Getting away with the family can be a lot of fun, but it is sometimes hard to know exactly what to do. A family vacation needs to be a blend of fun, excitement, and relaxation, with plenty to keep the kids occupied, but also enough comfort and quiet time so they don’t get overexcited. Plus it is important that the grown-ups have a good time too! So are there any cheap outdoor activities for families?
Another major stumbling block on the road to a great family trip can be the expense. It isn’t like your solo travel days when you could jump from hostel to hostel on an overnight bus, living on a shoestring and splashing out only when you wanted to have extra fun. Traveling with kids can be a serious strain on the wallet, with extra mouths to feed and tickets to buy, as well as the fact that kids tend to require a little more than a hostel bunk bed when it comes to accommodation!
So while the dream might be to head off on an adventure on a short cruise, when the whole family is involved this is usually a once-a-year thing, and not suitable for regular long weekend getaways.
But if you are looking to pack your bags for a fun adventurous weekend away with the kids, there is a simple answer. Heading off on an outdoor adventure weekend is a great option that your whole family can enjoy on a budget. Whether it’s exploring nature, going on a bike ride, or building an outdoor fort, there are loads of ways to make an outdoor adventure with your kids amazing and make the most of your vacation.
Here are some of the best ways to get outdoors and explore the backcountry with your kids.
Camping
Camping is an absolute classic outdoor activity that kids love! Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors on a budget, and an exciting activity your kids will love. Simple things like pitching a tent, building a campfire, and exploring the woods will fill your little ones with joy, and give them a sense of purpose and achievement that ‘checking into a hotel and turning on the heating’ never could. It’s a great time to spend quality time with your family, with the extra added bonus that all that activity means your kids will probably be exhausted and head to bed early!
Hiking
Hiking is an excellent combination of exercise, fresh air, and interesting education. Taking on nearby trails helps you and your family get active and explore and learn about nature. There are plenty of family-friendly trails around that don’t require years of experience or loads of fitness to manage, but that gives you plenty to look at and learn about while you walk. Your kids will love becoming experts in tree identification and pine cone collection while trekking up (gentle) hills and trails. Just remember to pack enough snacks, drinks, and a first-aid kit, just in case!
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a fun way to teach your kids about the natural environment, gamifying education by setting them a challenge about how many different species of bird they can identify. Best of all, birdwatching is incredibly affordable – while the pros might splash out on all sorts of kit and cameras, all you really need is a pair of binoculars and a good guidebook!
Fishing
Fishing is one of the all-time best ways to wile away a day in the great outdoors. From gearing up in waterproof clothing and picking colourful lures to sitting by a picturesque lake with a hamper full of sandwiches and snacks, fishing is peaceful and relaxing…until the fish strike and your day is suddenly filled with adrenaline and excitement! A wonderful combination, fishing is a great way to bond with your kids, and bringing home a prize catch to cook on the BBQ adds an extra element of fun and excitement to your vacation.
Picnicking
Picnicking can be a great activity for kids as it allows them to enjoy the outdoors while also providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for a family meal. It can also be a budget-friendly way to spend a day together. Additionally, it can be a great way to explore local parks, nature areas or even beaches. Also, it can be a great way to teach kids about healthy eating and food preparation.
Biking
Biking can be a great cheap outdoor activity for families as it provides both physical exercise and the opportunity to explore the outdoors. It can also be a fun and budget-friendly way for families to spend time together. Biking is also an excellent way to teach children about road safety and traffic rules. As children grow and develop their biking skills, they may also be able to join family bike rides on trails or through local communities. It is important to ensure that children have appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, and that they are supervised by adults while biking.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game that uses GPS-enabled devices to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. Participants use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the cache hidden at that location. Caches can be of various sizes, from small containers the size of a film canister to larger containers the size of a bucket.
They can contain a logbook for participants to sign and often small trinkets or toys which can be taken or exchanged for something of similar or greater value. It’s a great way to combine outdoor activities with technology and it can be a fun and exciting way to explore new areas and learn about geography.
Gardening
gardening can be a fun and cheap outdoor activity for families. Gardening allows children to learn about nature, plant life, and the environment while also teaching them valuable life skills such as responsibility, patience, and hard work. Families can work together to plan and plant a garden, and then care for it as it grows. Families can also learn about different types of plants, how to care for them, and how to harvest them.
Additionally, gardening can also be a great way to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be a fun and healthy addition to family meals. Gardening can be done in small spaces like balcony, front porch or backyard. It can also be done in community gardens, schools and parks where families can share gardening knowledge and space.
Nature walks
Nature walks are a great way for families to spend time together while exploring the outdoors. They can be simple, easy and a fun way to explore local parks, nature preserves, or even neighborhoods. During a nature walk, families can observe and learn about plants, animals, and different types of ecosystems.
Families can also learn about conservation and the importance of protecting the environment. Nature walks can be tailored to different ages and abilities, with shorter walks and easy trails for young children and longer or more challenging walks for older children and adults.
Nature walks can also be an opportunity to take photos, collect natural items and create a nature journal. It can also be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It’s important to remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, and be aware of the weather forecast, also to always respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Exploring local parks
Exploring local parks is a great way for families to get outdoors and spend time together. Parks offer a wide range of activities and facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Parks often have playgrounds, swings, and other equipment that children can play on.
Beachcombing
Beachcombing is a fun and educational outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Children can learn about different types of shells, seaweed, and other natural materials found on the beach. They can also learn about the importance of preserving the coastal environment, while they walk along the shoreline. Beachcombing can be a great way to spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
Children can also use their imagination and creativity to create arts and crafts with the items they find on the beach. It’s important to supervise children while beachcombing and to make sure they are aware of the potential dangers such as strong currents, high waves, and other hazards. Also, it’s important to follow any posted rules and regulations, and always leave the beach as you found it.
Stargazing
Stargazing can also be a great way for families to spend time together and bond over a shared interest. It can be a great way to spend a summer night, or even as an after-dinner activity. It’s important to dress warmly, bring a blanket and a flashlight to get around. Also, it’s important to find a spot with minimal light pollution to have a better stargazing experience.
Stargazing allows children to explore the night sky and learn about the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Stargazing can also be a great way to spark an interest in science and astronomy.
Children can learn about the different constellations and how to find them in the sky. They can also learn about the different planets and how to spot them. With the help of a telescope or binoculars, children can see the details of the moon, planets and even faraway galaxies. It can be a great way to teach kids about the scale of the universe and the vastness of space.
These are just a few of the many cheap outdoor activities you can enjoy with your children. You can find more creative and affordable ideas online or in travel guides. Have fun and happy exploring!
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