Top tips

There are a million and one ways that children have experienced the fun of adventurous play over the years. These are just a few.

Note that these are descriptive examples only. Parents and carers should, as ever, trust their own judgment and make their own decisions about the suitability of any activity for any particular child in any given circumstance and location.

 

1.Cycling adventures – many woods have ready-made cycle routes and ramps, ideal for taking a map, a picnic lunch and setting off to explore!

 

2.A cooling summer dip in the local pond or stream, or fishing – it’s easy for children to make their own fishing nets using sticks, netting and a bit of wire or string. Let them take their shoes off, wade in and see who can catch the biggest fish. While in the water, let children have a go at skimming stones – flat pebbles are best; see how many bounces they can get! Check the water is safe and always accompany children who can’t swim.

 

3.Neighbourhood water fights – young and old can fill up buckets of water and balloons, and prepare for battle!

 

4.Camping without leaving home – if your garden is secure, let the children pitch a tent there and sleep out. Fill it with pillows, books, biscuits (midnight feasts!) and torches and leave the children to spend the night under the stars. Otherwise, why not let them play at camping by building a den behind the sofa! Kids love to use sheets and blankets, chairs and large cardboard boxes to make camps, dens and ‘Wendy Houses’.

 

5.Climbing trees – the chunky ones with lots of low, strong branches are the most fun. Give your children a boost if they have trouble reaching the first branch, then let them ramble through the branches on their own. Teach them the tricks of tree climbing you learnt as a child.

 

6.Building fires – go on a mission with your children to collect firewood and, if space permits, teach them the art of lighting a safe fire – in private property or else a designated fire pit. Spend the evening grilling sausages, roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs and telling ghost stories. Before going to bed, show them how to put the fire out safely.

 

7.Getting dirty – hide some trinkets or glitter in the soil, then hand out your gardening tools and encourage your children to dig for treasure! When they’re finished, add some water to the dirt and hold a mud pie fest. The messier the better! Garnish the pies with leaves and stones, dry in the sun and serve. Avoid dog-soiled areas, and wash hands afterwards.

 

8.Exploring – is there a somewhere in your local area your children have never been to? If your children know what they’re doing and the area is safe, let them go a little further than usual, and see the enjoyment they get from it.

 

9.Painting with nature – children often like to collect leaves and berries. Let them mash them up and use the juice to create unique and colourful art projects. A less messy version is leaf rubbing – but it’s not quite as fun! Make sure they know which ones are poisonous berries.

 

10.Go-kart building – all you need are some old boards and a good set of wheels. Help your children customise their creations with paint and glitter or whatever comes to hand, then, if there is a suitable place available, why not organise a neighbourhood race.