LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Families encouraged to step in the right direction this spring

Scottish walking charity, Paths For All, shares ten ways to add fun activities to the familiar family stroll!

Families encouraged to step in the right direction this spring

Article Source: Paths For All
Last Updated: 13 April 2021 15:46

With longer evenings and warmer weather ahead, a Scottish walking charity is revealing its top ten tips to inspire families to embrace the outdoors and engage with nature.

This comes after Paths for All launched its Spring Path Day campaign which includes 30 days of activity ideas, an online content hub, and £1000 worth of outdoor educational prizes for schools and children to win throughout April.
The charity understands that many families may feel bored of their usual walking routes, and hopes the hub will provide a variety of ideas to keep younger children entertained while enjoying time spent connecting with nature and making memories.

Information has been designed to motivate families to go outdoors and get moving in a free and safe way, with activities including treasure hunts, wildlife spotting and creative walking.

As walking has been one of the only reasons many have had to leave the house for months, Paths for All has pulled together ten things for families to try outdoors this spring:

1. Make a Treasure Trail
Make up a trail and the first one to complete it could receive a prize at the end.

2. Wildlife spotting
Take a notepad on your walk and make notes on any interesting wildlife you spot – you could turn it into a game and the person with the most points wins.

3. Build a Den
Woodlands are great for den building and helps kids solve problems and work together creatively.

4. Creative walking
Simply moving helps soothe our minds, and being creative adds to that. Let nature inspire your creativity.

5. Walk with another person
Invite a friend for a walk today and show them where you like to go and why – following Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines.

6. Walking Games
Come up with fun games to play on your walks, example – eye spy, left or right, spring nature spotting.

7. Step count or distance challenge
Release your inner competitiveness and challenge someone (or yourself) to get a certain number of daily steps or mileage.

8. Take a picnic
Pack a rucksack with your favourite snacks and drinks and head off along a path for an alfresco lunch.

9. Do a litter pick
Help to look after your favourite paths and places. If you’ve spotted some annoying litter – bag it up and bin it responsibly.

10. Be wise outside
We’re lucky to be able to access our countryside freely so make sure to treat the Scottish landscape in a responsible way whilst out and about.

Regular walks can help keep Scots safe while allowing us to meet up and spend time with family and friends. It has been brought into focus during the pandemic how positive getting outdoors is to boost mental, physical and social well-being.

Rona Gibb, Senior Manager at Paths for All, said: “Fresh air, being outdoors and connecting with nature is not only positive for our physical and mental health, it is also a fun way to socialise with others safely.

“Walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life. As we move into spring there is no better time to incorporate it into your family routine, even if it is just a short walk to school or round the block.

“The Spring Path Days online hub provides a tonne of ideas for families, and will offer something to suit all interests – there is also a host of competitions to get involved in!”


The charity encourages families across Scotland to get involved in its seasonal campaign by sharing a photo of what they have been doing this spring.

All participants will be entered automatically into a prize draw which will see 10 individuals win a den-building kit.

One lucky winner will also win a £500 voucher for their school to spend on outdoor educational resources.

Enter here: form.typeform.com

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

And The Birds Did Sing, presented by Curious Seed, will be arriving in Cumbernauld on Thursday 26th March, for one performance.

READ MORE
Energy leaders to host open day for local community

Energy leaders to host open day for local community

LEADING UK renewable energy developer, OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), is set to host an open day for community grant funding generated by a nearby wind farm.

READ MORE
M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

Centre stage will be the unveiling of a new ride – the Air Raid - a thrill ride that will take you to your limits!

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Lanark Amateur Musical Society will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a production of Sunshine on Leith

Lanark Amateur Musical Society will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a production of Sunshine on Leith

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced Sunshine on Leith as their 45th anniversary production in March 2025.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Pride South Lanarkshire returns for 2024

Pride South Lanarkshire returns for 2024

Lanarkshire Pride proudly announces the return of Pride South Lanarkshire on the 26th & 27th July 2024 in Hamilton town centre!

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE
Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.

READ MORE
Fishermen bid to reel in political support

Fishermen bid to reel in political support

An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.

READ MORE
Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

The Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.

READ MORE
Could Kirstie and Phil help you bag your new home

Could Kirstie and Phil help you bag your new home

Channel 4's 'Location, Location, Location' is coming to Glasgow this Spring and they're looking for property hunters!

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"

Popular Events

Easter At David Livingstone Birthplace
Join David Livingstone Birthplace on Friday 29th or Saturday 30th March and take part in their egg-cellent activities!
Spring Family Fun and Easter Weekend
The Summerlee Easter Egg-stravaganza over the Spring holidays guarantees a cracking day out for all the family!
Clyde Valley Family Park Easter Egg Hunt
Join in the fun at Clyde Valley Family Park's MASSIVE EGG HUNT... search for one of our 1000's of coloured eggs hidden around the park to get an Easter treat!
Clash Of The Titans: An Evening with Snooker Greats
Seven-times World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry takes on his arch rival John Higgins 4 x world snooker champion in Hamilton with your host and referee for the evening the Dennis Taylor!
Hamilton Spring Festival: Hamilton Easter Gala
Get ready for an incredible event as the Hamilton Easter Gala makes its grand return on Quarry Street on Saturday 30th March!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton