Motivating Kids To “Get Out There”

26th November 2012

In this digital age in which we live in on Facebook and Twitter, is it little wonder our kids get dragged into that indoor world of playing on the X Box or the PS3 and not getting out into nature as we did when we were kids? The outdoors is the world’s biggest Playstation and X Box. Real life experiences that can change lives for the better. Not only does travel open our minds, it allows us to meet other great people and challenge perceptions we form about people, places and activities.

San Juan River Hike in Utah

San Juan River Hike in Utah

We love to share river trips with families. No matter what age the kids are, we have seen and been told by parents what incredible changes children go through after experiencing a river trip. But how can this be so? Are these the same kids who ignore us, grunt, need to shop, text their friends in the playground? How can a river trip and adventure holiday change these habits (at least for a while!) The kids enjoy hanging out with the guides. These inspiration characters making cooking cool, helping load the rafts, pack up your gear (noting a theme here?) and tell funny stories and jokes around the campfire. In short, whilst it possibly won’t be a career move for your child to be interested in rafting, a healthy interest in the outdoors, is a wonderful attribute for anyone, as mother nature teaches us so much.

Flying Back From The Zambezi River in August

Flying Back From The Zambezi River in August

So where can you take kids on these trips? The variety and scope for river trips is almost endless. Young ones, have a think about a river trip to the San Juan River in Utah or perhaps the exotic and fascinating destination of Morocco during Easter. More and more families with teenagers are bringing them to the Zambezi where they can sample a spectacular river, amazing activities, “cool camping” all in a fun and safe environment. Enjoy the best roller coaster in the world.. a river trip in the great outdoors!

by Hamish McMaster

Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.


Recent posts

Things to do before or after rafting the Zambezi


You’re taking on the best white water rafting river of them all, but what are some other things you can do before or after rafting the Zambezi? After all, it’s a long way to go and it makes sense to maximise your time in this beautiful part of the world. Here are ten suggestions – seven local […]

Whitewater rafting the Tamur, Nepal – adventure travel at its best


Whitewater rafting the Tamur River in Nepal should be on your list of ‘must raft’ rivers. Fed by snow melt from the third highest mountain in the world – Kanchenjunga – the Tamur provides exceptional whitewater rafting. It has nearly 130 rapids over a 120km stretch, and almost continuous grade IV rapids on day one […]

How to beat the post adventure blues


Heading out on adventures makes us feel alive. The excitement of planning it, seeing incredible places, and having amazing experiences that broaden our minds – it’s why we do it. But the act of ‘re-entry’ back into normal life can be hard. While your world and outlook may have changed, the rest of the world […]