Now that spring is in full swing, and restrictions are starting to relax here in the UK, there’s never been a better time to get outside and get active with the family. Thankfully, The Towing Centre, a towing and leisure industry based in Bury have curated three unique ideas to help families get outside and get moving this spring. Check them out below.
Plant a Herb Garden
Gardening can be very therapeutic, but if you’re not particularly green thumbed then a simple herb garden is a great place to start. It’s also a fantastic activity to try with children. Kids will not only learn valuable life skills, but research shows that if children take part in growing food they’re more likely to eat it.
Starting a herb garden is fairly simple, all you need is some well-drained soil, some herb plants or seeds and a container. You can also find Herb garden starter kits at most garden centres and online.
Remember, when taking up a new hobby or pastime the joy should come from doing the activity itself, not the result. Enjoy getting your hands dirty, feeling fresh soil in your fingers, and the fresh air. Even if your garden does not produce any herbs the first time around, you and your children are still learning valuable skills whilst reaping the benefits of time spent outdoors. And, over time, your garden might possibly grow to its full potential and the next thing you could be probably doing would be building a garden shed or looking for some canopy tents that you can easily fix and relax (see here for more information) under it.
Go Wildlife Spotting
Spring is in full bloom and wildlife activity is on the rise… So why not gather up the family and take a trip to your local park, woodland or nature attraction to spot some critters in their natural habitat? If youre not sure where top start, wildlifewatch.org is a fantastic resource for children and parents. Their printable spotter sheets make it easy for kids to identify wild creatures, flowers and birds.
Take a family bike ride
Helmets at the ready! A bike ride is a simple yet excellent way to get the whole family outdoors and active. Plus, the backdrop of spring makes for a wonderful time to ride.
The great thing about bike rides is that they allow people of all ages to get active together. Grandparents can ride with grandchildren, teenagers can (reluctantly) ride with parents and couples can enjoy a trip together. If you want to invite the grandparents, it’s important that your children spend time with both sets of grandparents equally. A bike ride is a fantastic way to ensure this happens! If some family members need persuading to hop on their bike then try an incorporate some interesting stops en route. Young children will love the promise of an ice cream or stop at the park while older children and adults might be persuaded by the idea of a pit stop at the café or the pub. If your local area doesn’t have much to offer, why not buy or rent a cycle carrier and take a trip slightly further afield.
If you don’t own a bike, there a plenty of bike hire schemes and companies across the UK including for people with disabilities. Check with your local council for more information on bike hire schemes.
