Banish boredom with half term walks
[18 October 2005]
Are you stuck for ideas on how to keep the children amused during the half term holidays? The Ramblers’ Association (RA) is encouraging families to explore the countryside this autumn as part of its campaign to get more people out walking.
Studies show children are doing less physical activity than ever. Only half of 11 to 16- year-olds currently walk for ten minutes a day and children in Britain walk 50 miles a year less than they did a decade ago.
The RA’s network of local walking groups offer regular led walks all over Britain, which are free to members. To find your nearest walk visit our online Group Walks finder at www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder or contact the RA on 020 7339 8500. Look for walks under five miles or the RA’s special family walks.
Can’t tear the children away from the telly or get them off the sofa? The RA offers a host of advice on getting them interested in the outdoors. For example, make the walk a treat by taking nice things to eat and drink along the way, and maybe have a picnic. Add interest by getting children to look for animals, birds, trees, people and buildings; or collect tree seeds, leaves, shells and small stones. Click on the link for more more tips on walking with children.
Des de Moor, Walking Promotion Officer for the Ramblers' Association, said: “Making walking a regular part of children’s everyday lives is a good way of counteracting the worrying trend in inactivity among youngsters and they could still be reaping the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle for many decades to come. The important thing is that walks need to be planned to suit the child’s interests and abilities: don’t expect them to enjoy walking or landscapes for their own sake in the way that many adults do.”
A free booklet,
Walking for
You, which offers advice and information on walking,
including advice for families, is available to download from the
RA’s website.