Ramble On

Entertaining children without the aid of devices, toys and considerable expense can present a challenge. Without direction, many kids are happier to be entertained than to entertain themselves.

Have you ever tried a ramble day? It’s the equivalent of packing a bag to go away for the weekend and then choosing a direction to go at the end of your driveway.

Next time the kids in your life are seeming a bit restless or unfocused – go rambling. Put on some comfortable shoes, take a weatherproof jacket, give them something to nibble on to tide them over and just start walking (well prepared grownups will always have emergency funds in their pockets for ice-cream or coffee along the way!)

Don’t say where you are going. Don’t say how long you will be. Start walking and see where you end up. Our last wander, on a very un-inspiring day, lasted for hours. We walked along every wall we could find, stopped at neighbourhood parks, turned cartwheels (those who felt like it), explored streets we never usually walk along and generally chatted our way through the day.

It is amazing how children’s imagination is able to take over when they are free of timetables, other stimulation and a ‘plan.’

The highlight of our ramble was finding ourselves at the top of Mt Eden (not by way of the road of course, we found all the little trails). Once at the top, Mother Nature was putting on a brilliant show – the wind was howling. We leaned into it, watched the long grass flutter and resemble the ocean and then took turns hiding in it. 

As the only grownup in the group, it was so heartening to see the children become completely engrossed, without so much as a ball to play with. We all found walking sticks, which became canoe paddles, javelins and snakes along the way.

We rambled far further than we expected, so after a good few hours, decided to find the closest train station to get ourselves home, which was another adventure.

Interestingly, there were no disagreements all day – no whinging about sore feet or where we were going. The complete lack of structure made everyone part of the adventure and they all made suggestions and enjoyed themselves. I really noticed how calm and genuinely happy they all seemed. Family outings aren’t always like that, particularly with a wide age range and strong personalities!

I put it down to good old fashioned fresh air and freedom. There was no need to compete, no-one to impress, no plan to disagree with. Nature is brilliant – get out there!