I mean, my kids have done some pretty incredible things. They kayak, they hike, they ski. We do a ton of really fun family activities. And there are a few things that really motivate them to get involved with whatever we are doing.

Food Surprises

The first thing that I like to do to boost my kid's motivation is pack a food surprise. Food surprises are lollipops, muffins, or just something that my kids don’t have on a daily basis—something they really enjoy.

My kids are definitely food and candy motivated. We try our best to be a healthy family most of the time. And not eat candy on a daily basis. So when we are doing these harder adventures—like taking the kids kayaking or for a longer hike—I’ll usually pack a special treat that’s unusual for them to receive.

You might have hard moments out on an adventure where the kids feel demotivated. They could also just simply be tired. And that sugar boost from the special treat comes in real handy, motivating them to keep on going. 

Now when we’re out on an adventure, my kids will usually ask me, “Did you bring any food surprises?”. And it really lightens their mood when I pull something out of my backpack.

Rewards

Another way I like to motivate my children is by having a reward that they work toward. So for my kids, for example, if they want to have screen time, then they have to earn it by doing activities outside or physical exercise. The amount of time they spend outdoors is the amount of time they then get to have on their screen.

If there is something that your kids really like doing—like going to the trampoline park—use it as motivation to get them outside, overcoming challenges. 

Donate and Give Back

My third trick for motivating your kids is to have them give back. My son, Tucker, signed up to walk a certain amount of miles a month. And however many miles he walked, I was donating money to a non-profit to match.

In the end, family and friends started donating money too. And the money Tucker was making started multiplying, which inevitably then made him want to walk even more. 

I think he ended up initially doing roughly 31 miles a month. Then he realized how much money he could actually make. His mileage soon doubled to 60 miles a month. And it was really exciting for him to know he was making a difference. 

There are a lot of different charities out there. So find something your kid cares about, whether it's an animal conversation or a child elsewhere, to sponsor. And encourage your kids to do outdoor activities to raise money for their chosen charity.

Tucker chose to raise money to cover school fees and medical bills for a kid in Uganda. But Tucker's now done even more and raises money for other children in the community. 

I really found that giving back is a great motivating factor for kids. And it also teaches them the importance of doing something kind. 

Motivating Kids: Conclusion

Whether it's food, treats, a toy, an experience, or an act of giving back, find what motivates your kid and use it to your advantage. Before you know it, they’re actually having fun doing outdoor activities. And they won’t even need extra motivation to get going. 

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If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat
Food: BeanVivo Three Bean Chili
Camera: GoPro Hero 10 Black
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Top 3 Tips to Motivate Kids for Outdoor Fun! appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Recently, my family spent a night at the Chicago airport, and we ended up sleeping there. Our flight was canceled, and it was the last flight that day that was heading to our desired destination. 

A layover with kids doesn’t sound all that exciting, and trust me, it wasn’t something we initially wanted to do. But it was a great way to remind our kids that we’re not fully in control of everything. Sleeping in the airport showed them that not everything is going to go your way, and it made them realize that one thing you can control is the way you respond. 

Don’t be Disappointed

Inside we may have been a little frustrated, but my husband and I made sure that our kids didn’t see disappointment or dread. Instead, we showed them that this is going to be the best night ever and it will double as a new experience. After all, It’s not every day you get to sleep in the airport. 

Make it Special

During our layover, Nick and I bought our kids some special food treats and some blankets, and we set up camp at the gate. You know, of course, we would have preferred to be in the comfort of a bed, but at the same time, we knew this would be a great opportunity for the kids. 

Not only was it a great opportunity for them, but also for us. This experience reminded us that as long as we’re together and healthy, we can make the most out of any scenario. So yes, it may sound terrible to you, but to me, it was a blessing because we got to come up with creative solutions as a family. 

Bring Your Chargers

If you’re planning a long-haul flight with your kids or if there's a chance that you could be stuck in the airport, make sure you have chargers for your devices. We generally keep chargers with us in our carry-on so we can charge electronics if we need to.

Pack a Toothbrush and Spare Clothes

As well as your chargers, pack a toothbrush and a spare set of clothes. When we were stranded in Chicago Airport, I actually didn’t pack toothbrushes. The second we were sleeping there overnight, I was like, “Oh my god, I’ve done it again.”

It’s really hard to find toothbrushes in most airports. Toothpaste you can find no problem, so you can do some finger brushing, but it’s better to pack a real toothbrush. There are just some things that you might as well keep in your carry-on, so toothbrushes, chargers, and a spare change of clothes are all a must, in my opinion. 

All in all, layovers don’t need to ruin your trip. Make the best of your situation. Airports will have food options available, and if you can find blankets and all your other essentials, then you can at least get comfortable and turn it into a unique and potentially fun experience. 

The good news is that this trip brought us to an incredible Family Adventure in Niagara Falls Ontario! Please be sure to read this journal of that adventure!

Camera: GoPro Hero 11

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