A wet day is often an excuse to stay inside, especially if you don’t have the right gear to keep kids warm, dry and happy. To help you get outside no matter the weather, we’ve collected the best rain gear for kids to help you get outside all year long. The gear featured has been used and recommended by our team – it’s what we use in our daily lives and trust to keep our kids dry!
Need a nudge to get out and play during mud season? Here’s why it’s beneficial to play in the mud and tips to make it happen for your family. And if we need to say it, let the girls get dirty too!
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Best Rain Jackets for Kids
Having great rain coats for outdoor play means that little kids, toddlers AND big kids can spend more time outside while staying comfortable and dry.
Burton Veridry 2.5L Rain Jacket
Lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and made from 100% recycled materials. This jacket dries out quickly and packs down small into its own pocket. It comes in sizes XS-XL and there’s even a toddler version.
Columbia Switchback II and Columbia Watertight Jacket
Columbia has some great options for lightweight rain jackets for kids. We love these options because they are affordable, do a good job keeping kids dry and mobile, and are extremely packable. They come in sizes XXS-XL.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket for Kids
This jacket is a family favorite for it’s fun colors, quality, packability and the fact that it is available in a wide range of sizes. It comes in kid sizes XXS-XL and toddler sizes 12M – 4T.
Reima Waterproof Lampi Jacket
Reima never uses PVCs and this traditional rain jacket is soft and flexible, even when it’s cold. We love that it has a great hood, is fully waterproof and has generous sizing. It is slightly heavier than the three options listed above. It comes in sizes 18M-12Y.
Looking for something with some cute patterns, check out the Vesi instead. Same jacket as the Lampi, just with patterns.
Akova Kids Elevated Hardshell
We love this waterproof shell jacket for 3 (or 4!) season adventuring. It is very high quality, keep kids dry and warm and is perfect for layering under on colder days. While it’s not an ideal jacket if you are in a hot and wet climate, it’s perfect for cooler temps and winter conditions too. It comes in sizes 4T-16Y.
Learn more about our favorite Akova gear in our full review.
Villervalla Shell Waterproof Rain Jacket
Villervalla is hands-down a favorite in our house. It’s more of what I would call a “hard shell” so is incredibly durable, works for snow, slush and rain and is full of tiny details for a great fit.
The shell suits and pants/jacket separates are available in stripes and bright solids. The sizing is in Euro (sizes 2T-10Y) so best to measure the child’s height to find the perfect fit.
Best Rain Bibs for Kids
Durable rain bibs for outdoor adventures helps kids stay completely protected and ready for more exploration, regardless of how wet and wild the weather gets.
CeLaVi Classic Rain Bibs Kids
These are a thicker, softer rain bib and so great for mud because they clean super easily. Often in warmer weather, we’ll send the kids out in just bibs. They’re generously sized, but snap at the waist for a more trim fit. CeLaVi classic rain pieces are free from harmful substances such as PVC, fluorine substances, nickel, AZO dyes, and flame retardants. These come in sizes 9M – 8Y, so you’re covered for most ages of play. We love the Ponderosa Pine color.
Jan and Jul Puddle Dry Rain Bibs
Sizes 1T – 5T
These bibs are great for rain or as a shell for colder days. They have a thin liner that keeps them softer on the inside. They also are available in a cozy fleece-lined version that keep legs a bit more toasty. Overall, these bibs work great in mild, wet climates that need less warmth and more waterproofness. It comes in sizes 1T-5T, perfect for smaller kids.
Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Eco Bib Shell Pants
These bibs are the thickest option here. They’re extremely durable, extremely waterproof, and not very breathable. They are our favorite for shoulder seasons and colder weather, and for creek exploration. They are made of eco-friendly and recycled materials. These come in sizes 1Y-6Y.
Reima Lammikko Rain Bibs
These rain bibs are fully waterproof, have adjustable suspenders and are great for keeping kids outside longer. They are a light to mid weight bibs. Thinner than Polarn O. Pyret, but more breathable. These bibs come in sizes 9M-8Y, but are made to grow with your kid and last more than one season.
