Explore hiking, trekking, and picnic ideas to keep your children entertained, healthier, and away from screens during the holiday season.
The December holiday is here, and while kids love the break, most parents will definitely struggle to keep them busy for the next 10-12 weeks. With holidays and the new year, boredom can quickly set in, leading to too much screen time or unhealthy habits.
Before you get frustrated, remember that your child has spent 36 weeks in school following a routine. Now, they have a break and want to relax. But too much relaxation can turn into boredom. So, how can we as parents keep them active and entertained without getting them into trouble?
Why It’s Important to Keep Kids Active During the Holidays
For parents, setting and maintaining a healthy structure for their children is a balancing act. On one hand, children deserve a break. On the other hand, you don’t want them glued to their screens all day. While many parents don’t have the luxury of creating daily activities, at Jambo Africa, we’ve created a solution that’s both affordable and practical.
Finding the Right Balance
Indoor activities like watching movies or playing video games are accessible and affordable, but they lack the mental and physical stimulation your child needs. Instead, outdoor adventures like hiking, trekking, and picnics offer the perfect balance of excitement and engagement while also promoting physical and social development.
Our Top 3 Outdoor Activities for Kids
1. Hiking: Explore the World on Foot
Hiking is a simple and fun way to explore the outdoors. It's great for families with kids of all ages and can be adjusted based on the group's energy. All you need is comfortable shoes and a love for adventure! You can even organise social hikes, learning hikes focused on mentorship, spiritual or cultural purposes, or even competitive hikes among different groups. Whatever suits your children or their social group best.
Ideal for: Families with younger kids or larger groups, connected by extended families, school/class, church, estate/village. For example, school parents can organise hikes together, supervised by teachers.
Pro Tip: Since they are short activities, you can literally schedule one-day hikes every two to three weeks this holiday. This works if you can change the hiking flavour by pairing the adventure with specific objectives like mentorship, Bible study, teenage development, nature appreciation, or family get-togethers.
2. Trekking: A Challenge for Older Kids
Trekking takes hiking a step further. It’s an extended journey through remote areas, usually lasting several days and involving camping in places like school or church grounds, camp sites, or staying at hotels along the way. This activity is ideal for teenagers (ages 12 and up), as it teaches endurance, resilience, and self-sufficiency.
Ideal for: teenagers or advanced adventure groups. Trekking is a multi-day activity that requires more planning and coordination, especially with supervision from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
Pro Tip: Prepare in advance by conditioning your kids. For example, plan daily walks leading up to the trek to get them used to the physical demands.
3. Picnics: A Relaxing Day Out.
For parents who may not have the time for a full-day hike or trek, picnics offer a great alternative. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket or those many Maasai Shukas, and head to a nearby park or garden. Picnics require minimal planning and are perfect for shorter, more relaxed outings. Furthermore, because they are more intimate, they are perfect moments to strengthen the bonds with your family while you all get to relax with your kids in nature.
Ideal for: families or a group of family friends looking to unwind together for a few hours. Popular spots like Karura Forest or Uhuru Park in Nairobi provide a serene setting, while places like Machakos People’s Park offer a fun, accessible location for a day out.
Pro Tip: Make your picnic more fun by adding a game or storytelling session to keep everyone engaged during the picnic. Go somewhere you don’t often go.
Tips for Planning Your Outdoor Adventures
Plan Ahead: Whether you’re hiking, trekking, or picnicking, having a solid plan ensures the day runs smoothly. Map out routes, pack essentials like snacks and water, and make sure everyone is properly dressed.
Involve the Kids: Let your children help plan the adventure. Whether it’s choosing the picnic snacks or helping pick a hiking route, giving them a role in the planning process gets them more excited about the experience.
It takes a village, so engage your community. Outdoor activities are more fun when shared. Organise group hikes or picnics with other parents, teachers, or community groups for a more social experience. This not only increases safety but also enhances the experience with more friends involved.
Dress Well: Proper clothing is key. Ensure your kids wear sturdy shoes for hikes and treks. Always dress in layers to adapt to changing weather and bring extra clothes just in case.
Pack the Essentials: Whether hiking or picnicking, make sure you have enough water, snacks, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. For treks, don’t forget essentials like backpacks and trekking poles.
Keep it Fun: The goal is to have fun! Let your kids explore and enjoy themselves. Allow your kids to explore nature, whether it’s discovering a stream or enjoying a game during a picnic. Celebrate small achievements during hikes or treks to keep spirits high.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Kids the Gift of Adventure
Instead of letting your kids spend the holiday in front of a screen, give them the gift of outdoor adventure! Whether it’s hiking, trekking, or enjoying a picnic, they’ll stay active, learn new things, and have fun.
Let’s make this holiday season a time of exploration, growth, and fun—memories your children will cherish for years to come!
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?Reach out to us at Jambo Africa for more tips and ideas to help you plan an exciting and enriching holiday experience for you and your children.
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