In my latest book A year of nature walks and games I share lots of ideas for fun family walks with kids.

Walking never ever needs to be boring and getting kids excited top go on walks is super easy once you know how.

 

A year of nature walks and games

Discover the treasures of our natural world with 52 fun activities following the seasons in my brand new book A year of nature walks and games.

Filled with activities and games for children aged 7 years and up to do out and about in nature that are budget-friendly and will entertain all year round.

From spring birdwatching walks to summer park games, autumn wildlife tracking to winter nature rubbings, these 52 things to see and do will inspire children to go on a nature walk and have fun outdoors! Our new book  contains fun activities for every week of the year with easy-to-follow instructions and tips and lovely photographs and illustrations. Co – written with Catherine from Growing Family and published by the fabulous Harper Collins.

If you love getting outdoors with kids then this truly is an excellent buy!

 

 

 

50 Fun Ideas for Family Walks with Kids

Going for a walk with kids can be a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying the outdoors and staying active. Here are 50 fun things you can do on a walk with kids:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in nature, like a feather, acorn, or pinecone.
2. Collect Leaves: Gather colorful leaves and identify the trees they came from.
3. Bird Watching: Bring binoculars and a bird guidebook to spot and identify birds.
4. Rock Painting: Paint rocks and leave them for others to find.
5. Sidewalk Chalk: Bring chalk and draw hopscotch or other games on the sidewalk.
6. Count Steps: Make it a math lesson by counting steps or measuring distances.
7. Shadow Shapes: Trace each other’s shadows and see how they change as you walk.
8. Nature Art: Create art with items found on your walk, like pinecone animals.
9. Listen to Nature: Stop and listen to the sounds of nature around you.
10. Cloud Watching: Lie down and look at the clouds, discussing their shapes.
11. Storytelling: Take turns telling a story, adding a sentence with each turn.
12. Practice Shapes: Look for shapes in the environment (e.g., heart-shaped leaves).
13. Bike or Scooter Ride: Bring bikes or scooters for a faster-paced adventure.
14. Map Reading: Bring a map and let the kids take the lead in navigation.
15. Nature Rubbings: Make rubbings of tree bark or interesting textures with paper and crayons.
16. Nature Journal: Bring a notebook to sketch and write about what you see.
17. Plant Identification: Learn to identify local plants and flowers.
18. Geocaching: Try geocaching to find hidden treasures using GPS coordinates.
19. Identify Animal Tracks: Look for animal footprints in the mud or sand.
20. Bug Hunt: Search for insects and observe them (but don’t disturb their habitat).
21. Photography: Give kids disposable cameras or smartphones to take photos.
22. Listen to an Audiobook: Bring headphones and listen to a story together.
23. Stroll by a Stream: Find a stream and skip stones or look for aquatic life.
24. Balance Beam: Walk along a low wall or curb for a balance challenge.
25. Nature Charades: Act out animals or objects you find in nature.
26. Letter Hunt: Search for objects starting with each letter of the alphabet.
27. Picnic: Bring snacks or a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot.
28. Story Stones: Paint or collect stones with images and make up stories.
29. Fairy House Building: Create tiny homes for imaginary creatures with sticks and leaves.
30. Skipping Rope: Bring a jump rope for some exercise along the way.
31. Mud Puddles: Allow some splashy fun in puddles if the weather is suitable.
32. Practice Skipping Stones: Find flat rocks and see who can skip them the farthest.
33. Yoga Break: Stop for a quick yoga session in a peaceful spot.
34. Follow a Map: Create a simple map of the route and have the kids follow it.
35. Coloring Book: Bring coloring books and crayons for breaks.
36. Build Fairy Gardens: Construct miniature gardens using natural materials.
37. Identify Cloud Shapes: Try to spot shapes or animals in the clouds.
38. Identify Trees: Learn to identify trees by their leaves or bark.
39. Nature I Spy: Play a game of “I spy” with natural objects.
40. Story Stones: Paint or collect stones with images and make up stories.
41. Create a Nature Bracelet: Tape a piece of masking tape around the wrist, sticky side out, and attach small items found on the walk.
42. Bark Rubbings: Place a piece of paper on tree bark and rub it with a crayon.
43. Make a nature treasure box
44. Leaf Jumping: Pile up fallen leaves and have fun jumping in them.
45. Winter walking: Always the most magical time!
46. Practice Skipping: Bring a skipping rope and have a skipping competition.
47. Nature-inspired Storytelling: Encourage kids to make up stories inspired by the natural surroundings.
48. Collect Wildflowers: Pick wildflowers (where allowed) and press them in a book at home.
49. Play Follow the Leader: Take turns being the leader and make it fun with silly walks and actions.
50. Build Inukshuks: Stack rocks to create your own stone sculptures along the way.

Remember to prioritize safety and respect for the environment during your walks butt above all else enjoy your time outdoors with the kids and make it an adventure!