Getting kids into an outdoorsy lifestyle can be a challenge for parents. Often, the outdoor activities that adults love end up trying children’s patience and ultimately frustrating the both of you. You can combat this effect, however, by tailoring the outdoor activities you enjoy to keep your kids interested and engaged. Try out the following activities to plant the seeds of a love for the outdoors in your kids– then, you can simply watch that passion grow along with them.
1. Panfishing
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities among all demographics. But, to a child first learning, it can be confusing, intricate, and even a little boring. To get your kids started on the water, keep it simple by picking up some spin cast rods and reels and heading out after aggressive, easy to catch game fish like crappie and bluegill. For location, any local pond or lake will do. Using anything from worms to hot dog bits all but guarantees a good bite. And, as the fish roll in, your child will get a healthy dose of the fun and excitement that fishing brings. Just remember to avoid taking them on the long, often fruitless trips that occur when going after more challenging game fish.
2. Squirrel and varmint hunting
Hunting, much like fishing, tries the discipline and attention span of younger kids. Whereas you are content to sit in a stand for hours on end waiting to catch a glimpse of a turkey or deer, children will often find it unbearably dull. After making sure your child is trained and certified in your state to hunt and shoot, it is best to start them out with small game. The constant action and excitement will ease them into more challenging big game hunting. Additionally, the many opportunities to shoot will greatly enhance their safety knowledge, familiarity, and comfort with firearms.
3. Hiking
If you child isn’t yet ready to hunt or fish, then simply going for a hike with them in the woods is a simple and fun outdoor activity that they will enjoy. You can seize the opportunity by teaching them about the outdoors as you go along. For instance, as you pass a mossy tree trunk, explain that you can tell direction using the fact that moss accumulates more heavily on the north side of trees. Kids are like sponges, and doing things like this regularly will give them a healthy knowledge of the outdoors before you know it.
4. Riding
Perhaps the most engaging outdoor activity to do with your kids is riding a motorized outdoor vehicle. Make sure you follow all necessary safety precautions closely, and take them out for a spin on your ATV. The rush of riding (responsibly, of course) is something they’re sure to love and look forward to. Being around motorized outdoor vehicles from a younger age will also benefit them as they get old enough to drive one, as they will already be familiar and comfortable with them.
Though you might worry that your kids simply don’t have interest in the outdoors, bringing them along with you for these activities will almost certainly pique it. By just adjusting the things you already love to do to introduce your kids to them, you can rest assured that they will be outdoor junkies in no time.
Seriously? Teaching kids to go outside and kill living things is outdoor fun? I am a long time outdoor enthusiast, but this seems pretty twisted to me. Guess I’ve stumbled on the wrong site.
Also try bug catching. A simple net and bug holder like a jar will provide hour(s) of fun. Once caught, have the kids view the bugs using a magnifying glass for greater detail. Although the temptation to revert back to your own childhood and attempt to fry the bugs with the magnifying glass is great, try to control yourself. Or just don’t let the kids see you do it!
Super list to kick-start the summer!
That was a good list. A couple of things that I always enjoyed was carving things out of wood, telling stories and inventing your own campfire treats. I would always pack a variety of different things and would have contest to see who could come up with the best tasting original treat. That was always alot of fun for everybody.
Thanks for sharing.
Great ideas for us adults who have lost touch with the outdoors somewhat and need to get our kids involved outside. ATVing is indeed fun but still for m can be a little dicey. Most kids love to go outdoors summer or winter. It is up to adults to make the effort to involve them in outdoor activities, unfortunately that does not happen enough as us older folk often get caught up in their other day to day activities. As children get older and like adults, they show less interest so the importance of getting them outside while they love and appreciate it is paramount.Publisher,familyfirepit.com