Summer, summer, summer is for playing!

Why not leave the word "workout" aside for a bit during your family vacation so you can enjoy being around your kids more and rediscover the simple pleasure of moving? Discover all of Sarah's wonderful ideas from Bougeotte et Placotine to get active as a family!

We know that vacations are meant to relax, unwind, and slow down. But is it possible to stay active during your vacation?

Having a healthy lifestyle includes several things: sleeping well, eating well, having good hygiene and practicing a minimum of physical activity. Why not take advantage of the holidays to move differently, to move as a family and to perhaps discover a way of doing physical activity that is a little more intuitive and natural depending on what the terrain and the location offer you?

I want to put the word "workout" aside for the duration of your camping holiday and encourage you instead to take advantage of the presence of your children to reconnect with the jovial aspect of moving.

A natural playground

Often, campsites are full of activities and offer an incredible playground. Depending on the type of campsite you choose, whether it's a very organized site or a little more wild, I suggest my favorite activities to do with my girls to create active moments.

Hebertism

In several "playground" type campsites, obstacle courses are set up in the forest. Rather than just letting your children explore them, why not challenge yourself to complete each of the steps? Balance, agility, strength, courage and above all fun will be there. In addition to enjoying this beautiful family moment, your children will have a great example of an active parent who wants to move and who is not afraid of not succeeding.

The hike

Many campsites are located at the foot of the mountains. If you and your family are not yet big fans of hiking, choose a hike with less elevation and not too long. Also, don't hesitate to lower your expectations and listen to your children. Don't hesitate to give specific objectives, take out your camp song book and bring several snacks. For families with older children, you could involve them by asking them to carry a small backpack with their snacks and water bottle. It is also important to make sure that everyone is properly shod and dressed for the weather. Prepare to enjoy the process rather than the end result : praise perseverance and courage, and focus on the scenery and adventure rather than on speed or kilometers. This will allow you to have a great experience and repeat it without bad apprehensions.

Whitewater swimming

If you are a bit more competitive, then take advantage of the beautiful lakes that campsites often offer . To ensure that you can enjoy them, remember to bring your goggles and swimming cap. If you really want to do this activity, plan it in your schedule. Camping allows us to be with our families 24/7 and that is wonderful, but that does not prevent us from planning some moments of solitude for the greater good of everyone so that everyone can enjoy their vacation.

Cycling with the family

If you are lucky enough to bring the bikes, then this is a must. Whether it is to get around the campsite, to go get an ice cream, or simply to enjoy the trails designed for cycling, rides on this machine will allow you to see more landscapes, breathe fresh air and move as a family.

Trail running

Many parents develop a taste for running. If it's a sport you practice, then there's no reason not to do it while camping. Often set up near a forest or a mountain, campsites generally offer several trails. Bring your sneakers and go explore. Without a watch, without expectations, go play in the woods and oxygenate your lungs! Do you want to include one or more children? Put them on their bike, run with them and share their fun!

The monster and the tag

Running and biking are less your thing? Go play with your kids. Head to the play module and participate with your kids in a game of tag, relay race, monster, have fun, get your legs moving and your heart beating! What memories you will create!

Volleyball, soccer, canoeing and paddle boarding

Some campsites may offer activities. Whether it’s canoe or paddle board rentals, or organized volleyball games, why not try them out? A great way to discover new passions!

Bonus: for the crazy ones!

For motivated active families, I suggest organizing a family and/or team triathlon. Swimming in a lake, cycling on a trail and running in a swimsuit, without complications, just in the pleasure of moving as a family.

The watchword of your camping stay will be pleasure, because getting into the habit of moving, developing the reflex of keeping some time for yourself and prioritizing your health can only improve your experience.

A quick guide to making sure you can move around while camping:

• Find out more about everything your campsite and the surrounding area have to offer.
• For activities that require more organization, plan when they will take place and share your idea with your family members so that everyone is well prepared.
• You don't have to be a GO all the time. Sometimes, to encourage children to move, parents become leaders. Your children may be discouraged, fed up, they will surely complain, they are children. Use these moments to listen to them, talk about perseverance, develop the ability to see the beautiful and the place of pride after the effort and do not hesitate to slow down the pace in order to reduce the pressure.
• Don't forget to bring everything to make the activities easier : sneakers for everyone, bottles of water, a backpack and appropriate clothing for longer sports outings and in all temperatures.
• If you want to do certain activities that require more organization, plan them into your schedule (for example, if you need to get to the start of a hike or a mountain). Being well organized can prevent many disappointments.
• If this is your first camping experience, choose a site that offers a play area or some organized activities .
• Plan times with your partner to move alone. Vacations are also about allowing yourself some time for yourself. Plan for them, because otherwise they will be filled pretty quickly by the needs of others...we know that!
• Move with your children!

Remember, you are learning too, there is no room for rigidity. Your plans will surely change depending on the temperature and energy of each person, and that is okay. There will be times that are more difficult than others, that is what allows you to create memories and evolve as parents and as humans. Oh, and most importantly, most importantly… Have fun!

This blog post is part of our special “Camping” feature. To see all the content in this feature, which offers tips and advice to make your next nature getaway easier, check out this article !