Autumn Strolls – Making Family Walks Fun

With the exception of those warmer summer months, Autumn is my favourite time of year. Not only is it home to some of my favourite occasions – Halloween and Bonfire Night, but it is a great time of year to get outside and take in some of the beauty in the world around us.

I love nothing more than getting outside for autumn strolls as a family – and am lucky that I live in a part of the UK that is home to some amazing rural locations. Think rolling hills, crisp autumn leaves and wrapping up in warm coats, gloves and bobble hats. You can’t beat the feeling when you get back inside after a brisk walk in the fresh air, your cheeks slightly rosy, the children with red button noses, and that amazing feeling when you open your front door and the central heating embraces you with a warm hug. We spend more time outside as a family in Autumn than in any other season and for that reason, I absolutely love it.

This Autumn, Fenetic Wellbeing have launched their #autumnstrolls campaign, which is all about getting the whole family out and about enjoying the autumn scenery. Fenetic wellbeing believe that no matter how restricted someone’s mobility may be, getting out and being active should be achievable given the right support. When I was recovering from Sepsis, staying active was crucial in reducing my symptoms. Having to learn to walk again, going from wheelchair to zimmer to rollater to crutches, by far the biggest part of the challenge was getting myself out there, but I always felt better once I did.

Here are some hints and tips for getting out with the whole family this autumn…

• Check out your local National Trust or English Heritage locations – we are members of both, and are lucky that in the Midlands we have a huge number of venues to chose from. The gardens and grounds are STUNNING in Autumn, particularly on a sunny but frosty morning where the girls can run around and burn off some excess energy whilst the rest of us lag behind.
• Find out whether the walk is pushchair friendly or suitable for the less mobile. We often go walking with my elderly relatives, who will be using rollators or wheelchairs to get around. This coupled with Neve in the pushchair and a sty or turning circle would be a bit of a challenge! Plan your route in advance and you can ensure there will be no obstacles to prevent your path.
• Make it fun! Why not set the children an I-Spy challenge with a list of items that they have to find – everything from a bright yellow leaf to a conker and a pinecone depending on how tricky you want to make it. They will love kicking through the leaves in their wellies to try and track down every item on their list!
• Pack a change of shoes in a plastic bag in the car for when you return from your walk – that way the muddy boots and wellies can be stashed in the bag and kept in the boot, and the fresh clean ones applied before they sit in their seats. The bonus? You wont get loads of muddy footprints over your car upholstery – I’ve learned that lesson the hard way!!

• Be careful how you pitch it – I remember as a child the thought of ‘going for a walk’ used to make me drag my heels at the prospect. However, suggest an adventure, a bear hunt, or an explore and I was more than game. It’s all about the language!
• Ensure there are plenty of pit stops – not just for the children either! You can’t beat a short stop at a country pub to break up your walk. We have a few favourites close to home with giant play areas in their beer gardens. The children love to play after a light lunch and regaining some energy ready for the journey home.
• Play poo sticks at every opportunity – there is always a stream and bridge somewhere along your travels and no matter your age, this game brings out the inner child in everyone! I have such fond memories of playing this as a child!
• Sing. Much to my partners embarrassment, Erin and I LOVE to sing whilst we are walking and Neve finds it hilarious. Think “I don’t know but ive been told” and youre pretty much on the right lines. It keeps the energy levels up and prevents Erin from lagging behind. Bonus points if marching is included.
• Capture the moment… this might be bloggers bias, but don’t forget to capture some images of your journey as you go. We take the beauty of the seasons for granted, but there really are some stunning scenes to be found, and the perfect backdrops for your family album.

What methods do you use to make family walks fun?

*This is a collaborative post*