Kids love spending time outside. While we grown-ups prefer to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a cup of tea when it's raining outside, our kids can be found jumping from one puddle to the next in their wellies.
And where better to experience the great outdoors than in the forest kindergarten? Here, kids spend their day outdoors – no matter whether the sun is shining, or it's raining, storming, or snowing. The little forest owls don't find shelter in a house with four walls, but rather in the right clothing. That means it must be durable and of particularly high quality. We'll share with you which clothing has proven itself in different seasons, which materials are particularly suitable and how you can ensure your kid is optimally dressed for all weathers. Download our Wakita checklist for the whole year:
Spring and fall: Flexibility thanks to layering
In the forest, the weather can change very quickly since you often can’t see through the dense treetops when thick rain clouds are gathering. Furthermore, it's usually still pretty chilly and sometimes frosty in the mornings, especially in spring and fall, before it gets really warm by noon when the sun shines brightly from the sky.
Here’s everything your kid needs:
- PrimaLoft jacket that can be used all year round, either as a mid-season jacket on cool days or – combined with a rain jacket – as a winter outfit
- Merino long-sleeved shirt as a cozy layer on the skin that is cooling in the heat and keeps warm in the cold
- Fleece jacket as a warming layer underneath the rain jacket
- Waterproof and breathable rain jacket and rain pants that protect against wet conditions without making your kids sweat underneath
- Long, durable pants
- Hiking socks made of merino wool
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes
Tip: That's why the layered onion look is perfect for kids attending forest kindergarten. It involves putting several layers of clothing on top of each other, which your kids can put on or take off as they wish. The onion look is sustainable – many of these items can be combined and used all year round, saving you resources and space in your closet.
Looking at all these layers, you might be thinking: What if the kids have to go to the loo? After all, we all know that moment when the kids are finally dressed before shouting “I have to go to the toilet!” That’s why namuk has developed the Overall Connection System, which allows you to quickly connect the rain pants and rain jacket so that they are fully waterproof – without the need for suspenders. Meaning you can quickly take the pants off and put them back on again in the event of a wee-wee emergency. Our ski clothing has a toilet zipper that makes going to the toilet easy-peasy, even when wearing full winter gear. Both also work great in the forest or on the go: The upper body stays warm and dry, even if speed is of the essence – whether it’s raining, cold or in the middle of an adventure.
Summer: Protection from the sun, ticks, and heat
Lightweight clothing that still provides protection is essential in summer. While in the forest, always wear long pants, long sleeves and a hat! This protects you not only from sunburn, but also from mosquito bites and ticks. Our tip: Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing and can be removed before they get stuck in the skin.
With these clothes, your kids are perfectly prepared for summer:
- Zip-off pants. Thanks to their long legs and the elastic bands at the ankles, they protect your kids from ticks and can be easily turned into shorts when you return home in the afternoon.
- A cap with UV protection that also covers the back of the neck. This not only protects the little explorers from the sun, but also from ticks, which are particularly fond of jumping on kids' heads.
In addition, clothes that your kids wear in spring and fall can also be worn now. The merino long-sleeved shirt keeps their arms well protected without your kids sweating, and the fleece jacket is a great alternative to a sweater when the warm summer sun can't break through the dense treetops.
Winter: Bundled up to face snow and the cold
It is often freezing cold in winter. During this time, it’s crucial to have clothes that keep your kids warm and protect them from the elements – without limiting their mobility or making them look like the famous Michelin Man.
This is what you’ll need in winter:
- Snow overall or snow jacket, and snow pants
- Gloves, beanie, neckwarmer
- Lined and weatherproof winter boots
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece trousers for bitterly cold days
The onion look also works well in winter: Snow owls can simply take off a layer when playing and running around in the forest and put them back on later to keep them cozy and warm.
Not all clothes are the same: Which materials are best suited for a day in the forest?
No one wants to sweat or freeze! After all, neither feels pleasant – and your little adventurers should feel comfortable while exploring the forest. Wearing the right materials keeps your kids feeling cozy under their clothes all day long, allowing them to run and play without feeling uncomfortable.
Merino wool clothing is the best choice when worn directly on the skin. It diverts sweat away from the skin and – unlike cotton – does not absorb moisture. As a result, the clothing does not feel clammy and is comfortable to wear.
On top of this, a fleece jacket could be worn as an additional warming layer to keep your kids nice and cozy, even if it's cold and windy.
To complete the outfit, add a breathable insulating layer to keep the warmth in and to prevent wind and rain from seeping in. During the winter, we recommend a snow overall or combining a snow jacket and snow pants. In fall and spring, rain pants and a rain jacket are the perfect choice. Remember to make sure that the materials are breathable, as kids start to sweat very quickly under rainwear made of rubber which traps moisture under the clothing.
More than just clothes: Other things your kids need at the forest kindergarten
Once your kids have the right clothes for the forest kindergarten, you’re halfway there. That said, you need a few other essentials for the forest:
- A sturdy, well-fitting backpack Lunch box and drinking bottle made of stainless steel
- An insulating, foldable seat cushion
- Tick and mosquito protection (to prevent ticks from slipping through, it helps to tuck your pants into your socks or to wear pants with elastic bands at the ankles)
Growing up in the great outdoors: Why the forest kindergarten is so special
Adventures await around every corner in the forest. There is so much to discover! Which animals live in the forest? Which berries are edible and which might be poisonous? How to make the best toys from acorns, pinecones and sticks? And which tree is the highest to climb? Kids learn all that and more in the forest kindergarten.
Just like in a traditional kindergarten, the kids are looked after by experienced and trained teachers who are very familiar with the conditions in the forest while also preparing them for life and their upcoming school years.
A clearing in the forest often functions as a “group space” – with benches, tables and toys made from whatever nature has to offer. If it should storm, rain or hail, there is a construction trailer, for example, where the kids and their teachers can find shelter until the weather calms down again.
Nature is the best playground
Spending a day in the forest kindergarten is a true adventure – regardless of the weather. Choosing the right clothing ensures that kids can enjoy exploring rather than feeling frustrated by getting wet or cold. By wearing layers, and combining functional materials with weatherproof equipment, little explorers are well prepared to turn the forest into their very own playground – come rain, sun or snow. And the best thing is that most of the clothes can be worn all year round, making them particularly sustainable.
Once again, here’s our go-to checklist for dressing right in the forest kindergarten – all year round:
