Rainy or muddy days don’t have to be the end of outdoor play. Proper kids’ rain gear – kids rain suits and kids rain boots – can keep kids playing all year long. Kids love playing in mud kitchens, collecting leaves and sticks, and pouring water. And they’re more than happy to be outside in all kinds of weather and conditions as long as they are warm and dry.
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Why should kids play outside?
Active play helps kids to develop muscular, healthy bodies. They build their gross motor skills and the muscles they will need to sit in a chair, write, and succeed in school.
Next, kids also learn through play. They’re building their creative thinking, problems solving skills, and focus as they tromp around outside. Learning is driven by curiosity and hands-on experimentation. Kids see what happens when they try and stack blocks on a slope, pull on a tree limb, or pour water from the top of the slide. They are little scientists conducting experiments.
Finally, kids can run and be loud while outside. They can throw things, climb, and get out all their energy. This decreases the number of times we as parents have to interrupt their play to say “No” or redirect behavior that is less appropriate for indoors. This creates less conflict between kids and parents and allows for more positive interactions.
- Looking for some indoor play equipment? Check out: Best Soft Play Equipment for Kids
Gear for Rainy Days
Kids are okay with being out in the rain, but often as adults, we stop them out of concern for their clothes or the amount of mess we will have to clean up. Or because of our dislike of heading out in the rain. So how can we keep all of their clothes from getting destroyed and minimize the mess? And how to keep kids dry?
Kids Rain Suits!
These things are amazing. A rain suit is a full-body waterproof suit that can be pulled on over clothing and jackets. There is no gap in the middle, unlike a rain jacket and rain pants, so kids stay dry. Kids’ rain suits are perfect for the rain or any other messy outdoor day. Kids can sit down in the mud, roll through wet grass, and explore to their heart’s content.
Best Kids Rain Suits
1. Tuffo Muddy Buddy
This is our personal favorite kids’ rain suit. We have used the Tuffo Muddy Buddy suit for years, both at home and in a school setting with a whole classroom of kiddos. You can easily teach kids to lay out the suit on the ground and pull it on themselves.
The suit is not insulated, so it is excellent for all types of weather. Our kids wear this suit over jackets in the winter and when playing in the mud in the summer.
Pros
- The generous sizing allows for lots of layers to be worn underneath and for kids to continue to wear it as they grow.
- The double zippers on the front make it easy for kids to put on independently.
- The rain suit is robust. Both the knees and butt are reinforced.
- Elasticated cuffs can be pulled down over boots to keep water out
- 5 color choices
- Sizes from 12 months up to 5T
Protip: keep an old towel by the door and allow kids to wipe off water and dirt before sitting down to take the suit off. This will minimize mess and help keep the inside of the rain suit clean and dry. There is no need to wash the suit.
Cons
- The suit doesn’t have a fitted waist so the cut is extra baggy and not very flattering. Though this doesn’t seem to bother kids.
- The hood is a bit big and doesn’t always stay on in the rain. At times, we safety pin the sides of the hood to make it smaller. Wide-brimmed hats can be a great alternative to keep kids dry. See below.
Protip: if the suit should rip, use gear tape to fix it. It’s extra durable, and there’s no sewing required! Remember to round the corners of the piece of tape before applying. This will help it to stick longer.
Check prices for Muddy Buddy Rain Suit
2. Reima Lammikko Kids Waterproof Suspenders
Okay, we know that these rain bibs aren’t a kid’s rain suit. BUT the height of the bibs helps them act as a rain suit, and they come in larger sizes, so they are worth mentioning for folks looking for options for slightly older kids. Outdoor schools recommend these bibs and for good reasons!
Pros
- They’re extra durable with welded seams to keep kids dry
- Roomy sizing makes them great for quickly pulling on over the days outfit and heading outside
- Stirrups on the bottom of the pants help hold them down over boots
- Easy for kids to get on and off
- 5 color choices
- Sizes from 9 months up to 8 years
Protip: teach kids how to take the bibs on and off so that they can use the bathroom on their own.
Cons
- You will still have to buy a rain jacket for rainy days and that makes this a slightly more expensive option. But the bibs are great on their own for wet and muddy play.
