Kids Playing Enjoying Outside Play no Matter what the weather is
Adults have a habit of declaring seasons over before they really are. In May, we hit the beach even if the water’s freezing. By mid-March, we pack up the skis—even when the snow’s still good. We tend to follow the calendar, not the weather. We’re always moving on to the next thing.
But kids? They don’t think that way.
For them, it’s simple: if there’s room to run, swing, or climb, it’s a good day to play.
And in Maine, it turns out there are a lot more of those days than most people realize.
Outdoor Play Season Is Longer Than You Think
In Portland, Maine, the first measurable snowfall usually doesn’t arrive until late November. That means from August through Thanksgiving, we average about 118 snow-free days. That’s nearly four months of backyard play—after the so-called “end of summer.”
But even when snow does fall, outdoor play doesn’t stop.
Even Winter Has Play Days Outside
Portland’s cold season (from early December through mid-March) may bring snow and colder temps—but it also brings plenty of mild, playable days. Many winter days climb above freezing, melting snow off play surfaces and softening the ground.
During those months, we see:
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Frequent thaws between snowfalls
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Dry, sunny afternoons ideal for bundled-up play
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Hardy kids in hats and boots climbing and swinging like it’s October
Even in winter, outdoor play is alive and well—especially for kids who have access to a safe, fun backyard space.
Estimated Playable Days from Now until next March
| Period | Total Days | Estimate of Snow-Free Play Days* |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1 – Nov 27 | ~118 days | ~118 (naturally snowless) |
| Dec 4 – Mar 14 (Cold Season) | ~100 days | ~70–80 thaw/playdays |
| Total Potential Play Season | — | ~190–200 days |
Why It Matters that Kids Play Outside
Unstructured outdoor play helps children develop:
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Physical strength and balance
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Emotional regulation
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Creativity, resilience, and confidence
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A healthy relationship with nature and the seasons
Play isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of being in the world. And it’s needed year-round.
What You Can Do Today
If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe next year,” consider this:
There are nearly 200 playable outdoor days a year in Maine—if you give kids the right space to use them.
And right now is the ideal time to get started.
Rainbow Play Systems are designed for year-round joy—but installations depend on the weather. Once the ground freezes or snow piles up, we have to hit pause until spring.
That means August, September, October and maybe even early November are still in play—literally.
Come see Rainbow Play Systems in person at our Portland showroom, or learn more about how to turn your yard into a place where joy lives year-round.
Just don’t wait too long—because while kids can play outside in any season, installing their favorite new playset is a whole lot easier before the ground freezes.
