How to Have More Outdoor Adventure in Your Life—Even with Young Kids
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Before having kids, my husband and I were all about outdoor adventure. I figured when I had kids, it would be a no-brainer to bring them along.
It didn’t turn out to be quite as easy as I’d hoped. Our first was born in the first year of the pandemic, and I was dealing with some postpartum anxiety. I think my son touched the grass maybe twice in his first 9 months.
I worked really hard to get past the anxiety of my child being outside, but then came the task of figuring out how to get out on adventures with a little one.
It felt daunting, but I muddled through and figured out how to get out so we were all safe and having fun. And now we adventure all the time without a second thought. Everything feels like second nature, and it’s much easier to get out.
Here I’ve put together all the why’s and how’s of getting out on adventures with your young kids.
Why Learning Outdoors Is Important
You always hear that learning outdoors is important. I mean, it’s fun, sure, but why is it so important?
Studies show that kids in nature develop stronger problem-solving skills, better focus, and more creativity. Not only that, but being outside naturally encourages physical movement and social connection, essential ingredients for a healthy, adventurous life.
Every nature adventure is packed with learning opportunities. Whether it’s spotting different types of birds, observing plant life cycles, or learning about weather patterns, the world outside becomes the best classroom you could ask for.
How to Incorporate More Learning into Your Adventures
Outdoor adventures are fantastic learning opportunities on their own, but it’s not difficult to get more bang for your learning buck.
If you weave simple learning activities into your outing, your kids will learn even more. This isn’t the time for overly structured activities, though.
You want to do things like bring a magnifying glass along so your kids can inspect things, and play games like “who can find the most different kinds of leaves”.
You could even grab my free nature scavenger hunt printable or my free nature activity pack printable.
I actually use my phone a ton while we’re out on our adventures. My oldest always has questions about something we saw, and often I don’t know the answer.
We look up all kinds of things, and if I want to identify something visually, we use Google Lens. And we’re often curious about different bird calls we’re hearing, so I use the Merlin Bird ID app (totally free too!).
Packing more learning into your adventures works best if you keep it fairly simple, and it doesn’t have to be expensive!
How to Prepare for Any Family Adventure
Preparation is key to turning an outdoors adventure from stressful to successful. Start by building a simple “Adventure Travel Explore” kit that’s always ready to go.
Think essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, extra clothes, a first aid kit, and some fun learning tools like binoculars or a nature guidebook.
I keep an adventure go bag in the closet by our front door so it’s easy to grab and go.
The more I can stay organized, the more I can say yes to spontaneous nature adventures without so much stress.
The more you adventure, the more you’ll learn what you need for different kinds of adventures, but in the meantime, check out this post about how to be prepared for any family adventure.
How to Keep Your Family Safe on Outdoor Adventures
When I first started adventuring with my kids, this is where my anxiety came in. Kids can be so unpredictable, how the heck can I keep them safe?
First, I had to learn to let go a little. Kids are going to get hurt, but the more they move their bodies and explore, the safer they are.
If you’re going somewhere new, always research the area. You should learn about the terrain and any potential risks, like wildlife or poisonous plants.
And make sure you know what the weather forecast is. You don’t want to get caught without rain gear or be too cold.
Teach your kids basic outdoor safety rules like staying within sight, not eating unknown plants, and what to do if they get separated. This will take time, but it’s good to give your kids a quick reminder every time you go out.
Small steps like these ensure your family adventures are not only fun but safe, building your kids’ confidence and helping you feel more at ease.
How to Plan a Family Adventure with Your Kids’ Help
Kids love helping, especially when it comes to planning adventures. Get them involved by asking what kind of outdoor adventures they’d like to try.
Give them two or three options to start. Do they want to go hiking? Have a picnic by a lake? Finding bugs in a meadow?
When my 4-year-old feels like he has a say in what we do, he’s more excited and cooperative while we’re out on the adventure.
You can even let them pick the snacks and pack their own small backpacks. And we’ll often let our son choose which direction we go in if we’re out on a trail.
Building a family adventure with your kids creates lasting memories and teaches them the skills to lead their own outdoor adventure experiences as they grow.
How to Just Get Started with More Adventures
This one can be the hardest. You’ve done all the preparation, you know logically how things will go, but it’s so easy to put it off.
The best thing to do is to rip off the bandaid. Don’t wait for the perfect weather, perfect gear, or the perfect plan. Nothing will ever be perfect.
Start with small, manageable outdoor adventures—an afternoon at a nearby nature reserve, a family walk after dinner, or a visit to a new green space in your area.
The more you practice saying “yes” to little adventures, the easier it becomes to weave the adventure life into your family’s daily rhythm. Over time, these small adventures become habits, and you’ll look for more.
Remember, adventure doesn’t have to mean scaling mountains or traveling across the globe. It’s about embracing curiosity, spontaneity, and the beauty of everyday life outside.
Whether it’s an elaborate kids adventure or a simple stroll through a local park, each outdoor adventure brings you closer to the vibrant, connected, and joy-filled life you crave for yourself and your family.
For the Love of Outdoor Adventure
You don’t have to give up your love for outdoor adventure when you become a mom. In fact, you have the incredible opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of nature adventures, building a lifelong love of exploration and wonder.
Start today—pack a bag, grab your kids, and take that first step into the adventure lifestyle you were made for. Your kids will love it!
