Bonding time with your kids is always an unforgettable moment. It’s one of those recreational ways on how you can get to know your kids more. In fact, it also goes the other way. They can get to know you, too, as the cool mom who plays with them.
We’re so giddy to always make their lives more fun that we sometimes run out of activities to do at home and at the nearby park. Well, you know kids, they can judge you with their sharp eye so you better have ample tricks up your sleeves a.k.a. creative activities that you can amaze your kids with.
If you’re really ready to take on the ‘cool mom’ hat, then I’d say it’s time to take them into the great outdoors, even if that means your backyard. There are a lot of amazing adventures waiting for you and your kids outside of your home.
1. Camping
Camping is a lot of fun! You may think that camping means risking and exposing your children to harmful elements that they may acquire outside, and we don’t blame you for that. That’s a mother’s natural instinct.
But here’s the thing, camping can be done anywhere. Outdoor adventures can begin in your backyard. You can set up a tent, invite your kids to go outside and voila, instant bonding activity without spending much and not posing any harm to your kids if that’s what you are worried about.
You can set it up at night to watch the night sky unfold, or early in the morning to see the sunrise. Or you can also set it up any time of the day and do some storytelling inside the tent. The kids would love it for sure!
2. Trekking
Trekking is surely a fun activity for adults. But if you have the right influence, your kids may love it as well. It’s good to start them young as part of the holistic wellness we aim to achieve.
I think it’s safe to say that kids would probably enjoy trekking since it’s an entirely new world for them. Imagine having them by your side while you follow a trail at the nearby national park and their faces are filled with awe and amazement— that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Just be ready for an endless round of questioning as kids would definitely have a lot of curious questions that you have to answer.
If you plan to take this route, just make sure to have the proper gear with you— appropriate clothing, proper footwear, trekking poles, and let’s not forget the snacks and water!
3. Kayaking
If your kids love the waters, kayaking could be one of your options as long as you ride a calm and easy river. You also have to check the age restrictions. Not all kids are allowed to kayak on their own.
Adult supervision with proper knowledge and skill about the activity is a must. Let’s prioritize safety above anything, the fun can follow after. Peace of mind is cheap, let’s not scrimp on that, right mommies?
4. Cycling
For kids that are somehow older and can take an outdoor adventure with confidence, cycling can be a nice idea. The cycling path doesn’t have to be those with crazy turns and uphill climbs. It can be off-beaten and with a little rocky road to test their endurance and well, to make it fun for them.
Just equip them with proper protection like headgears and arm and leg covers. Of course, keep a close eye on them. You may ride side by side, or better yet, let them go first and follow closely behind.
5. Wildlife Watch
Spending time outdoors doesn’t always have to mean you have to do crazy activities and adventure that require extra physical effort. One of the many things that you can do when you’re out there is to just relax and watch as the wildlife goes about their everyday lives.
Birdwatching is a relaxing activity. You can bring binoculars for you and your kids such as these polaris optics and let them watch birds fly across the sky. You can even play a game of who spots the most birds or something that will play with their curiosity.
There are also land animals that you can spot especially at national parks. You can bring a pen and paper and ask them to draw whatever animal they see.
Benefits of Outdoor Activities to Your Child
These outdoor adventures aren’t only meant to let your kids have fun, but it’s also one practical way to teach them life lessons and skills.
Physical Development
Staying outdoors and encouraging your kids to stretch their bodies a little will help them develop their physical attributes like strength and stamina.
Health and Immunity
Because nature is notorious for its positive effects on our brain, it’s likely to stimulate our pineal gland which is responsible for making our immune system stronger. As kids, it is important that we make sure that their immunity from illnesses is as sturdy as a rock.
Social Skills
Through these outdoor activities, they are also likely to grow even better when it comes to communication with other kids. It’s a great opportunity for them to make new friends.
Creativity and Imagination
Being exposed to the wonders of nature and it's dynamics, it can stimulate the creativity and imagination of children early on. They might have read or have seen something like this in their books, but now it’s time that they experience it firsthand.
And who knows, if they grow older and have come to better appreciate nature, they’d probably be at the frontline of people who want to protect the environment.
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