So often, it can be easy to occupy the household with something that’s on the T.V, or video games and digital media.
It can be easy to forget how great it is to get outside and appreciate nature and all it has to offer, not to mention the many health benefits getting out and about with the kids can bring.
Whether it’s strolling through the park with the various generations in your family, or doing some more adrenaline pumping activities with the kids, getting outside more is proven to improve both physical and mental health, making it an important element of family life.
The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for those who are ready to get outside and lead an active, healthy lifestyle with those they love the most, doing the one thing that comes naturally to most of us – walking.
Take the whole family for a stroll
When you pick an activity to do with the family, it’s a smart idea not to make it all about the competition. You and your kids may well partake in sports and competitive games elsewhere in your lives, so picking an outdoor pursuit to do together should be about getting outside and appreciating nature with one another (not fighting over who scored a goal).
It’s also an excellent chance to involve the older members of your family, and get some serious bonding time between the various generations.
Perhaps the residential care homes that your grandparents live in are located in beautiful settings; pack a picnic, and head over for a stroll together. Or pick them up from their home and head out for a family day in the local park. Fresh air and fun are what it’s all about.
Going for a walk is something the whole family can enjoy together, no matter what the age.
Family walking benefits include improved heart health, reduced stress, and better sleep, and those apply to both adults and children. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a difference, and when done together, it becomes a healthy family habit you can all look forward to.
Options for everyone
Hiking and trekking are also excellent ways to build fitness, and there’s no limit on the sights you can see and the memories (or Instagram opportunities!) you can make together.
You could base getaways around your activity, and build everybody’s skills and fitness up with encouragement and teamwork. These are great activities for you and the older kids in particular, but will also suit any active members of your family.
The activity doesn’t have to be for adrenaline junkies only. You can adapt it to suit even the smallest members of your family who aren’t quite ready for a long-distance walk just yet or rambling over rough terrain.
You could regularly visit local farms and go fruit and vegetable picking. This would also encourage the kids to get involved in making their dinner, as they’d have a vested interest in its ingredients.
Getting outdoors to a place like these, where you can walk around and do an activity or see things at the same time, will give the kids exercise while having fun at the same time.
Look online for local nature trails and forest walks aimed at young children with things to spot along the way. This will stop walking from feeling too boring to young children and keep them entertained along the way.
Fun outdoor activities with kids don’t have to be structured or expensive – simply combining walking with adventure, discovery, or a reward like a picnic can keep them excited to join in.
Leave the car at home
Encouraging your children to walk whenever possible is a great way to help them stay active and get outdoors more.
It’s too easy to jump in the car to get somewhere quickly, but if you’re only going a short distance, then choose to always walk instead. Take different routes, go down alleyways to see where they lead and really explore your local neighbourhood.
You never know, you might find a park or place of interest that you never knew existed. If you’re going more than a mile or so, then the kids may wish to take their bikes or scooters – this will help them to use different muscle groups, but also to have fun on the journey!
Why not make an after-dinner stroll around the block part of your daily routine? See the sights and catch up on each other’s days.
Building a walking routine like this not only supports physical health but also creates a positive mindset. It becomes a time to connect, reflect and move as a family – something increasingly rare in our digital world.
A garden isn’t just for summer
Getting the kids used to being outdoors and not relying on transport for everything will encourage a love for walking and appreciating their surroundings.
A love for being active outdoors and learning about nature can start at home in the garden. You could plant some seeds and grow ingredients together, ensuring every family member takes part in looking after them.
Having an outdoor space could be on a balcony, but the idea is to get the kids involved in taking care of outside environments in all seasons.
If the family is regularly learning about nature and weather, they will continue to choose to go outside over watching cartoons on a Saturday morning (well, most of the time!)
Even on rainy days, popping outside in wellies to check on the garden or take a short walk builds resilience and a stronger bond with the natural world.
The mental health benefits of walking as a family
Walking doesn’t just improve physical fitness – it’s also great for your mind. Spending time outdoors can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support mental well-being in both adults and children.
For children, especially, walking in nature can reduce stress and overstimulation from screens. For adults, it provides a break from daily pressures and a chance to reset. Walking together also gives the chance for uninterrupted conversations, laughter, and simple shared moments.
Over time, these walks become something your family may come to value as much as a holiday or special event. It’s one of the most accessible and affordable ways to stay healthy mentally and physically.
Start a family walking journal
A lovely way to keep your family motivated and engaged with walking is to start a simple walking journal. This can be a shared notebook, scrapbook or even a wall calendar where you jot down where you walked, how far you went, what you saw and how everyone felt afterwards.
Let the kids decorate it with stickers, drawings or photos from your walks. You could set goals like “walk 3 times this week” or “spot 5 different birds on our next trail.” This turns walking into more than just exercise – it becomes a shared activity with lasting memories.
Not only does a walking journal encourage consistency, but it also helps children reflect on how walking makes them feel. It’s a gentle way to reinforce the physical and mental health benefits of walking without it ever feeling like a chore.
You’ll be amazed at how proud everyone feels looking back over months of progress, adventures and time spent together outdoors.
Seasonal walking ideas for families
To keep things fresh all year round, tailor your walking activities to the seasons. In spring, look out for blooming flowers and visit local woodlands with bluebell trails. Summer is perfect for longer walks and coastal paths – remember sun hats and plenty of water!
Autumn walks can be just as magical, with crunchy leaves and wildlife spotting in full swing. Try collecting natural treasures like conkers or colourful leaves. Winter might feel less inviting, but a brisk walk on a frosty morning or a festive stroll to see local lights can be just as rewarding.
Walking in all weathers helps kids appreciate the changing seasons and builds a stronger connection with the outdoors -plus, it keeps the family moving no matter the time of year.
Final thoughts
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and making it a regular family activity adds even more benefits. Whether you’re wandering through the park, exploring a forest trail, or just walking to school together, you’re creating a lifestyle that supports fitness, mental wellbeing, and stronger family bonds.
The key is to keep it fun, consistent, and inclusive for every member of the family, regardless of age or ability. From everyday strolls to weekend hikes, the habit of walking is one that brings long-lasting results.
So lace up your shoes, grab your coats, and step outside – the fresh air and your next adventure are waiting.
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This really gives food for thought!
We definitely need to do this more as a family!
Great article! Getting away from technology and screens is so good for mental health. Also getting out in nature is a fun way to get fit.