Looking to spend a little quality time with the kids and get away from all the screen time that everyone is so guilty of? Want to combine quality time with some fresh air and get outdoors? Getting outside with the kids gives everyone a chance to bond, get in that much-needed vitamin D, and even combine it with activities and exercise.
The great thing about outdoor activities is that the list of potential options is seemingly endless. You could choose a new activity each weekend and make a real challenge out of it. Not sure where to begin and what outdoor activities are best with the kids? Here are some ideas to help get you started.
If each member of the family has a bike, then a family bike ride is a fabulous option. Rather than just biking around your neighbourhood, however, why not look up local trails that you can explore? This will add an extra element of fun and excitement to the activity and everyone can take in some new sights. Take a look at this beginner’s guide to cycling with kids by epicbicycles.com.
Sign Up for a Charity Walk/Run
Here’s a chance to spend time outdoors as a family, do something active and healthy for your body, and also give back to your own community. There are plenty of charity walk-and-run events held in cities and towns each and every year. Many of these are family-friendly events, and you can pick a cause that resonates with the whole family and teaches kids about the importance of giving back.
[AdSense-B]
Once you’ve picked an event, you can start to train and prep as a family, heading out on regular walks/runs to build up everyone’s endurance and stamina.
Tandem Kayaking
For those familiar with kayaking, you probably picture a person in the kayak taking part in the activity on a solo-basis, but did you know there are tandem kayaks that can fit up to 3 people? This allows families to take part in the activity in a more fun and engaging way. You will all be paddling together, working as a team. It is a great source of exercise and strength building, and you can enjoy some spectacular scenery along the way.
Backyard Camping
Not every family is up for a full camping adventure where you hike out into the woods and spend a few days in nature. But if you’ve still got a hankering for camping and maybe want to introduce kids to it, backyard camping could be a fabulous option.
[AdSense-B]
All you need is a standard tent – nothing fancy or too big – sleeping bags for everyone, a couple outdoor LED lanterns, and you’re good to go! There’s no need to worry about washroom facilities, and you can just use your own backyard grill for cooking.
Set Up Your Own Scavenger Hunt
Here’s an activity that can be done in your own backyard, or something larger like the local park. Create a list of items that you’re likely to find out in nature, give everyone that list and get to work finding things. You can even pick up a few cute “prizes” to give out after completing the scavenger hunt.
Hit Up the Local Beach
For those who are lucky enough to live near a local beach, then you’ve got a bunch of activities to choose from. You can swim with the kids, take up paddle boarding or even surfing, do a little snorkelling along the shoreline, or stick to the beach activities like volleyball and soccer in the sand.
As you can see, when it comes to outdoor activities that you can do with the kids, there is no shortage of options.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
