There are number of things that inspired this post. First one was listening to That David Podcast featuring Mikhila McDaid in which they were discussing giving kids your time. It pains me to admit it but I’m guilty of fobbing off the kids – especially after work. Being at work all day is tiring and all I want is to sit down and have some peace. All the little ones want is a bit of attention.
The second thing that inspired this post is this video which discusses that plastic toys are a pain when it comes to recycling. They are considered a contaminated which creates a problem. I won’t go into detail but it’s really interesting video. Recently, it was the Littlest’s 4th birthday. As usual, she received numerous toys which inevitably included plastic toys. We already have a house full of plastic toys which mostly aren’t being played with.
Anyhow, it got me thinking that the kids need less plastic and more adventures! I hope to keep the kids occupied by taking them out for adventures and experiences rather than fob them off with yet more toys. Here are my top 5 outdoor adventures which don’t involve plastic!
1) Teddy Bear Picnics
One of my favourite things is garden picnics – add some teddy bears and voila you have yourself a teddy bears picnic! Setup our little homemade teepee, prepare some sandwiches, keep the dogs at bay and have a nice teddy bear picnic. Turn it into a bit more than a picnic by bringing out some colouring books and spend the day in the garden.
2) Scootering
Another great free way to keep the kids entertained and active is to take them scootering. It’s fun and free! You don’t have to take the kids far – you just need to find some safe pavements. For me, I just take them around town and down along the promenade. It’s pretty amazing because of the view. Alternatively, find a nice cycle paths in the area – Sustrans Cymru has plenty of routes in Wales.
3) Lakeside Fun
I’m quite fortunate that I live in Snowdonia so there are plenty of lakes to visit. As a child, I used to love going to Llyn Mair for walks with the dog.
One of our favourite places is Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. Which leads me on to my next suggestion…
4) Museums
If you’re a long term reader you’ll know that I love the National Slate Museum which is at Llanberis. It’s free entry and they have a multitude of things to keep the kids entertained. Dress up in period costumes at Fron Goch (aka the Quarrymen Cottages) or make some arts and crafts with Welsh Slate. We went there during February half term and had a wonderful day.
5) Castles
Or if museums isn’t your thing then maybe take the kids to a castle. Obviously Caernarfon Castle is our favourite but there are so many around here Beaumaris, Criccieth, Harlech, Conwy but not forgetting the smaller ones of Dolbadarn, Dolwyddelen and Bentwr(*).
* technically not a castle but a folly built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (creator of Portmeirion).
6) Treetop Adventures
Are the kids climbing the walls? Then I would highly recommend a trip to Ropeworks Active in Llanberis. My eldest loves the low ropes course but if your kids are older than mine then they might enjoy the high ropes course. If they’re really brave then how about the big swing? (Check our my video to see just how high it goes!)
7) Beachcombing
If you’re looking for a calmer activity then why not try a bit of beachcombing. My girls love a it! Thanks to their Nain, they love combing local beaches for seaglass with Conwy Morfa being a firm favourite. But seaglass isn’t the only thing that can be found…. search for jellyfish, seashells, pottery, driftwood… anything can be of interest!
