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This summer promises to be a festival of sport with tennis, football and athletics keeping us glued to our TV screens. With this in mind, I’ve decided to highlight ten outdoor activities to tempt families from the confines of their darkened front rooms and out into the bright sunshine of the great outdoors.
Whether you’re thinking of things to do on family adventure holidays or simply looking for an enjoyable outdoor alternative to sport on the box, this article is for you.
Camping
Throughout the UK and on the continent there are numerous sites with a large variety of facilities to suit all your outdoor needs. Camping provides the true essence of getting back to nature and as soon your family has experienced life under canvas then there will be no turning back. Check out the New Forest in Hampshire for some relaxed and peaceful locations.
Surfing
From Thurso in Scotland to Pembrokeshire in Wales you’ll find a suitable set of waves crashing against a shore near you that are just waiting to be conquered. Wet suit and board hire is usually available in-resort and lessons will help you get to grip with the basics so you can dive in and have fun together.
Mountain climbing
Don’t be put off by thoughts of Everest base camp and frostbite as there are plenty of reasonable gradients around to suit all ages. Mount Snowdon in Wales is an excellent example of a peak that can be climbed together and if you get too tired there’s always a convenient train to take you up or down.
Cycling
Bike lanes and well-maintained tracks make cycling a family-friendly activity that can be undertaken no matter what your collective level of fitness. One of my favourite routes is the Camel Trail in Cornwall which is relatively flat and takes in towns such as Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin.
Trekking
Putting your best foot forward as a family is a fabulous chance to get to know each other as you chat and see new things en-route. Guided walks and maps are available from tourist offices and on-line so all you have to do is pick your distance, gradient and ‘style count’ and away you go. Check out the Peak District for some glorious views of the rugged English landscape.
Fishing
From organised boat trips out at sea to sitting on an ancient harbour wall, fishing as a family is a great way to pass on skills or experience something new together. If the whole family aren’t into fishing then activities such as photography, painting and insect hunts make for enjoyable alternatives for a divided group.
Swimming
From fresh water lakes to the salt water of the ocean, swimming is a great way to keep healthy and have fun as a family. The best months to get into the seas around the UK are probably August through to October although, in the Mediterranean, swimming can be an option all year round.
Sailing
A life afloat is an excellent option for families and from sailing holidays abroad to learning how to crew off the Isle of Wight, there’s no better way to enjoy each other’s company as you experience the sights and sounds of the ocean. From Port Solent in Hampshire to Phuket in Thailand, sailing is an outdoor activity that just gets better and better.
Horse riding
Check on-line or at tourist info to find stables near you and before you know it you’ll have mounted a noble steed and will be trotting across the countryside like you’ve been doing it all your life. Riding as a family is a lovely way to spend a day and doesn’t take too much instruction to get you into the saddle.
Go-karting
A slightly faster pace than horse-riding but none the less enjoyable, go-karting is a great option for those families who feel the need for speed. Well-maintained tracks provide safety equipment and even winner’s medals if you’re feeling competitive.
Biog: Chris is a father of two who is forever on the hunt for fun activities to enjoy on family adventure holidays.