Best Rain Suits for Toddlers and Kids
Quality rain suits help active toddlers stay dry while crawling and sitting, with one-piece designs that completely seal out moisture during wet weather adventures, while larger sizes like Oaki’s 14/15 ensure even older kids can enjoy puddle-jumping fun.
Overall Suit
CeLaVi Rain Suit
CeLaVi rain suits are soft and pliable and perfect for toddlers (there are two piece sets for older kids). They have a detachable rain hood, reflective strips, fleece lined collars, boot elastics, and welded seams. The suits come in sizes 9M-5T.
Jan & Jul Cozy-Dry Waterproof Play Suit
The fleece-lined Jan and Jul Cozy-Dry rainsuit provides essential warmth in cold, wet conditions, making it perfect for fall and spring adventures or winter play with additional layers. Featuring adjustable fit, secure cuffs, reflective piping, and brimmed hoods, this premium suit excels in harsh weather, while their unlined Puddle Dry version offers a lighter alternative for warmer conditions, both available in sizes 1T-6T.
Oaki Trail Suit
A favorite for many families, the versatile Oaki trail suit is very durable, has extensive size/color options, and provides easy layering potential with its cinchable waist, and adjustable wrist and ankle cuffs, to accommodate growing kids! Two downsides: the hood isn’t ideal (but can be remedied with a good rain hat) and the hardshell material makes for a noisy suit. But this suit is available in bigger sizes, providing a rare opportunity for the older kids to play in the rain.
TMM Team Member Jami typically purchases two sizes up. Currently her 5 yo is wearing the 8/9 and the 9yo is wearing a 12/13. At 18m, her daughter was wearing a 4T through age 4. We love brands and items that last!
Reima Toppila Rain Suit
The Reima Toppila rain suit is a solid contender as a go-to for rainy day adventures, keeping kids dry without any fuss. The thoughtful design includes a detachable hood, easy zipper, and foot loops that prevent the legs from riding up during active play. We appreciate that it’s made without harmful chemicals. Sizes 12M-6Y.
Stonz Rain Suits for Toddlers
Stonz is a Canadian company that we have used and loved for years for their winter gear. Their rain suit is loose-fitting and lightweight, but incredibly durable with bonded, seam-sealed construction, PU coating and covered waterproof zippers. It comes in 8 different colors and sizes 12M-4T. This is our favorite toddler rain suit as it’s perfect for rough play. The built-in hood visor and soft cuffs with thumb holes are some other functional touches that make these suits extra practical and comfy.
VillerValla Shell Waterproof Overall Suit
If you live in a cold, wet climate, this is my favorite since it is definitely more of a shell than just a rain suit. It is extremely durable with reinforced knees and seat, has a great adjustable and detachable hood, layers well over other layers, and is super cute. It also has thumb holes which are always a favorite feature in my home. Sizes 1Y-6Y.
Best Rain Mittens for Kids
It’s SO important to have effective rain mittens that keep little hands dry during wet adventures, making sure they’re also happy adventures. These choices work nicely as overmittens providing protection we’ve searched years for!
Helsinki Shell Mittens
Really the best shell mittens out there, these are lightly lined, but have reinforced seams and can be layered under easily. Sizes 4Y-7Y.
CeLaVi Waterproof Over Mittens
If you want some warmth, we love these ones from CeLaVi since they have a thick fleece liner. They also come in an unlined version. Sizes 0-4Y.
Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Long Cuff Shell Mittens
The rain mittens from Polarn O. Pyret are more lightweight than the VillerValla, easy to put on and do a good job staying on. Make sure you layer under them on colder days. Sizes 6M-6Y.
Reima Puro Waterproof Lined Rain Mittens
These are lightly lined (knit, not fleece) for comfort, but still are easy to layer under. They come up high and cinch around the wrists to keep water out. Sizes 6M-8Y.
Vilnius Recycled Rain Mittens
These recycled mittens are flexible and easy to move in with a soft fleece liner. Sizes 2Y-7Y.
