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Having a “large family” can seem like a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a range of activities that everyone can enjoy together. Having 5 children myself, I understand the challenges in finding activities the whole family will enjoy. It can be quite the task to find activities toddlers, school-aged kids, and teenagers will all enjoy at the same time. But I have found that with some thought and careful planning, there are plenty of outdoor activities that can bring the whole family together. In this article, I will outline 10 outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy and that won’t break the bank.
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Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors and can be modified to suit your family’s needs. There’s something freeing about taking a walk through nature and exploring new trails. Plus, it’s a great way to get your whole family exercising without everyone feeling like it is work. To make the experience more interesting, plan a route with a few scenic stops along the way.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is incredibly beneficial for both our mind and body. It releases endorphins which act as natural stress relievers and mood boosters. Even just a quick hike can give you a burst of energy and help to reduce stress levels. It’s also a great way to get kids to disconnect from digital screens and get some fresh air. With regular exercise, your entire family will see some health benefits, too.
Low Cost
One thing I love about hiking is that it is usually free, or close to it, making it very affordable. All you need are some comfortable sneakers and you’re good to go. You can purchase basic hiking gear for an affordable price, or you can even rent what you need if you’re unsure of your future hiking plans. If you’re a baby-wearer like me, you can even enjoy this activity with tiny ones in tow!
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Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to weave a little bit of adventure into your family’s day. Whether you’re paddling down a tranquil river or along a coastline, you and your family can experience the beauty of nature from a different perspective. To make your journey even more enjoyable, look for kayaking spots that are known for their wildlife viewing opportunities.
Benefits of Water Activity
Kayaking is an excellent form of exercise, and it can be adapted to suit anyone’s level of fitness. It involves upper body and core strength which can help to improve heart health. Plus, time spent out on the water is incredibly calming. It gives us an opportunity to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle and practice mindfulness.
Low Cost
A day of kayaking is surprisingly inexpensive. Check out non-profit organizations near you as there are many that provide kayaking lessons for free or for a small, usually optional, donation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to explore this thrilling water activity without breaking the bank. You can even rent kayaks at reasonable prices.
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Picnicking
Picnicking is a classic activity that never gets old. Plan ahead and pack your basket to include things that will create an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Options could be anything from pre-made sandwiches to grilled favorites. Don’t forget to bring along snacks and beverages to keep everyone satisfied. If you’d like to take it up a notch, have your kids bring a Frisbee or another outdoor game for some additional fun.
Benefits of Outdoor Eating
As if you needed an excuse to have a picnic! Sitting down to a meal outside is a great way to soak up some natural Vitamin D and relax in the fresh air. There are numerous long-term health benefits to spending time in nature including a possible decrease in the risk of certain types of cancers. Eating outdoors can also be a great way to encourage healthier eating habits.
Low Cost
Picnicking is another fantastic low-cost activity for large families. Planning and prepping meals ahead of time is a game-changing money-saving hack when you’ve got a small army to feed. As opposed to forking out the dough to eat at an overpriced restaurant, where kids often have a hard time sitting still anyway, a picnic provides an exciting experience without breaking the bank or their spirits. Plus, it brings the added benefit of having delicious and nutritious homemade meals ready to enjoy together.
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Camping
Camping allows your large family to truly immerse themselves in the outdoors for an exciting adventure that is sure to create lasting memories. From pitching your tent and making s’mores around the campfire to spending your days exploring nature trails, camping can offer a much-needed break from the everyday routine. You can find campsites with basic amenities or choose to go off the beaten path for a more wilderness-like experience. If your children are the right age and maturity level, you can even allow them to camp out in the backyard “unsupervised” for an extra special sibling adventure!
Benefits of Exploring Nature
Camping is a great way to relieve the stress of “real life” and allow your family to get back to the basics and connect with one another. Moreover, dedicating a night or two to immerse yourselves in nature can significantly reduce your exposure to light pollution and other forms of environmental pollutants. It’s a valuable opportunity for your large family to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy a cleaner and healthier environment.
Low-Cost Options
Camping can be quite affordable if you choose to forgo the advantages of luxury camping spots. It’s possible to stay in campgrounds for a fraction of the price of a hotel stay. Furthermore, facilities such as bathrooms are often included for free.
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Geocaching
Geocaching adds a modern twist to the classic scavenger hunt, making it an exciting and engaging activity for parents of large families like yours. It’s a thrilling adventure that combines technology and exploration, offering a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved. Using your GPS device, you can search for “caches” that have been hidden by other geocachers in your neighborhood. To make the experience more exciting, set a goal for your family to find as many caches as possible within a certain time frame.
Benefits of Scavenger Hunting
Geocaching presents a wonderful chance for you and your large family to discover your local area in an entirely fresh and exciting way. It allows you to embark on thrilling expeditions, uncover hidden treasures, and create unforgettable memories as you navigate the surroundings you thought you already knew so well. It’s the perfect activity for families with curious kids who are eager to explore. It’s also beneficial for developing critical thinking skills and problem-solving.
