Although I do not write about it as much on here as I once did when they boys were younger and before school entered our way of family life, we do like to get out and about as much as we can and make the most of what the great British outdoors has to offer.
Sadly, according to Natural England who issued a government-funded study back in February, they discovered that more than 10% of English children have not been to a natural environment (beach, park, forest etc.) in the last 12 months. Personally, I do find that alarming because how can you not allow your children the freedom to get outside and get fresh air, let of steam and reap the benefits that being outdoors gives them (and us as parents). Yes sitting down to play computer games, scroll through social media and watch the TV are easy tools to occupy our children, and don’t get me wrong my two boys watch a fair bit of TV/films and occasionally are allowed to play on a tablet, BUT I ensure that they get lots of exercise outside of our home too.
Getting outdoors does not cost any money either. A trip to your local park with your kids is free and you can take bikes, scooters and maybe a ball and you have plenty to keep them busy. Add a picnic and you can stay for ages at no cost to you. You could take your children on a trip to the seaside (if you are fortunate to love close to one, as we are), sand and water are two thongs which my two love playing with. You could go on an adventure in some woods, visit a National Trust property and grounds (cheeper if you are members of course), or maybe just playing outside in a garden. It does not really matter what or where, but just getting outside is the important bit.
The Forestry Commission have sites across the country where you can visit and enjoy the woods, and you can walk, cycle or climb your way around. They also hold events which make the visit more enjoyable for children, such as the Stick Man trails or maybe even meeting a Gruffallo.
A trip to the beach is always fun, take along buckets and spades, wetsuits and body boards if you have them, look for shells and saline on the beach and in rock pools, or just go and jump in the sand, a paddle in the sea or a walk along the coast.
To coincide with the launch of their new yogurt-coated popcorn, Butterkist have set up a #GetCoated campaign aimed at helping create adventures for kids, and get that 10% who have not visited a natural environment in the last year, to get outside and enjoy all that being outside in our country has to offer.
I can tell you that yogurt coated popcorn is delicious!
Where is your favourite natural environment that you enjoy taking your children to visit?
I was sent a #GetCoated Butterkist goodie bag to assist me with this post