Best Rain Boots for Kids
Having great waterproof boots for toddlers and kids is vital to keeping them dry and comfortable. The recommendations below are in alphabetical order. Read on to see what we recommend for different ages and conditions. They are ALL great rain boots that range from a classic rain boot to ones that work great as winter boots too.
Bogs Neo-Classic Boots
Bogs are a favorite for many families for good reason. They are incredibly durable, have great traction and last to pass down from kid to kid. Of all the Bogs we have tried over the years, these are our favorites for kids. They are lightweight, very warm and have good traction. Sizes 7T-6Y.
Bogs Baby Bogs
These are the boots we recommend for first walkers who need a flexible sole. They are relatively warm and easy to move in. Sizes 4T-10T. View more Toddler Friendly Boots here!
Crocs Kids’ Handle It Rain Boots
The Crocs Handle It Rain boots are unique because they have no liner in them to impede dry time. Pair them with the socks that work best for the conditions and temperature and you’re set. They also are very durable and pull on easily. We love that they are a molded boot so no seams that can come apart. Sizes 6T-13T.
KidOrca Above the Knee Rain Boots
KidOrca came up with a new way to play in the wet, they added little waders to the top of their boots. Wear them over your knees to keep the water out or fold down for a traditional rain boot height, these are a great way to keep littles dry. When you have the waders up, it helps prevent the dreaded “filling your boots with water” when you kiddo splashes in a puddle too deep.
The solid colors keep the boots looking stylish and the wader fabric is soft and flexible with taped seams. Downside, the wader fabric can scuff on rough surfaces, so don’t let your kids use the waders as knee protectors when playing in the driveway. Sizes 5T-12T.
Lone Cone Kids Rain Boots
Lone Cone has high quality gear for kids that is super affordable. Check out our full review here to see why we love them so much. Their elementary collection is a great basic rain boot for a good price. They keep feet dry and are easy to pull on. Sizes 4T-4Y.
If you tend to have more slush and snow than actual long periods of rain, you may want to check out the Lone Cone all-season neoprene boots.
Muck Boots for Kids
We have been long-time lovers of Muck boots because they fit well, keep little feet warm in colder, wet conditions and hold up for years and years and years. In fact, our pairs that are over 6 years old show virtually no wear, despite being on the 3rd kid. The only thing we have noticed is that for kids with a bigger heel/arch, we recommend their Rugged II over the Hale (which we love!). Sizes 10T-7Y.
Stonz West All Weather Boots
Perfect for rain, mud, slush and everything in between with a -20°C/-4°F temperature rating. I like how these are a little lower so easy to walk in and come in cute designs. They also start at a 4T so are the other boots we recommend for early walkers (besides the Baby Bogs above). Sizes 4T-2Y.
Stonz Rain Boots
Sizes 4T – 2Y
Super waterproof, durable and flexible for easy movement and protection from rain. These boots also have great traction! Easy for kids to get on and off by themselves, and enough height to withstand serious puddle splashing. Integrates really well with the Stonz Rain Suit, which has built-in stirrups to keep ankle cuffs in place.
Best Rain Hats for Kids
Proper rain hats shield little eyes and faces from persistent rain while keeping heads dry during enthusiastic water play. The right hat completes your child’s rain gear collection, making wet weather adventures comfortable and fun.
Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat
This waterproof bucket hat helps keep heads dry. Sun or rain protection, the wide brim does it all. Youth sizes XS/S and M/L.
TMM Team Member Jami feels the sizing runs small. Her 5 yo has an XS/S, but its tight and she could use a M/L. Her 9yo could probably move to adult sizing.
Reima Rainy Hat
The Reima Rainy hat is our favorite rain-specific because it has ear flaps that you can put up or down depending on how cold it is. And the brim, flaps, and material protects from rain, light or heavy.
Polarn O. Pyret Wide Brim Rain Hat
A top pick for keeping little explorers comfortable in wet weather. It’s class design has an extended back brim to protect necks and under-chin ties that actually stay put.
Vasa Rain Hat
The Vasa Rain Hat has an asymmetrical brim to protect necks, ears, and faces. It also has fleece lined ear flaps and tie straps to help keep it secure.
