Do you struggle to get your kids outdoors?
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One way to get your kids outdoors, Bring them Camping
The thing I love about camping is the kids have a blast playing outdoors and exploring the area. Heres a look into a day of camping for our family. Maximus and Eliana had gone off a few times on adventures around the camp site. Always coming back with story’s of places they visited and telling us what they named them.
So this afternoon we planned to go on a hike down the Sawmill Hollow trail. But the kids really wanted to lead us through thier exploration. As a result the choice was made to go on The Blank Kids adventure trail. I didn’t have my water shoes, only tennis shoes. Because of that my route was the dry route and Cody’s was the wet route.
Off on an Exploration
Outdoors along the creek we went, Cody and the kids walking through it. And myself jumping from side to side and scrambling along the banks. My feet desperate to find rocks to anchor onto, so as not to slide into the running water.
They brought us past many spots, Memory Canyon, Black Bend and many more. Each spot they had named when exploring. At Black Bend the creek does a turn in the shape of a horse shoe and at Memory Canyon the bank is red rock that ascends about 30 feet up. In conclusion being outside in new areas causes children to expand their imaginations.
They were loving leading and guiding us. Telling us about all the amazing and majestic spots they had discovered along the way. Both Cody and I were surprised at how far they had ventured up, in the quick amount of time they were gone. Above all we felt the area was safe so felt that it was fine.
Bring the kids outdoors hiking
After the kids were all done, we hiked up the normal trail a short ways. We came to an area that was so lovely to look at. An alluring valley expanding towards a slight ridge with birch trees on one side and the creek on the other. As a result Eliana kept exclaiming how gorgeous and beautiful it was. It’s so worth it bringing kids out hiking even if they say no at first.
After enjoying the beauty we turned back and headed down the trail towards camp. Back at camp we set up near the creek on our picnic blanket. And enjoyed some drinks, napping, playing some Uno together and writing. The kids love playing outside and I love all the fresh air they are getting.
Here’s our best tip or trick for hiking with a child that does not always want to at first. Give them a head start whether that be 10 seconds or a minute. We gave Maximus a 30 second head start once and it took us a good 20 minutes to catch up to him.
Another wonderful tip is head to the National Forest to hike. They can be just as beautiful as a state or national park. With that being said they are normally less busy.
Have a campfire and cook S’mores
We cooked up dinner and then Cody started a massive fire. It’s Cody’s pride and joy to build fires that are huge! Kids always love cooking food over the fire with poker sticks. It’s a great way to get them involved and will create fun memories.
Gotta have some s’mores. Then we tried something new with s’mores. We made Reese’s s’mores, it was a different taste experience. Glad I tried but I’m gonna stick with the classic s’mores for now. Marshmallow, the classic graham cracker and a yummy Hershey’s chocolate bar. Your kids will love being outside cooking marshmallows over an open fire.
Comment below some ideas you have for getting your kids outdoors and exploring. I would love to hear some more ideas.
