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Welcome to ODSS Magazine - your guide to raising kids who stay outside longer. From practical gear advice and layering tips to seasonal how-tos and outdoor inspiration, we help families make the most of every kind of weather. Because when kids are comfortable outdoors, they play longer, explore more, and grow stronger.

Featured Guides

How to Dress Kids in Changing Weather Without Overthinking It

Simple layering strategies that keep kids comfortable from chilly mornings to muddy afternoons - no second-guessing required.

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Popular Guides

Make Kids’ Outerwear Last Longer

Simple care tips to protect waterproofing, prevent wear, & keep gear working season after season.

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Waterproof Ratings Explained

What numbers like 5,000 mm really mean - and how to choose gear that keeps kids dry outside.

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Choosing the Right Raincoat

What to look for in materials, fit, and features so kids stay comfortable in wet weather.

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Seasonal Right Now

Children playing with mud and leaves on a wet day

The Magic of Mud: Why Getting Dirty Is Good for Kids

How messy outdoor play builds resilience, confidence, and creativity and why it matters more than you think.

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Published February 27, 2026

Swimwear Color Safety- Bright Colors Work

Bright colors can make kids easier to see in pools and lakes. Learn which shades improve visibility and safety.

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Tick Checks Made Simple for Parents

A simple step-by-step guide to finding ticks quickly and protecting kids after outdoor adventures.

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ODSS Magazine

What Kids Need for Snow, Slush, and Wet Winter Days
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

What Kids Need for Snow, Slush, and Wet Winter Days

Snow at drop-off, slush by lunchtime, and muddy ground by pickup? This guide helps Northeast families dress kids for cold, wet conditions that change throughout the day. It also applies to similar weather in Great Lakes and mountain communities. Choose waterproof protection and adjust warmth for the forecast, activity, and time outside.

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What Kids Need for Warm, Rainy Days Outdoors
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

What Kids Need for Warm, Rainy Days Outdoors

Warm rain, muddy playgrounds, and humid afternoons call for waterproof protection with lightweight clothing underneath. This guide helps Southern families choose rainwear for active outdoor days, with extra layers reserved for cooler conditions. Start with what your child already owns, then adjust for the forecast and your school’s requirements.

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What Kids Need for Cold Mornings and Warmer Afternoons
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

What Kids Need for Cold Mornings and Warmer Afternoons

Cold at drop-off, warmer by lunchtime, and windy or wet before pickup? Start with waterproof outerwear and layers your child can add or remove. This guide helps families in Mountain and Mid-Atlantic regions prepare for changing outdoor-school days, using what they already own and filling only the gaps. Adjust for your local forecast, elevation, and school’s clothing requirements.

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For Kids Outside in Steady Rain
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

For Kids Outside in Steady Rain

Wet, cool, and unpredictable, the outdoors in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California calls for reliable, waterproof gear that can handle long days outside in the rain.

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What Kids Need for Warm, Sunny Days Outdoors
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

What Kids Need for Warm, Sunny Days Outdoors

Sunny outdoor-school days call for lightweight clothing, practical sun coverage, and comfortable shoes. This guide helps Southwest families prepare for warm, dry conditions, with an optional light layer for cooler mornings or changing weather. It also works for summer days in cooler regions. Start with what your child already owns and check your school’s clothing requirements.

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What Kids Need for Long, Cold Winter Days Outdoors
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

What Kids Need for Long, Cold Winter Days Outdoors

Long winters, deep cold, snow, wind, and wet conditions call for more than one heavy coat. The most reliable approach is a flexible layering system that keeps kids warm, dry, and comfortable through changing conditions and long days outside.

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How to Choose the Right Mid Layer for Kids
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

How to Choose the Right Mid Layer for Kids

A good mid layer does one simple but important job: it holds onto body heat while still allowing kids to move comfortably.

It's the layer that helps regulate temperature throughout the day. As activity levels, weather, and temperatures change, a quality mid layer keeps warmth close to the body without adding unnecessary bulk.

A well-chosen fleece or insulating layer helps children stay comfortable so they can focus on exploring, learning, and playing outside.

