Ideas for Fun Outdoor Activities for Families

11/1/2022

Being outside can be incredibly valuable for the wellness and mental health of individuals, so let's explore some of these fun options to get out into the great outdoors. #activities #families #outdoor

|As the leaves fall with autumn coming into full swing, and winter not too far around the corner, it can sometimes be tough to consider outdoor activities. For some, the idea of bundling up with coats, gloves and hats can be a stretch when it's warm and cozy inside. Yet for others, the adventure of being outdoors surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, breathing in the fresh, crisp air, can be the ideal place to be.

There are many outdoor activities that families can take part in that are cost-effective and easy to plan, and others that may be a bit more of project, but either way there are a lot of choices. Being outside can be incredibly valuable for the wellness and mental health of individuals, so let's explore some of these fun options to get out into the great outdoors.

Please note: This collaborative article does not contain healthcare, therapeutic or financial advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to you.

Some of the best ideas for fun outdoor activities can be found in your own surroundings. For example, if you have a yard and a big tree, or a park nearby, there are surely a lot of leaves falling to the ground around this time of year. You could rake the leaves up so that your yard looks clean which can also provide a bit of exercise for you and your family. Or you can explore your neighbourhood taking in all of the changing colours of leaves on the trees or on the ground.

Or try out these fun ideas using leaves:

listen to the sounds and crunch of leaves as you step on them
try to find as many different shades of leaves as you can
make a mosaic with all the shapes of leaves you can find
use leaves for painting, or make confetti using a hole punch
create fall or Halloween decor with fallen leaves

Another fun and peaceful outdoor activity is to embark on a mindful walk. This involves first dressing for the occasion. Make sure that you and your family are warm and ready for a walk so that you can enjoy each moment of being outdoors. Here are a few tips for creating a sensory-filled mindful walk perfect for fall or winter:

as you start your walk, take in a few deep breaths of fresh air into your lungs
remind yourself that as your mind wanders to other thoughts, bring your awareness back to your surroundings and to the task at hand which is simply just taking a walk
listen to the sounds of the outdoors - the leaves crunching under your feet, the birds chirping, the wind whistling, stopping to listen every so often
consider how your body is feeling as you walk, your heart beating, your lungs expanding as you bring oxygen into your lungs, your feet touching the ground, your legs stretching out as you step

Once you arrive back home, take a moment to consider how you are feeling and what is happening with your thoughts. Hopefully you will feel more engaged with your body and your thoughts will be coming in slower as you feel more present in this moment.

Related: Have a Mindful Moment With A Cup of Tea

Another incredibly fun outdoor activity is camping. There are so many experiences to be had on a camping trip, from hiking, to telling campfire stories, or even boating if you're near a lake. There are also many different types of camping that you can engage in including tent or lodge camping, glamping, or even day camping which can be a bit more accessible for families that may not have all of the equipment for overnight stays.

An incredible initiative that I recently came across to help families connect with nature is CLIF® Day Camp, a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive experience designed to help deserving families from across Canada enjoy the great outdoors. The goal of this partnership between CLIF Bar and Nature Canada, which is a foundation that has helped protect more than 110 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species that depend on this habitat, is to connect youth and families from diverse backgrounds with nearby nature by reducing barriers to participation faced by marginalized communities.

Regardless of the outdoor activity you engage in, having a CLIF Bar in your pocket or backpack can make the experiences even better - so that you have the energy to get outside. Personally, my favourite at the chocolate chip minis. It's the perfect sized snack on the go!

Consider taking small steps at first - spend a few minutes making a plan to get outside, and then take a walk around the block. Next thing you know you will be making plans to go for a hike or going on a camping trip. When winter comes knocking, you could even go snowshoeing, tobogganing or take up a winter sport like cross-country skiing.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. I hope this article has inspired you to enjoy being outside with your loved ones.

Related: 7 Ways Your Physical Health Is Connected to Your Mental Health