Some of our favourite playgroup mornings have been the ones where the weather looked a little questionable.
A bit of rain starts, the sky looks grey and families wonder whether anyone else will still come. Then the gumboots arrive, rain jackets come out and before long children are outside jumping in puddles, collecting wet leaves and discovering that rain can make familiar spaces feel brand new.
Children do not usually see weather the same way adults do. Adults often see wet shoes, extra washing and the effort of getting everyone dressed properly. Children see puddles, mud, worms, dripping leaves and new possibilities for play.
That is one of the reasons we love all weather play at Aubin Grove Community Playgroup.
Every season gives children something different
Outdoor play changes throughout the year, and that is part of what makes it so valuable. Sunny mornings are perfect for bubbles, water play and time on the grass. Cooler days bring muddy patches, wet leaves and the kind of fresh air that seems to make children run a little faster.
After rain, the whole outdoor space feels different. The ground changes, the leaves feel different, the garden smells different and children notice details that adults often walk straight past. A small puddle can become a cooking pot, a collection of leaves can become soup and a trail of ants can hold a child's attention far longer than anything we planned.
Children do not need perfect weather to enjoy being outside. They need safe opportunities, comfortable clothing and adults who are willing to let a little bit of mess be part of the morning.
Why outdoor play matters
Outdoor play gives children space to move their bodies in a different way. They can run, climb, balance, jump, dig, carry, pour and explore using their whole bodies.
It also gives children the chance to take small, manageable risks. A child might test how far they can jump across a puddle, work out how to balance on uneven ground or decide whether they feel brave enough to touch a worm. These moments help children build confidence, coordination and body awareness.
Outdoor play also supports curiosity. Nature is never exactly the same twice, which means children are constantly noticing, wondering and adjusting their play. They ask questions without always needing to say them out loud. What happens if I step here? Will this float? Why is the bark darker today? Where did that bug go?
That kind of learning is hard to recreate indoors.
A little mess is part of childhood
We know muddy shoes and damp sleeves can mean extra washing. We also know those are often the mornings children remember.
There is something wonderfully grounding about letting children experience the world with their whole bodies. Feeling rain on their hands, squelching in mud, carrying buckets of water and collecting natural treasures all help children connect with their environment in a real and meaningful way.
That does not mean children need to be uncomfortable. We always encourage families to dress for the weather, bring a spare change of clothes and follow what feels right for their child. Some children will jump straight into the puddles. Others will watch from under cover before slowly joining in. Both are welcome.
All weather play at Aubin Grove Community Playgroup
At Aubin Grove Community Playgroup, we make space for outdoor play whenever it is safe to do so. Some weeks that means bubbles and water play. Other weeks it means muddy boots, nature collections, garden exploring or simply watching the rain from the doorway before deciding whether to venture out.
Our sessions are free-flowing, so children can move between indoor and outdoor play throughout the morning. There is no pressure to stay outside, and there is no pressure to avoid the mess either.
We love all weather play because it gives children the chance to experience childhood in a full, hands-on way. Not every day needs sunshine to be a good day for playgroup.
Sometimes the best mornings come with gumboots.