Six easy and fun outdoor favourites
Getting three kids to agree on where to go and what to do outdoors is not an easy task. On some days, they are just not up for going out full stop but knowing the benefits of getting outside, not just for the kids but also for us parents (and everybody’s sanity including the neighbours), is what keeps us determined.
Here is a list of some of the things we do to make our walks in the park, forest or seaside more fun and which may keep us going for a little longer:
- Scootering through parks – although slightly against the rules in many parks here in KK where we live, I try to keep the kids to one side to avoid being an inconvenience to other park visitors. I find that scooters keep them going for longer than if they just walk, especially the under 5’s!
- Geocaching – this fabulous app has us treasure hunting wherever we go and it has definitely hit the favourite’s list big time and brought us on many new and wonderful detours to places we would otherwise never have explored.
- Photographing the animals and plants we come across, so we can research further and look up names and facts about them either on the go or later at home.
- Keeping a Nature Notebook and some colouring pencils on hand. We encourage the kids to draw pictures and write about their experiences and encounters. It also means we sneak a bit of academics in there but in a fun way, they (mostly) enjoy. The best of it is the joy I get from looking through these books as time passes.
- We always bring a clear pot with a lid for capturing insects and studying them closely for a brief time before releasing the animals unharmed in the same spot as we find them of course. Do keep an eye out for and mind Natures’ warning colours if you do this to avoid stings and bites.
- Picnics or snack-breaks outdoors – it is amazing how the promise of a delicious treat can heighten the mood and determination to keep going for people of all ages (If only they allowed this at the gym I might actually start going there too).
This is by no means an exhaustive list but just some of our favourites. If you have any fun “add-ons” that make your outdoor life with kids more fun and easy, please share.
