How to Make the Most of Your Canopy in Colder Weather

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How to Make the Most of Your Canopy in Colder Weather

As temperatures drop, it can be tempting to move all activities indoors. However, with the right preparation, outdoor spaces can still play an important role during winter. Looking after your canopies in the colder months ensures they remain safe, functional, and ready to use, helping schools and organisations continue to benefit from fresh air and outdoor learning throughout the colder season.

By taking simple steps to maintain your canopy and adapting how the space is used, you can create a protected, comfortable environment that works all year round.

Early Years: Fun and Learning Under the Canopy

Outdoor spaces remain essential for early years development, even during colder months. Canopies help create a sheltered area where children can safely play and explore.

Practical activity ideas include:

Relocating outdoor play equipment beneath the canopy to keep it usable in wet or frosty conditions
Collecting seasonal natural materials such as leaves, twigs and pinecones for creative art projects
Encouraging children to practise fastening coats, zips, buttons, hats and gloves, supporting fine motor skills and independence

A quick daily safety check helps ensure the space remains suitable for use during winter weather.

Primary and Secondary: Learning and Social Spaces Outdoors

Canopies create valuable covered spaces for older pupils, allowing outdoor areas to remain active even in colder conditions.

Outdoor learning ideas include:

Creating temporary wildlife observation areas to study birds, insects and seasonal changes
Running “weather watch” activities to track rainfall, frost and temperature changes
Teaching curriculum-linked topics such as hibernation, migration and tree life cycles in a practical, engaging way

These experiences support wellbeing, concentration and curriculum enrichment.

Use Your Canopy for Winter Events

Well-designed canopies provide excellent shelter for seasonal events, helping schools host activities with confidence, whatever the weather.

Popular winter event ideas include:

Christmas fairs and festive markets
Fireworks and Bonfire Night gatherings
Outdoor carol singing
Winter food stalls serving soup, hot chocolate and seasonal treats

Covered outdoor areas help keep guests comfortable and encourage higher attendance.

Create Comfortable Outdoor Seating Areas

Adding picnic tables or benches beneath your canopy creates a practical, sheltered seating area. This provides pupils and staff with access to fresh air during breaks or lunchtime, even in light rain or colder conditions, supporting wellbeing and social interaction.

Enhance Protection with Canopy Accessories

To maximise usability during winter, canopies can be upgraded with additional features such as:

Side-fill panels
Roller shutters
Safety barriers and balustrades

These additions help reduce wind exposure and improve weather protection, creating a more enclosed and comfortable environment.

Plan Ahead for Year-Round Use

With the right care and planning, your canopy can become a valuable year-round asset. Looking After Your Canopies in the Colder Months allows you to protect your investment while continuing to use outdoor spaces in a safe, practical way.

To help you get the most from your canopy all year round, download our free guide:

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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