Low-Cost Options
Geocaching is incredibly affordable. All you need is a GPS device and possibly some waypoint downloads, and you’re ready to go.
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Star Gazing
Star gazing offers a truly magical experience that allows parents of large families like yours to deeply appreciate the captivating beauty of nature. It’s a chance to realize how great big this universe is and yet feel a sense of connection to it in ways you didn’t know you could. It can be especially educational if your kids are interested in the night sky. Pack a blanket and a telescope and lie back to search for constellations in the sky. It’s best to avoid light-polluted areas and instead search for star-filled skies in rural areas.
Benefits of Appreciating Nature
Star gazing is an incredible opportunity to reconnect with nature. In addition to the peace felt by staring into the starry sky, it creates a sense of wonder in your children. The whole family will be encouraged to feel a deep sense of appreciation for the great big world around us.
Low-Cost
Star gazing is incredibly affordable. All you need is a telescope, a star encyclopedia, and some time to marvel in wonder at the night sky. There are also several mobile apps that aid in identifying stars and constellations. Your children will probably feel as if they’re getting a treat just by being allowed to stay up late enough to see the stars clearly! It’s a simple yet enchanting experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, creating cherished memories under the twinkling stars.
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Birdwatching
Birdwatching is another great outdoor activity for families. Grab yourself a good pair of binoculars and prepare to teach your children the value of being patient. You might be surprised what types of creatures visit in your own backyard! Not only is this a fun experience, but it can be a teaching opportunity for parents of young children, especially those with a keen interest in nature and animals.
Benefits of Appreciating Nature
Bird watching has many benefits for your health. It can be a great form of exercise and it’s also a great form of stress relief. It’s also a chance to learn about the nature that’s around us and to appreciate the beauty of wild creatures.
Low-Cost Options
Birdwatching is very budget-friendly. All you need is a pair of binoculars and you’re ready to go.
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Yard Games
Yard games are a perfect outdoor activity for families. Games like badminton, cornhole, and bocce ball are perfect choices for families with younger children. They provide enjoyable and inclusive activities that can be played together, fostering laughter and friendly competition. To add an extra splash of fun, consider incorporating water balloons or creating a homemade slip-and-slide for some refreshing outdoor entertainment that will surely delight both kids and adults alike.
Benefits of Playing Games
Playing outdoor games is another opportunity to improve mental and physical well-being. It’s an opportunity for your family to have fun and move their bodies. As a bonus, these activities promote life skills including teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. It creates an environment where everyone can work together, overcome challenges, and learn to effectively communicate and collaborate, strengthening the family bond in the process.
Low Cost
Yard games are quite affordable. Most games can be purchased for fairly cheap prices, and you may even have what you need already lying around the house.
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Swimming
Swimming is a wonderful activity that offers enjoyment for individuals of all ages. Whether you opt for a refreshing dip in a swimming pool, a serene lake swim, or an exciting beach adventure, swimming is a fantastic choice that guarantees fun and excitement for the entire family. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat, stay active, and create cherished memories together. It’s also a great way to cool down on hot summer days.
Benefits of Exercise
Swimming offers a myriad of benefits to people of all ages which is important in large families. What makes swimming particularly remarkable is its low-impact nature, which means it puts minimal stress on your joints while delivering a full-body workout. Swimming improves not only cardiovascular fitness, but it also builds strength and improves flexibility. The result is a healthier and more active lifestyle with less risk of injury for you and the whole family.
Low Cost
Swimming is another affordable activity for large families. Many lakes offer low-cost swimming and often charge per car, not per person, which is a huge win for a large family. As a bonus, pack a picnic for the family to enjoy while you’re there!
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Conclusion
Finding activities that the entire family can enjoy can be tricky, especially when you have a large family. Nevertheless, by implementing thoughtful planning, you have the power to create enduring memories that your large family will treasure for a lifetime. With just a little bit of forethought and planning, you can create many enjoyable experiences the whole family will reminisce about for a lifetime. From hiking to swimming, there are plenty of outdoor activities that won’t break the bank. As parents, it’s our job to provide our children with safe opportunities to explore nature and learn about the world around them. With the activities outlined in this article, you can enjoy the outdoors with your big family and make some lasting memories.
Further Advice
When planning any outdoor activity, it’s important to pay attention to the weather and plan accordingly. Always remember to check for potential safety hazards in advance and take sensible precautions. Also, remember to set realistic expectations for your family. It’s important to cater everything to your own family’s needs and ability levels.
Final Thoughts
Big families offer so many amazing opportunities for making memories. By investing some time in planning and preparing, your entire family can indulge in the wonders of the great outdoors without putting a strain on your finances. Whether you opt for a thrilling camping adventure or a delightful and straightforward picnic, the key is to create a joyous day centered around an activity that will be cherished by every member of your family. It’s about fostering togetherness, creating beautiful memories, and relishing in the shared experience of something that brings smiles and laughter to everyone’s faces. After all, there’s so much beauty to discover outside – it’s time to gather the family and start exploring!
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