8 ideas for spending #SummerOutdoors

If you haven't seen it, the DfE #SummerOutdoors initiative has been launched to help families get involved in free or low-cost ways to explore the outdoors this summer.

Even if you’re lucky enough to be on an Outward Bound programme this summer (don’t worry if you've missed this year - there's always next year!) there are plenty more ways to get outdoors.

Now that the summer holidays are well underway, we thought we’d join in with our top 8!

1. WORK TOWARDS A JOHN MUIR AWARD

This one is a must – our awesome friends at The John Muir Trust have an environmental award scheme for people from all backgrounds – to help them make connections with wonderfully wild places and you can even do it as a family!

Head over to their website to find out how to get involved.

2. LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE

Or get riding more!

We all know you never forget how to ride a bike, but it’s much easier to master the skill when you’re young. Summer holidays are the perfect time help get rid of the stabilizers for good. Cycling is great for young people’s stability and coordination, and you can explore so much further on your bike than on your feet!

British Cycling is running monthly Let’s Ride Pop-Ups – free local events for traffic-free cycling, coaching and kids’ activities. Find your nearest pop-up and register. If you’re already channelling your inner Chris Froome, check out the National Cycle Network for some route inspiration and ideas (including the best ice-cream stops!).

3. GET INVOLVED IN THE RSPB WILD CHALLENGE

Are you ready to take on a wild challenge? The RSPB is calling us to get up, get out, and get wild! All you need to do is create an online profile and then choose from a huge range of activities, like building a bug hotel or birdbath, to rock pooling or wild weather watching.

4. BUILD A DEN

We’re pretty sure this one is always a winner, whether you’re 6 years old or 26. You can do it in your back garden with whatever you can find!

5. Eat outside

This one is so simple but so satisfying! Make your sandwiches and grab a blanket (we also strongly recommend an Outward Bound flapjack or two to keep you well fuelled) and head to the local park. Take a book, a ball, and a friend, and you’re set for a lovely afternoon relaxing in the great outdoors!

6. Go cloud spotting

We have our friends at The National Trust to thank for this one. This is super easy - just pop outside and look up to the skies.

Some clouds are white and fluffy, like cotton wool, and others are grey and thin. You can use your imagination to pick out shapes and pictures in the clouds as they drift by. Do they resemble anything, like animals, trees or cartoon characters?

7. GET GREEN-FINGERED

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching plants grow – especially if you’ve nurtured them from seed. Although lots of veg needs to be planted earlier in the year, you can still plant quick growing summer lettuce, radish and rocket – so you can impress everyone with a home-grown salad!

8. CAMP OUT OVERNIGHT

Make the most of the long evenings and set the tent up! We think there’s nothing more adventurous than sleeping under the stars, whether you’re on top of a mountain or in your back yard. It’s well worth getting up to see the sunrise too.