Family walks are great outdoor activities for children. It’s not always easy to keep children interested on family walks though. Over the years I developed lots of tried and tested ways to keep my own children engaged and happy on a walk. After all, a happy child is likely to walk further. I’ve definitely noticed this with my own children. Today I’m going to share my favourite things to find on a walk with kids.
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Things to find on a walk
One of the reasons we love our * national trust family membership is there is always a family trail to follow. We also love sculpture trails such as Yorkshire Sculpture park and in 2020 we discovered the equally gorgeous Himalayan garden and sculpture park in the Yorkshire Dales.
If we are simply going for a family walk in the woods or the countryside I need to be a bit more prepared. Here are my favourite ideas for things to spot on a walk.
Wildlife
We enjoy spotting wildlife on our walks the most. If you are walking in the country you might spot cows, sheep, ducks, swans and so much more.
Birds to spot
No matter where you walk, you’re sure to spot birds. Perhaps you’ll spot pigeons in the city centre or herons down by the river. We often take some children’s binoculars and a bird book on our walks (we love * this one).
Animal tracks
Perhaps you’ll notice bird tracks in the mud or snow? It’s amazing what you find when you really look closely.
Signs
Whilst the countryside walks are my favourite, sometimes we are walking around towns and cities and we still need creative ways to keep our kids moving. If you are going on a town or city walk then think about some of the signs you may pass such as stop signs, speed limits and signs like library, car park or supermarket. Ever write a list of them for older children or for younger children draw them or stick photos of them in.
For younger children, getting them involved with cutting out pictures, words and letters from newspapers and magazines, of things they might spot.
Geocache
Geocaching with kids is a fantastic activity. Think of it a modern take on a treasure hunt. All you need is an app, pencil and a small treasure to swap. Find out more in my post on geocaching with kids.
Points of interest
This one only works if you know the place you are going. Make a list of points of interest that your kids can look out for. Ideas include statues, ponds, rivers, playgrounds and bridges. You could even draw them on a simple map.
Points on a map
Map reading is a great skill to teach children. Start with simple maps of places you visit (most places have them either on boards around the park or sometimes a paper one to carry around). You could also draw a simple map of a place you are familiar with. Eventually, move on to bigger more detailed maps. For lots of map reading activities for kids head over to National Geographic.
Orienteering check points
This is another fun navigational challenge that has been made family-friendly. Xplorer has been set up by the British orienteering society for families. They run family orienteering events all across the UK.
Sounds
Now this one might sound a little strange but a sound hunt is a great way to entertain kids on a walk. Either download and print out my sound hunt for preschoolers (great for primary school-age children too) or make your own list of sounds you might hear on your walk.
Scavenger hunts
Kids love scavenger hunts. I have a nature walk scavenger hunt free printable for every season that you can download, print and take on your next family walk. We also love this reusable magnetic scavenger hunt.
Go find it cards are also fantastic for keeping in your explorer packs. They never fail to keep my children entertained on a walk. Find out more * here.
Find loads more ideas for Nature walk games here.
Insects or bugs
Who doesn’t love a bug hunt? My girls certainly do. We always take our mini-bug collecting pots on our walks. Next time you are out, poke around under some rocks or leaves and see what you can find. Remember to be careful with them and always put them back where you found them.
Ad – My walking with kids essentials
These are walking kit for kids that we love. All links are affiliate links
More outdoor activities for kids
- As well as finding things there are so many more things to do on a walk with kids.
- How about getting some ideas for things to collect on a nature walk.
- Here are 50 things to do outside at home.
- 100 things to do outside with kids.
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