We’re all so ready for sunshine and fresh air amiright? But the kiddos aren’t always the easiest to convince.
Never fear - we have some ideas to make this so much more interesting, fun and relaxing for everyone (you included)!
Here are 6 great ways to keep your kids entertained on your next hike (PLUS a bonus game just for you moms and dads):
Collect Stuff!
You will need:
a basket, bucket or any vessel that holds $hit +
kids with loads of energy.
Have your kids bring a basket. This is important, otherwise YOU will end up carrying 15 rocks, 27 flower heads, 1 dead beetle and something you don’t recognize in your own pockets (only the tiny people like this). Encourage them to look for things in different colors, textures and shapes -and fill their baskets with nature treasures. Try looking for things that are green… muahaa hahaha.
Print off a Nature Scavenger Hunt.
Print a scavenger hunt and bring it with you on the trail! Who can see/find the most things on the list? Check out some of Do The Okanagan’s Scavenger Hunts here:
I-Spy.
A classic really, but there are variations on the game you can try. Use colors for younger kids or use letters for older kids (I-spy something that starts with ‘T’). Use shapes to help your preschooler learn their shapes (I-spy something square) or modify the “spy” part and play I-Hear (I-Hear something loud). The possibilities are endless!
Follow the Leader.
You may need:
another child
a timer
This is an especially fun if you have more than one child, otherwise you are the other child… and that’s ok because you love your kid AND because of game #7.
Have them take turns being the “leader.” The leader decides how they all walk - suggest galloping like horses, skipping, walking like giants, jumping, hopping, going backwards. Everyone follows until it’s the next leader's turn! *Note* a 'leader timer' MAY be a necessity.
Superhero/ princess/zombie/animal walks.
Um yea. Get those Halloween costumes out and trail-it-up in character! Remember highschool theatre?.. you’re welcome!
6. Painted Rocks.
Have you seen these lately? Amazing! They’re everywhere! Paint some rocks from your last hike and bring them back bling-ed up!
7. Drink. Wait… whaaaat?
BONUS game (must be 19+ to play).
You will need:
an inconspicuous water bottle,
sparkling water or just water,
lemon, lime, grapefruit, or just fu(% that part,
vodka.
Bring your own “water” bottle. The rules are real simple; every time your kid uses that tone… the one that waffles from high -to- higher and back again, drink. Because let’s face it, you’d be drinking at home anyway, at least this way you’re all getting fresh air, exercise and some quality family time.
