Going for walks with kids can feel like a huge challenge. But getting kids out for walks in nature doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth – getting them excited can be a bit of a push. Depending on a lot of factors – their ages, the weather, their hunger levels or generally what mood they are in. I’ve discovered that the secret isn’t finding the perfect trail – it’s bringing the right attitude and a few clever tricks that work anywhere from your local park to a proper countryside ramble.
After years of walking with my own children and watching what works (and what definitely doesn’t), I’ve gathered some tried-and-tested strategies that turn potential moaning into genuine enthusiasm. These tips work whether you’re tackling a mountain path or simply trying to get the family to enjoy a stroll around the local common.
The Magic of the Scallywag Hunt
This is hands down my favourite trick, and it’s worked magic for over thirty years. A Scallywag hunt transforms any walk into an adventure.
Here’s how it works: arm the children with sticks and tell them you’re on the lookout for Scallywags – mysterious little creatures that hide under leaves, behind trees, and in shadowy spots. The children use their sticks to gently investigate potential hiding places whilst the adults keep the excitement going with comments like “I’m sure I saw one dart behind that oak tree!” or “There’s definitely Scallywag activity near those rocks.”
The beauty is that Scallywags are never found (because they’re entirely fictional), but the children remain hopeful and engaged throughout the entire walk. I still remember doing this with family friends when I was young, and just the other day we were laughing about it with their children – now 31 and 33 – who jokingly (I think) said they still thought Scallywags were real!
This simple game works in any season. Autumn is particularly brilliant with all those leaves to investigate, but spring brings new hiding spots amongst emerging plants – just watch they don’t damage the new shoots with over zealous searching. And winter offers bare branches perfect for spotting movement and when we are really lucky…snow on the ground!
Walks With Kids Secret Treat Strategy!
Pack your usual snacks, but try to carry a hidden treat that only comes out when energy levels start flagging. There’s nothing quite like producing a Cadbury’s Creme Egg from your pocket to get everyone up that last hill.
The key is timing. Don’t reveal the special treat too early – save it for when you genuinely need that extra motivation. I’ve seen this work magic on everything from toddler tantrums to teenage sulks. Also be wary, they learn quick and if you do it every single time and then forget…well don’t say I didn’t warn you. It could become a pretty miserable walk. We save this one for walks we know will be decent of have a well placed hill. Don’t do it on you average stroll to the park if you have other rewards like a play area or picnic to keep them buoyed.
A friend of mine recently took her teenage boys on a 10-mile walk that ended with triple burgers and chips at the local pub. Sometimes the reward is the motivation, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that approach in my mind.
A picnic is always a winner but in my experience they always want to stop for food as soon as you start the walk so don’t pick a halfway point. They walk much happier when they have eaten.
Layer Up Properly When You Walk With Kids (Even When They Insist They’re Fine)
Children and teenagers are remarkably good at insisting they’re warm enough whilst simultaneously being quite stroppy about what they wear. Then you arrive at your destination to discover it’s windier or colder than expected, and the whole walk is ruined before you’ve even started.
I’ve learned to be the slightly annoying parent who insists on extra layers. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket even if the forecast looks perfect. Bring hats and gloves during cooler months, regardless of protests. At very least I have it all in the car so we have it fairly on hand. Although if we are going somne distance from the car it comes with us round our waists.
The trick is explaining that you can always take layers off, but you can’t magic them up if you haven’t brought them. I usually frame it as “let’s be prepared for anything” rather than “you’ll be cold.” – especially with the bigger ones.
Find Nature Everywhere – Even in Cities
You don’t need access to proper countryside to enjoy walks with kids in natural settings. I regularly detour into London’s delightful garden squares when we’re in the city, and we almost always spot squirrels or interesting birds.
Rather than walking straight along Park Lane, for instance, we’ll take a detour through Hyde Park, following the paths instead of the main road. The children love spotting the different trees, and there’s always something happening – from people feeding ducks to interesting dogs being walked.
Even in smaller towns, there are usually riverside paths, cemetery walks (sounds morbid but they’re often surprisingly peaceful and full of wildlife), or old railway lines converted to walking paths. We actually love a cemetery walk because we look at the different names you don’t get anymore and some of the messages are interesting too. Some of the headstones are impressive and we discuss who they could have been to have such asn impressive burial site.
Obviously it can be a bit morbid so don’t do it if you are on a downer. Seeing a small headstone that’s clearly the grave of a child or a a short date span isn’t nice. But it can be an opportunity to talk about living life to the fullest depending on the ages of your kids. Your very young ones are unliekly to notice and be quickly distracted anyway.
Make Them the Experts
Try giving children specific roles during walks. One child might be the “wildlife spotter,” another the “path finder,” and a third the “snack distribution manager.” When children feel important and have a job to do, they’re far more engaged with the whole experience.
Let them lead sometimes, too. Our 3 year old loves to shout “I’m the leader” whilst running to the front! It’s a great way to speed things up if he’s lagging behind.
Children often notice things adults miss – interesting shaped clouds, unusual stones, or tiny flowers growing in unexpected places. Their natural curiosity can actually enhance your own experience of being outdoors. When you are fully present they love to point things they are interested in out to us. They really benefit from our attention in this way so try giving it where you can.
Walk With Kids Timing Is Everything
Start walks when children are naturally alert and energetic rather than trying to squeeze them in when everyone’s already tired. Mid-morning often works brilliantly – after breakfast but before lunch starts calling.
Keep expectations realistic. A 30-minute walk that everyone enjoys is infinitely better than an hour-long slog that ends in tears. You can always extend if everyone’s having a brilliant time, but it’s much harder to salvage a walk that’s started badly.
The Power of Storytelling
Encourage children to create stories about what they see. That gnarled old tree becomes a giant’s foot, those rocks are dragon eggs, and that stream is carrying messages to the sea.
This approach costs nothing but transforms any walk into an imaginative adventure. Plus, it keeps their minds occupied during the less exciting stretches of path.
If this doesn’t suit you, try talking about a book you’ve been reading or a film/series you’ve been watching. They walk for ages when distracted by something they are interested in. It’s great for building trust and bonds too so they come to you with their worries when they have them.
If they are older particularly, the grumpy teenagers…They don’t shut up when you get them going. I get the best chats with my teenagers when out for a walk. Recently my 14 year old was very anti going for a walk. It was after school and he was most grumpy, he’s at the age he can stay on his own but I wanted to be out with all of my children so dragged him along. Metaphorically of course…he’s bigger than me now. Anyway, we had a fabulous time…even though it took some doing to get out of the house.
Walk with kids…and friends
Go with friends, it’s not safety in numbers in this case but more fun in numbers at times. They run along with their mates and you get some time to chat to your friends too. Just make sure you consider any of the kids getting left out if the ages don’t all align. Although most of the time I find they all just muck in even if their wouldn’t play together at school.
Making It Happen
The most important thing about walks with kids is simply starting. You don’t need perfect weather, the ideal location, or even cooperative children. You just need to step outside and begin.
Some of my family’s most treasured memories have come from walks that started with reluctance and ended with genuine joy. There’s something about moving through natural spaces together that creates connection – not just with nature, but with each other.
What’s your experience with family walks? Do you have any brilliant tricks for keeping children engaged with nature? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Ready to make walks with kids more enjoyable? Share this post with other parents who might need these tips, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more practical ideas to help your family love life more.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than they seek.”
Enjoyed this Walk with Kids blog?
Check out our other recent blogs here – Blog – Love Life More