There's nothing more rewarding than a day spent outside with the family. Everybody is always tuckered out by a full day outside. What better time of the year to get out there exploring nature together than spring!? Here are some ideas to get you and your little ones out and about and breathing in that sweet spring air - bring the dog and as many members of the family as you can to really take advantage of family week.
1. Create an Obstacle Course
- There's no need to have any special materials or supplies for this activity. Although a stopwatch or a timer on a cellphone can add some competition to this activity.
- Grab some items that could be used as 'obstacles' or 'tasks' in an obstacle course (some simple examples are things like a pool noodle, hula hoop, balls, fences, balancing beams or anything you have around your yard or house that you could use.
- Design the course! Remember to include a starting point and a finishing point.
- Go through the whole course together first, allowing everyone to attempt each of the 'obstacles' or 'tasks' before trying the whole course. Change things if they seem too difficult or dangerous.
- Take turns running through the course! Time one another, see who is the fastest in the whole family or if you can improve your time with each time your run through.
- When you get bored of the course, challenge your kids to make the course up for you instead!
2. Have a family meal outside (Picnic)
- This doesn't have to be a lot of extra work, just a lot of fun!
- Simple outdoor meals can be things like sandwiches; salads (pasta, green or potato salads are a great idea to eat on the go!) 'snack food dinners' (think cheese + crackers + cut up fruit/veggies) or if you have the option a BBQ allows you with lots of outdoor food ideas!
- Spread a blanket out or pull out the picnic table and enjoy :)
3. Go on a Family Walk
- Have your kid(s) decide on the walking trail. You can browse some of the different trails on the map I've shared below.
- Discuss what you might need to stay safe while hiking/walking in the wilderness (bear spray, insect repellent, hats, sunscreen, water bottles, small first aid kit etc.)
- Pack a day bag as a family, or pack several smalls bags so everyone is sharing the load.
- Get out there on the trails and enjoy spring!
- See if you can notice other 'families' while out in the forest (birds, squirrels, insects or humans!)
- ** If you plan to make a Family Belonging Branch, keep your eyes peeled for a branch that you could use for this craft. Be sure to read through the instructions and talk with your family about it before taking your walk. Details can be found on the 'More to Explore' page!
Trail Distance (1 way)
Wye Lake Trail 3 km
Mid Lakes Trail 2 km
Ski Hill Trail 8 km
CMD Trail 1 km
Raven Lunch Trail 3-5 km
South Fire Guard Trail 5 km
Hour Lake Trail 2.5 km
Liard River Loop 4 km
Gravel Pit Trail 2 km
Old Alaska Hwy Trail 7 km
Pipeline Trail 6 km
Beacon Trail 5 km
Old Ski Hill Trail 4 km
Telegraph Trail 4 km
Lucy Allen Loop 3.5 km
Birds Eye View Trail 3.5 km
North Fire Guard 8 km
Y2C2 Loop 8 km