Outdoor adventures part two - how to choose a location
In Part one of “Outdoor Adventures” I looked at ideas of what equipment to bring along to a family day trip or holiday. Another important part of a successful day/trip is where you choose to go. This might seem simple and you may already have your favourite places to go. If you’re looking to find new places to spend time with your family, then read on for some ideas of how to choose.
Choose a place that has;
some shade, whether this be a tree/bush or a built structure (for wind, rain, sun protection)
trees, bushes, shrubs to play in and around
long branches to swing from or bounce on (like willow trees - which are very thirsty, introduced species that can be found growing alongside some rivers)
access to sticks, seed pods, leaves, flowers, rocks, pebbles, needles etc.
water! A river, lake, ocean or dam. Water is a fabulous resource and can be such fun to play in and around, but it does come with an obvious risk of drowning. If you have a wild child who is still learning about risk, then be sure you choose a place where you can relax with them, but still maintain their safety. If you are really concerned about this, then find a place that suits your level of exhaustion/capacity for attention.
fresh air! Can be found in abundance in state and national parks and forests. There are some beautiful smells in pine or eucalyptus forests that can clear your lungs and help you all relax.
a fire pit if building a fire is important for your trip. Be sure to check whether you need to bring your own wood, and whether a fire is allowed (this will change dependant on the season and the daily fire risk).
a beautiful view - a view from the top of a hill, a waterfall, a rainforest or a gorgeous beach. Part of the fun of an outdoor adventure can be the amazing places you can find. A beautiful natural space can be an opportunity to experience awe, to be stunned, to be moved and to feel inspired.
a hill to roll down, a tree to climb, an open space to run around in or a branch to balance on. Something to stimulate full-body play and encourage a variety of different movements.
What is your child or your family’s favourite thing to do? Hiking, camping, quiet days, long walks, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, climbing, bouldering, shady spots or hot, dry environments.
Check the Parks Victoria website for public spaces close to you, be they State or National Parks. Check whether it is OK to bring pets, bikes or firewood into the park you are visiting.
Look out for native animals that may live in these spots.
I have spotted many a koala, wombat, kangaroo, wallaby, emu, dolphin, whale, seal or echidna on days out. As my children have grown older, they have become expert spotters too!
I remember spotting a koala in a tree in Mount Gambier once. I noticed koala pooh on the path, stopped, looked up and there was a koala! Even after seeing many koalas in the wild, it is still an exciting and memorable part of a family trip.
I also remember my youngest child at 18mths old spotting an echidna before anyone else in our group.
And don’t forget the birds! Look for places that have beautiful birds to share your space.
when my eldest child was a baby, she would always notice and point to birds. She would stop if she heard a bird and point if she saw a bird. I realised that I had limited knowledge of different birds, so I decided to learn. Whenever she pointed to a bird, I would respond with “magpie” or “red wattle bird” and we both built our knowledge of birds over time. Spotting different birds in different locations is another memorable part of outdoor adventures.
Lastly, look out for a place that inspires you, your child and your family. Is it a beach, a forest, a short drive or a long drive? Do you want to go to the same place time and again, or discover new places every trip? The options really are endless.
What you see in a photo is NEVER enough to fully capture the experience of a place. You have to be there to have a full experience of a place. The smells, the sounds, the temperature, the wind, the sun, the sky, the animals, the birds all connect to create memories and experiences and learnings. There is no right way to start or best place to go. Nature is for newborns, babies, toddlers, pre-school children, school kids, teenagers, adults and seniors! Many adventures, over time, will build your family’s story, so get on out there and see what you can find.