The Best Rain Gear Can Weather-Proof Your Fun
We learned the hard way that cutting corners on rain gear just means cranky kids, lots of laundry and avoiding adventures. Good quality rain gear has been a total game-changer for our family. Nothing beats watching them jump in that massive puddle, knowing they’ll stay dry and comfortable playing outside. I get to really enjoy their splash-happy joy instead of stressing about soaked clothes.
Related Posts:
- Playing in the Rain and Mud
- Reima Rain Gear Review
- Reima Spring Gear Review: Waterproof Kids’ Clothing for Outdoor Adventures
- Jan and Jul Rain Gear Review
Best Rain Gear for Toddlers and Kids
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Hi Amelia!
It’s me who e-mailed you about baby boots for spring!
What a great post!
I think I’ll go with Muddy Munchkins over Bogs. It seems Muddy Munchkins will stay on better for a crawler but also adapt to a walker as I am hoping to get both spring and summer use out of them and since George is standing and walking behind a little wagon, perhaps walking isn’t too far off?
I am now struggling between choosing between a rain suit versus rain bibs and a rain/wind jacket. In your experience, is a rain suit more of a pain when changing diapers during camping trips? Do you only put your kids in rain suits when it is in fact raining or are they convenient and comfortable enough to wear on cold/windy days for romping around?
Thanks!
And by rain bibs I mean rain pants haha!
Hi Catherine,
Yes, I think you’re right on the boots….they are so great for the new walkers and crawlers 🙂
I would go with a suit…we definitely use them for mud/wind/shell layer AND rain/slush/snow. It doesn’t make diaper changes that much harder, because even with bibs you are having to pull off a top layer (and they are so much more protective than regular pants that would allow easier changes).
Hope that helps!
~Amelia
Thanks! I got a DucKsday suit! I’m so excited! Thanks for all of your help! I think he should be set. 🙂
Another question has popped up! My husband is looking at a tent heater. We are wondering if you have ever used one of these and if you think they are necessary and when. We are camping near Lake Superior in May where it could be in the 20’s at night. We have a really small tent… I’m not sure where we would put the thing! Thought we would see what you had to say about them!
Hi Amelia,
I am looking at ordering another Oakiwear rainsuit but I was wondering if you have an affiliate link for the Oakiwear website? I would rather order through their website than Amazon. 🙂
Hi!
Do you have any recommendations for fleece-lined rain jackets? We have a lot of wet and muddy days in fall, spring and even parts of winter. I’m happy to put them in layers at home, but for school it’s much easier to just have 1 jacket to put on for recess.
We’ve always had LL Bean lined trail jackets and I’ve been ok with them, but this is the first time I’m having to buy new and the price is a bit staggering. We also love MEC products but their cozy rain jackets for youth are rarely in stock these days. I’ve also been looking at Therm but I’m not familiar with their products and I can’t find any extensive reviews.
Any suggestions? Kids are 9, 7 and 4.
Thanks so much for all your great posts!
Hi Leslie – Therm is great! We also really really love Jan & Jul. You can find many of our reviews here: https://talesofamountainmama.com/jan-and-jul-rain-gear/
Hi!
What rain-Mittens do our kids have? and are they good for winter-Things like Bulding a Snowmann or something like that in the winter. And for some times when its raining?
We get mittens from Biddle and Bop, however they’re really best for rain vs. just snow play!
Hello! Thanks for all the info you provide. I always use your site as a reference when researching new gear for our nearly 5 year-old daughter. Do any of the rain jackets you reviewed have a fleece-lined hood or are made of some material that “softens” the sound of a rain jacket hood? Our daughter has outgrown her Reima rain jacket (discovered through your site, thanks!) and I’m searching for a new one. It’s often a struggle to get her to put her hood up when it’s raining due to her aversion to the sound of the harder waterproof material, so I’m searching for something that may be more comfortable and encouraging for her to wear.
Thank you! Matt
Great question. We really, really like the Akova shells for this. They are great for everything but super warm wet days. Not sure where you live, but they’re perfect for Wyoming and Alaska weather. Feel free to email me if you have more questions (or want our discount code!)