Family Fun in the Wild: Outdoor Activities for Parents and Kids to Bond Discover both fun and educational outdoor activities for parents and kids to bond and enjoy quality time together. From bird watching to building a tree house, find activities that the family can enjoy in nature. Create lifetime memories this summer from the comfort of your home!
16 Outdoor Activities for Toddlers | Homeschool Journey 101
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Family Fun in the Wild: Outdoor Activities for Parents and Kids to Bond
Family Fun in the Wild: Outdoor Activities for Parents and Kids to Bond
Summertime provides the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to get outdoors and spend some quality time together. There are plenty of exciting activities that can make for an unforgettable experience while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of the wild. From star gazing to camping, there are ways to make lasting memories that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Star Gazing
What better way to bond with your children than to lie on blankets and look up at the night sky to identify constellations, stars and galaxies? Star gazing is an engaging activity that will inspire awe and wonder while building interest in the exploration of space. Consider guiding your children with star location apps, audio stories and constellation myths to cultivate their curiosity.
Fishing
Spending a day on the river or a lake with your children can be both rewarding and educational. Teach them how to cast a rod and talk about the different species and behaviors of the fish. Discuss the importance of aquatic habitats and ways that kids can help protect these fragile environments. Not only is fishing fun, but it is a great way to introduce children to the concept of sustainability and outdoor stewardship.
Camping
Camping is a traditional way for families to unplug and reconnect. Exploring trails, rivers and creeks can be a thrilling experience for children. Make sure to pack lots of snacks and water for the duration of the trip. Additionally, give your kids age-appropriate tasks to help them become more engaged with the environment, such as pointing out wildlife and queueing up a tent. Camping also gives the family the perfect opportunity to practice the Leave No Trace camping ethics.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a great way for kids to explore the natural world while familiarizing them with technology. So Geocaching combines technology, maps, and the great outdoors through a treasure hunting game. It’s an activity that the entire family can enjoy. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection to access the geocaching app.
Creek Exploring
Creek exploring can be both exciting and educational for children. Teach your kids how to identify different kinds of rocks, plants and marine life. Show them how to spot different kinds of wildlife and talk about their habitats and behaviors. This is also a great activity to teach children about water conservation and natural resource management.
Bird Watching
You don’t need to be a wildlife expert to start bird watching. All it takes is the right attitude and some basic knowledge. Provide your children with binoculars and let them explore their surroundings. Explain the possibility of rare sightings and guide them with a book or a mobile app. Bird watching is a great way to get kids excited about the natural world.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking the same trail with the kids can be both physically and mentally rewarding. This activity creates a great opportunity for the family to spend quality time together. Give your kids the chance to learn from you how to approach difficult terrain with the appropriate safety measures and proper knowledge of the terrain.
Hiking
Hiking can give both parents and kids an opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural terrain. Prepare your children with the right gear, perception and safety measures, and it can be a rewarding and fulfilling adventure.
Talk to your children about different kinds of plants, birds and wildlife, and introduce them to the basics of environmental stewardship.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport that combines navigation with physical activity. Guiding your kids with maps, compasses, and orienteering marks on a trail isn’t only exciting for them, but it can also teach them the basics of navigation. This is a great activity to build self-confidence and camaraderie with the family.
Rock Climbing or Bouldering
This is a great way to teach your children the basics of rock climbing while teaching important lessons about safety and camaraderie. Bouldering is a good way to start, as it’s low to the ground and requires minimal equipment. Ask your kids to pick out routes, while talking to them about the benefits of the activity.
Building a Shelter
While hiking or exploring in the outdoors, challenge your kids to build a shelter with natural materials found in the terrain. They can make use of leaves, sticks and stones to construct a shelter reminiscent of a wigwam or a teepee. It’s a great way to teach children about creativity and resourcefulness while having fun in nature.
Bonfire
A night of making s’mores and enjoying stories can give your kids a positive connection to the outdoors. Ensure safety by giving your children specific responsibilities such as using a fire quart and fire reminder, keeping the fire small, controlling the sparks, never leaving the fire unattended, and extinguishing the fire.
Conclusion
From star gazing to building a shelter, there are plenty of ways for families to get outdoors and make lasting memories together. Outdoor activities provide a great opportunity for parents and kids to spend quality time together while learning about the environment and being stewards of the wild.
FAQs
Q: What outdoor activities are good for parents and kids to do?
A: There are many outdoor activities that are good for families to do, such as star gazing, fishing, camping, geocaching, creek exploring, bird watching, mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, rock climbing or bouldering, building a shelter, and bonfire.