“How to get your kids excited about exploring the great outdoors” is a collaborative post.
Summer is just around the corner, and spending time soaking in the sun’s rays sounds like a dream for many. The warmer weather and sunny days offer the perfect opportunity for families to go outdoors and partake in different engaging and fun activities.
Aside from being a great family bonding experience, outdoor activities are essential for children, as they offer numerous benefits that support their health and spark their curiosity. Of course, engaging your children in exploring the great outdoors can be challenging, especially if your child has a high screen time average.
However, finding ways to encourage your children to spend time outdoors can enhance their physical stamina, nurture a sense of wonder, and provide invaluable family time. Keen to learn more? Keep reading as we share diverse and fun ways to excite children about being outside, from cycling adventures to nighttime camping.
Kickstarting adventure with family cycling
Cycling is a wonderful way for families to explore nature together. Many of us learned to cycle at a young age, as we practiced riding bicycles outside our homes or in the backyard. But, if your child doesn’t cycle, teach your kids to ride a bicycle, as learning this skill is an important part of growing up.
Aside from ensuring that everyone in your family knows how to ride a bicycle, you should also consider the choice of bicycles everyone is riding. Choose bicycles that suit each family member’s age and skill level, as this will help to ensure everyone feels confident and secure on a bicycle ride. The last thing you want on a family cycling adventure is for someone to stop because their bicycle makes it difficult for them to continue.
Last but certainly not least, safety is paramount, so invest in proper helmets and reflective gear. Plan routes on quiet, scenic trails where children can appreciate nature without the stress of heavy traffic. If you want to keep interest high, turn each ride into a small adventure, perhaps ending at a favourite picnic spot or a new playground!
Discovering nature through scavenger hunts
Another outdoor activity your children might love is a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are an excellent tool for engaging children with their environment. They turn a simple walk in the park into an exciting adventure. Before heading out, prepare a list of items for children to find, tailored to the location and the season.
For instance, a beach visit might include seashells, seaweed, and smooth pebbles, while a forest outing could focus on different leaf shapes, pinecones, and acorns. These activities encourage children to observe their surroundings closely, developing their attention to detail and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Water-based fun: kayaking and paddleboarding
Why not introduce your children to water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding? These water sports can be a thrilling experience that builds physical and mental skills. As always, safety is the first priority, so ensure everyone wears life jackets and understands basic water safety rules. Start in calm, shallow waters to build confidence before moving to more challenging environments.
Explain the importance of maintaining balance and respecting the water currents. These activities enhance children’s coordination and strength and offer a fresh perspective on nature from the water’s view.
Enhancing outdoor fun with simple games
Simple, well-loved games like freeze tag, hide and seek, or obstacle courses are excellent for getting children active and engaged outdoors. These games require minimal equipment and can be set up in almost any outdoor space. They encourage children to run, jump, and navigate their way around, which is great for developing physical fitness and coordination.
Playing these games also enhances children’s social skills as they learn to interact, negotiate rules, and cooperate with others in a fun and informal setting. Making such activities a regular part of outdoor outings can turn physical activity into a fun and eagerly anticipated part of their routine.
Overcoming obstacles: encouraging reluctant children
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to encourage your children to go and explore the great outdoors. However, despite how much thought and preparation went into planning these day trips, sometimes your children might feel hesitant about outdoor activities. Of course, there could be numerous reasons, including discomfort with unfamiliar environments or a simple preference for indoor play, as to why they are hesitant about spending time outdoors.
The best way to address these concerns is to do so in a gentle manner. Start with short, enjoyable outings that align with their interests. If your child loves art, consider a nature walk where they can collect items to create a collage. If they are fascinated by stories or films about exploration, a themed treasure hunt might spark their enthusiasm. Gradual exposure can help build comfort and curiosity, turning reluctance into eagerness to explore.
Encouraging children to embrace the outdoors enriches their lives in countless ways. As they grow more comfortable and enthusiastic about these experiences, they also cultivate a lasting appreciation for the environment. So, why wait? Plan your next outdoor adventure today and watch your children discover the endless joys of exploring the great outdoors.
