Preschoolers Make The Most Of The Subzero Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn – Even with temperatures hitting below zero, the cold weather didn’t hold back preschool students at the Hartley Nature Center from exploring and playing outdoors.

On these freezing cold days teachers at the Hartley Nature Center follow windchill charts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine exactly how long they can stay outside.

Before heading out for some playtime the kids are dressed up as “nature ninjas” by covering their faces with scarves to protect them from the cold.

The Assistant Preschool Director says their philosophy is to get kids out in all types of weather.

“Especially here in Duluth our weather is not perfect. They are able to know as long as I have the right gear on I can still go outside,” said Maria Hopkins. “No matter if it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or freezing as long as I am wearing the right stuff. Just that aspect brings resilience into other things they do as well.”

On a day with decent weather, preschoolers at Hartley Nature Center can spend up to three hours outside playing and learning.