5 Ways to get the whole family enjoying the outdoors

Spending time together as a family is so important, building lifelong memories and forging indestructible bonds. As any parent knows, time goes far too quickly making it important to use every opportunity to adventure and explore as a young family.

Through taking part in activities that challenge the whole family you can learn new skills and interests together – setting them up for a healthy adult life whilst you maintain your own levels of fitness. The challenge is finding an activity that suits everyone of all ages, shapes and sizes. Keep an open mind and be willing to compromise in an effort to keep everyone happy.  Trying activities that are new to all involved guarantees to keep everyone engaged so keep switching things up to avoid everyone becoming bored.

Walks

Walking is perfect for the whole family, providing the perfect reason to get out and about in the fresh air to experience nature. Best of all, everyone should be pleasantly exhausted by the end, so you’ll be in for a peaceful evening. Result!

Try this: Ilkley Moor is an ideal spot and is so easy to access by train from Leeds to Ilkley. Wander across the sheep-strewn hills and take in the panoramic views of the town and beyond. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the rocks and enjoy the rugged wilderness of prehistoric-looking plants. After you’ve finished your ramble, stop to get everyone a well-earned hot or cold beverage at the Cow and Calf pub.

Camping

Getting away from the distractions of the chaos of everyday life can be good for the whole family. Get away from digital devices, even if just for 24 hours and get back to basics around the campfire.  

Try this: Visit a campsite with all your creature comforts in a local area of beauty. Pack all the essentials so you can indulge in roasting marshmallows over the fire pit and exploring the night skies with stargazing. You can even camp in your back garden if you’d prefer to stay close to home!

Bike ride

If your family is old enough to manage two pedals why not go on a ride through some of the most beautiful trails in the country. Some of these routes go through well-loved locations looked after by the National Trust while others embrace old railway tracks or coastal paths.

Choose your route based on the length of cycle you’d prefer and take into account all rider abilities – take into consideration that you may need to cut your ride short if little legs are starting to struggle.

 

Mini golf

For improving hand-eye coordination, motor skills and patience there are few activities as fun and engaging as mini golf.

Try choosing somewhere with a fun theme such as pirates, dinosaurs or glow in the dark so senses are stimulated and mind occupied on every level. Just make sure that the more competitive adults in the family should go easy on younger members! It’s all in the name of fun folks!

Outdoor cinema

It’s not unusual for the family to snuggle up on the sofa for a movie night, but have you ever considered applying the same concept outside? Create your own outdoor cinema with snacks, cushions and fold-out chairs. If that sounds too much like hard work why not visit one of the many events popping up across the UK?

Spending time outdoors together doesn’t have to be stressful or arduous. Think outside of the box and bend to your children’s interests and there’s something for everyone out there.