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(Re)PLAY - Trade in & Shop Pre-adventured Gear
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

(Re)PLAY - Trade in & Shop Pre-adventured Gear

Kids outgrow their outerwear fast, but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. With Outdoor School Shop (Re)PLAY Pre-Adventured Gear, it’s easy to keep high-quality kids outdoor gear in play and out of the landfill.

A simple, sustainable solution for growing kids:

  • Trade in kids’ outerwear they’ve outgrown
  • Shop high-quality used kids outdoor gear
  • Keep durable jackets, rain gear, and snow pants in use longer

Because well-made gear deserves more than one season of muddy trails, rainy recess, and snowy school days.

Every piece is ready for real outdoor play:

  • Cleaned and inspected for quality
  • Fully functional and adventure-ready
  • Sustainably recirculated to reduce waste
  • Hassle-free returns for parent peace of mind

It’s an easy way to save money, reduce waste, and make outdoor school prep feel simple — while giving great gear a second and third season of adventure.

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Find My Mitten™ is Here
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

Find My Mitten™ is Here

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How to Keep Summer Simple for Kids
  • by Outdoor School Shop

How to Keep Summer Simple for Kids

This summer, give your kids the freedom to play, explore, read, and create. With the right mix of tools and toys, every day can be its own little adventure. The sun is shining, and your little adventurers are ready to explore, create, and play! If you're looking for ways to keep kids busy this summer, [...]

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The Best Free Earth Day Activities for Kids!
  • by Outdoor School Shop

The Best Free Earth Day Activities for Kids!

With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage kids in activities that foster environmental awareness and responsibility. Whether you're at home or in the classroom, there are countless creative ways to make Earth Day both fun and educational. Our comprehensive Earth Day activity guide and free printable resources offer easy, [...]

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Summer Camp Packing List
  • by Outdoor School Shop

Summer Camp Packing List

Rounding up all the items your kiddos need for summer camp can be time-consuming & stressful, to be honest! So, stress no more! The team here at ODSS has prepared: Free Summer Camp Checklist Free Printable Summer Camp Planning ToolChecklist: Rain pants/bib (consider Shell pants as an alternative - waterproof, durable, and breathable) Rain Jacket (consider a Shell jacket [...]

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Essential Gear for Your Child's Ski Adventure: A Complete Checklist
  • by Outdoor School Shop

Essential Gear for Your Child's Ski Adventure: A Complete Checklist

Heading to the mountains? Make sure you’re fully prepared with our Ski Checklist! From good-to-have essentials to layers, we’ve put together everything you need to stay dry, warm, and ready for adventure. Don’t forget a thing—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our list has you covered so you can focus on the fun. [...]

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Base Layer 101
  • by Jenny Lonnstam

Base Layer 101

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Choosing the Right Swimwear Colors for Pools and Lakes
  • by Outdoor School Shop

Choosing the Right Swimwear Colors for Pools and Lakes

When it comes to water safety, most parents think about life jackets, sunscreen, and swim lessons—but what about swimwear color? It might seem like a small detail, but the color of your child’s swimsuit can play a big role in visibility, especially in crowded pools or natural lake settings. In an emergency, every second counts—and being [...]

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The Magic of Mud: Why Getting Dirty Is Good for Kids
  • by Outdoor School Shop

The Magic of Mud: Why Getting Dirty Is Good for Kids

In a world filled with screens, schedules, and sanitized spaces, there’s one timeless, squishy, earthy substance that invites kids to slow down, explore, and connect: mud. While it may seem messy on the surface (and under fingernails, and in hair...), playing in dirt is far more than just fun—it’s a rich, sensory experience that nurtures both [...]

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Tick Season is Here – Stay Safe with Tick Protection
  • by Outdoor School Shop

Tick Season is Here – Stay Safe with Tick Protection

Spring and summer are the perfect times to get outside and explore nature, but with warmer weather comes the return of tick season. These tiny creatures may be small, but they can cause big problems, transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. That's why it's crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your [...]

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Tips to Pick the Best Raincoat for Your Child
  • by Outdoor School Shop

How to Pick the Best Raincoat for Your Child

Qualities Parents Should Look for in a Rain Jacket Use Case: The first question we like to ask at ODSS is what is your end use; how do you use your gear and what do you need your gear to do for you? Parents will need a different raincoat in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) then [...]

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