Inspired by our friends at Blaze Trails and their support of the #marchformarch campaign launched this week by ITV’s Lorraine we’re sharing some of our top tips for family walks.
Blaze Trails aims to get parents and carers out in the early stages parenthood. We are aware though that it can be hard to lure older kids away from the screens.
We have six children between us. They come alive when they are outside, we may get a slight moan and groan at the suggestion of a family walk but once we are all enjoying the fresh air it’s soon forgotten. Here are some of our top tips for encouraging your children, teens or tweens to get outside with you.
Geocaching
If you haven’t heard of this, geocaches are hidden everywhere (8 million worldwide). By downloading the app and creating a free account you can gain access to where they are!
GPS guides you to a geocache and you may even get some hints and tips to help you find it. Geocaches are created and set by different members of their community, some are super elaborate and others not so much. In London alone there are 8,674 geocaches.
Geocaching adds a level of excitement to a family walk and helps to bridge any age gaps you may have. Younger ones love swapping trinkets and writing their names inside the cache. Our older ones also really enjoy finding it in the first instance using the GPS as a guide.
You can find out more info on how to start geocaching here. Local to us, we have seen some really well designed caches at Langley Park in Buckinghamshire.
It’s a lovely way to add some excitement to a walk and a great way to get the children involved in choosing where to go.
Go Find It Cards
These super handy little cards are an instant activity. They’ll give any walk some purpose and add a little healthy competition to your outing. A big bonus is they’ll even fit inside your Ouch Pouch!
Designed by the Sensory Trust it’s a scavenger hunt game consisting of 33 uniquely designed cards, in a small drawstring bag. Each card represents different sensations and sensory characteristics you can find outdoors in nature. You can also get an expansion pack called go find it too.
If you are wanting to stop the children moaning whilst on a walk, they’re a great resource to pull out of your bag/pocket or from under the buggy.
In addition, if you’re looking for some screen free gift ideas we couldn’t recommend them more. These nature cards are a great price point for birthday party gifts – we’ve even gifted a set to the school!
Den Kit Co
We are big fans of the den kit co and all that they stand for. If you are struggling to get your child outside why not make it more appealing for them.
We often grab our den kit and head out to find the perfect trees – this is in all weathers too! The kids can spend hours setting up the perfect base camp, each time it’s different too depending upon what we’ve taken with us. It could be as simple as walkie talkies, snacks or books but each and every time they immerse themselves!
We have an original den kit and a Forest Den Kit but they have some great variations now, including faries and pirates with super cool bunting to go with it!
Ouch Pouch
Last but not least, we couldn’t not mention the Ouch Pouch. Add a sneaky packet of sweets to it and you’ll have some ammunition when the “i’m hungry” line gets thrown at you.
You’ll be super prepared with this compact first aid kit for any cuts, bumps and bruises that may appear. We also have it on good authority that the distraction stickers work well as bribery stickers too!
