It’s no secret that kids love the outdoors. They love running around, exploring, and using their imagination to discover and experience new stuff. As a parent, it’s essential to instill the love of nature in your children by getting them involved in outdoor activities.
Not only are outdoor activities a fun way of spending quality time with the kids, but there are also numerous benefits as far as mental well-being is concerned. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve physical and mental health, increase creativity, and reduce stress.
If you’re a resident of Tennesee, many spots offer outdoor activities. One of the most popular is Pigeon Forge. A quaint little town located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The town features many family outdoor activities, including over 50 mini golf courses, 20 go-kart tracks, and several waterparks. So if you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly destination to take your kids for outdoor activities, Pigeon Forge is an excellent choice.
So if you’ve decided to take the kids on an outdoor adventure, here are seven ways to do it.
Important – One of the first things you should do before heading for an outdoor adventure is to make lodging arrangements. If you’ve decided to head towards Pigeon Forge, book a hotel to make things comfortable and hassle-free. You can book the best Pigeon Forge hotel for a reasonable price if you call today.
1. Go on a hike
With over 100 miles of trails to explore and stunning natural surroundings in Pigeon Forge, your kids will have a great time moving and exploring nature. After choosing a trail, ensure it is easy enough for them, as some can be tricky if the kids aren’t experienced.
Moreover, teaching the kids about safety on the trail and the importance of staying with the group before you head out on a hike is essential. This includes staying with the group, staying on the marked trail, and respecting wildlife.
You should also bring essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit. To keep kids engaged on the hike, play games like “I Spy” or have them look for specific items on the trail.
2. Go stargazing
Stargazing is a peaceful and educational outdoor activity for the whole family. Take your children on an extraordinary adventure through the stars with a backyard stargazing session! Teach them about different constellations, the planets, and the remarkable tales behind them. Bring your binoculars or a telescope to make it a memorable experience.
You can make this activity more fun by creating a game where kids have to find specific constellations or planets. Or, bring out some glow sticks or flashlights and play games like “Red Light, Green Light” in the dark.
Stargazing is a beautiful way to get kids outside and learn about the vastness of the universe.
3. Play outdoor sports and games
Outdoor sports and games are a great way to get kids active and having fun in nature. You can play classic games like tag, basketball, or soccer, or get creative with homemade games like a water bottle bowling alley or an obstacle course.
Create a tournament or competition with your kids to make it more interactive and engaging. You can also mix the rules and make up your variations on classic games.
4. Go geocaching
Geocaching is a fun and interactive outdoor activity that combines technology with exploration. It involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” or containers left in various locations. You can find geocaches worldwide, from city parks to remote wilderness areas.
It is a great way to get kids outside and explore their surroundings while learning about technology.
You’ll need a GPS device or a smartphone with a geocaching app to get started with geocaching. You can search for geocaches in your area and follow the coordinates to find the hidden cache. Each cache will contain a logbook for you to sign and sometimes small trinkets you can take as souvenirs.
5. Gardening
Gardening is a fun and rewarding outdoor activity for kids. Not only do they get to see the fruits of their labor, but they also learn about how plants grow and the importance of taking care of them.
To get started, choose plants that are easy for kids to care for, such as sunflowers, tomatoes, or herbs.
Want to make the gardening experience more interactive? Turn it into a scavenger hunt for kids to find different types of plants or insects in the garden. You can also turn the gardening experience into a lesson by having kids read about the plants they are planting.
6. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Make it even more exciting by setting the hunt in nature! To get started, create a list of items for the kids to look for, such as different types of leaves, flowers, rocks, or animals.
You can also make this activity educational by including items corresponding to a lesson you’re currently working on in school. For example, if you’re studying plants, include a pinecone, a leaf with three points, and a flower with five petals.
Create a list of clues or riddles that kids have to solve to find the next item on the list. You can also turn the scavenger hunt into a competition by dividing kids into teams and seeing who can first find all the items on the list.
Nature scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids outside and learn about the natural world around them.
7. Set up a backyard campout
For those who prefer to stay home, backyard campouts are a fun and unique way for kids to experience the joys of camping without leaving the house. To set up a backyard campout, you only need a tent, some blankets and pillows, and a campfire (if you have a fire pit or fireplace).
You can bring out camping chairs and a cooler with drinks and snacks. To add more fun, play campfire games, and excite the kids while roasting marshmallows.
Backyard campouts are a great way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
There are endless possibilities for outdoor activities with kids. From nature scavenger hunts to backyard campouts, there’s something for every child to enjoy. These activities are fun for kids and have numerous benefits, such as improving physical and mental health, increasing creativity, and reducing stress.
So let’s get those kids outside and enjoy the great outdoors!
