Your gear is important. There is no question about that. It's paramount in children's gear, particularly on a wet winter's day hike. Our gear held up decently on our hour and half walk through Oakfield Provincial Park, but I'm not sure all of us would have been warm and dry still after 3 or 4 hours, especially in the downpour rains that started just as we were ending our walk...so it's shopping time ;)
I love how the forecast, the actual rain, and/or the planned route needing to be changed at the last minute didn't affect us from getting out there. My youngest doesn't always love the idea of going but he's always so determined when he gets going. It's always a lot more work for him but he doesn't complain much once he's doing it.
Of course, it helps immensely how much their dad engages them in play. I don't mind playing the part of Princess Leia or Ventress or Queen Amadayla, but I usually just keep walking along, occassionally holding out a pretend lightsaber or drive a landspeeder. Their dad really helps them with using their imagination. They love it. I sometimes wish they would notice the size of a tree, see a footprint in the snow, or hear the raindrops falling, but that will come one day. Right now, it's just important that they equate being outside with fun times.
