Any outdoor loving providers out there?!?!

I have a dcb (1.5 years) who has been with me since October. He's never been a big fan of our outside playtime, but with the weather being how it's been, I couldn't really blame him. Earlier in the year he wasn't really steady on his feet, and with all the snow on the ground he had a hard time walking around. Then he got better at manoeuvring, but it was so cold. To be honest, I didn't like it either, but when went when we could and I just limited our time and held him for the majority of it.

Now it's warm, the toys are out again, there are a ton of fun puddles in the yard, and he still hates it. He's clingy, won't play with/on the toys, cries over EVERYTHING (unless he's already crying - it was 1/2 hour straight today). The only time he's happy is when he's in the swing, and even then he cries if I walk too far away (he's strapped in). Then of course he starts falling asleep so I have to take him out again.

I have an older group 4, 4, 3, 2 - but more like a 3, and this little one, so the gross motor stuff is really important to me, and I just want them to love being outside, especially since we have winters like this one where we can barely go out.

I'm not willing to limit my outdoor time. It's just not going to happen. Any ideas for how to get this kid to like being outdoors? It's not like there isn't anything to do, he won't engage even when I bring him toys and play with him. I'm getting to the point where I just want to put him down and leave him. If he ever stops crying and starts to play I'll give him positive reinforcement and such. Is that a bit harsh?