birthday Hike Host a kid-friendly hike and celebrate at the end with birthday donuts and cider. It’s simple and memorable.

Sweet Treats in the Park Cupcakes, cake, donuts or your explorer's favorite dessert at your favorite park make for the easiest celebration ever. Kids can snack, then run off their energy.

Winter

Cocoa and Cupcakes in the Park Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and some cupcakes.

Snow or Ice Painting Grab watercolor paint or colored water in spray bottles and decorate the snow or ice. It’s creative and low mess.

Campfire Celebration A fire, s’mores, and a hot cocoa bar is all you need. Add a winter story for added fun.

Last year our January party was on a full moon, so we made lanterns to celebrate!

Opportunities to celebrate outside don't have to end just because it's cold; your event doesn't have to be perfect and neither does the weather. Don't have a birthday or big event to celebrate? Host a simple, outdoor gathering to connect with friends and family anyway! We'd love to hear how you're celebrating this year!