Check prices for Reima Lammikko Waterproof Bibs
Kids Rain Boots
A pair of kid’s rain boots are a must for every kid and an essential piece of kid’s rain gear. Boots keep their feet warm and dry and allow them to tromp through all kinds of mud and puddles, all while saving their more expensive shoes.
Rain boots may seem a bit clunky, but kids very quickly learn to move in them. Head to the park, and you will see kids climbing high into trees wearing rain boots.
Consider buying a second pair of rain boots to be left at school for your kids to use when they head out on the playground. (Consider picking a school that prioritizes outdoor play in all types of weather.) It is essential to teach kids how to get boots on and off themselves and allow time for practice.
Best Kids Rain Boots
1. LONECONE Kid Rain Boots
These are your classic kid’s rain boots. They come in several fun designs for kids, like sharks, unicorns, and dinosaurs. The boots have large handles that make them easy for kids to get on and off and come in very small sizes, making them great for younger children. They are not the most robust boot but stand up to average rainy day wear.
Sizes: Toddler Sizes 1-13, and Kid Size 4
Check prices for LONECONE Rain Boots
2. Crocs Kid Rain Boots
These rain boots have oversize handles that make them easy for kids to get on and off and come in various colors. The boots are molded, so they don’t have any seams to come apart or start leaking water. This makes them extra durable and long-lasting.
They are an excellent choice for kids who will spend many days playing outside in them, like those who attend an outdoor school. Or for families that are looking to pass boots down to younger siblings.
Sizes: Toddler Sizes 6-13
Check prices for Crocs Rain Boots
3. Bogs Kids Rubbber Rain Boots
These kids rain boots are known for their quality and are a great fit for kids that will spend a lot of time running around in them. They have large handles that are great for pulling the boots on and come in eight colors and designs. They also have sizes for kids up to age 12.
Sizes: Toddler Sizes 1-13, Kid Sizes 1-6
Check prices for Bogs Rain Boots
4. KidORCA Rain Boots
These boots have an above-the-knee waterproof wader and are perfect for those kids that love to splash through deep puddles. They come in five colors and a wide range of sizes. But they are a bit more expensive than the other boots on this list.
Sizes: Toddler Size 5-13, Kid Size 1
Check prices for KidORCA Rain Boots
Best Kids Rain Hats
A bucket hat can be a great alternative to a hood in the rain. Unlike hoods, kids’ rain hats can be sized better and aren’t constantly blowing off. And they can be used for sun protection on sunny days too—double win.
1. Outdoor Research Kids Seattle Sombrero
This hat is made explicitly for the rain! And Seattle knows rain. It has a great big brim, a chin strap to hold it on, and comes in various colors. The styling of the hat is the same as the adult Seattle Sombrero, so maybe matching family hats are in your future. An adult-size hat can also be purchased for kids with larger head sizes.
Cons: It can get pricey depending on the color choice and sometimes hot on warmer days.
Sizing: XS/S 18.5-20 inches, M/L 21-22.5 inches
Check prices for OR Kids Seattle Sombrero
2. Ami&Li tot Adjustable Hat
This hat also has a large brim and excellent rain and sun protection. In addition, it has an adjuster to change the hat’s circumference. This allows the size of the hat to be adjusted for a great fit. It comes in five colors and designs and is cheaper than the Seattle sombrero.
Sizing: Small – 0-9 months (up to 17.5-inch head circumference), Medium – 9 months to 4 years (up to 19.5-inch head circumference), Large – 3 to 12 years (up to 22-inch head circumference).
Check prices for Ami&Li tot Adjustable Hat
3. Reima Rainy Kids Waterproof Hat
This is the best rain hat for colder weather. This hat does an excellent job of keeping kids dry and warm. It has a lightweight wool lining, an ear flap, and a large front and back brim that keeps the face and neck dry. A chin strap keeps the hat in place, and reflectors on the front and back help kids be seen on darker days.
Sizing: 9-12 months (18.1 inchs), 1-2T (18.8 inches), 3-4T (19.6 inches), Small (20.4 inches), Medium (21.2 inches), Large (22 inches)
Check prices for Reima Rainy Kids Waterproof Hat
Final Thoughts
So let kids play outside, whatever the weather! Get them the right kid’s rain suits and boots so that they can be happy and comfortable. And maybe consider getting yourself some rain gear, too, if you plan to join them. You will be much more willing to stay out longer when you’re dry and comfy.
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