Wintry Walks and Bribes

How to get the kids outdoors more in winter!

Photo credit: Paul Johnson

Hello everyone,

I hope you were drawn in by the line “and bribes”, because let’s face it, that is the number one way we are going to get the kids outdoors more in winter. Right?

Not just food bribes either, perhaps there is a park to stop at? Maybe there is a trail map, or in the case of a recent walk we did…a cave to explore. Any way in which we can make a walk seem more enticing, then we’ll give it a go!

Wintry Walks and the benefits.

Studies show how vital it is that children have regular access to green spaces and the outdoors, with proven benefits including:

• enhanced brain development,

• improved concentration,

• mental health and wellbeing,

• staying fit and healthy.

Research from the World Economic Forum even shows that children who have regular ‘free play’ outdoors are more likely to do better at school.

But above all, I think walking outdoors with our kids creates memories, even if there are complaints at the time, and strengthens bonds within families. You all have that sense of accomplishment after a walk. Even more so if it was a struggle to get them out in the first place!

Walking bribes.

National Trust properties and English Heritage sites are quite good places to take the kids for a walk. Many of them offer different walking routes with the added bonus of a play area, cafe or trail map for things to do along the way.

A walk at the beach may include stopping to build a sandcastle, or take a flask of hot chocolate with you.

Make a nature trail tick list for younger children to keep them motivated along the way.

Perhaps being realistic as well will help. It obviously is going to be a lot colder walking in winter, so don’t expect to be outside for as long as in the summer. Even just 30-60 minutes a day spent outdoors in the winter will have it’s benefits.

I created walking diaries during lockdown, which I hope to update this year. I have some exciting ideas floating around in my head for them!

Share your walks with me on Instagram using #domorewithourkids I’d love to see where you end up exploring!

Love Beth x