Being a child of the 1980's, I needed plenty of imagination to enjoy myself on the weekends. I remember seeing some ads for the new Nintendo gaming console, but even my best negotiation skills couldn’t persuade my parents to buy it for me. With the internet still a decade away, I didn’t really have a choice but to spend my weekends playing sports, climbing trees, and doing plenty of exploring.
After the rise and rise of the internet, times changed rapidly and in the blink of an eye, the world was suddenly connected. Today, just about everyone needs to use the internet in their daily lives and it’s difficult to imagine life without it. There’s no doubt that the convenience and knowledge we gain from the digital world is stunning, but we also can’t lose sight of the beauty our country has to offer, and all the fun and adventure that lies beyond our devices.
Given that kids spend most of their time connected to a device; either through school, entertainment, and socialising, it’s a wonderful idea to break up the weekends with outdoor activities. If you’re looking for any ideas on some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy with the family on the weekends, here are my top 5.
Camping
Australia is packed to the brim with awesome camping spots, and most of them you’ll find just a couple of hours from the city. Taking your family on a weekend camping trip is an excellent way to reconnect with nature and enjoy a range of outdoor activities; from hiking, swimming, exploring, fishing, and cooking. Although you'll need some camping gear and equipment, all the fun and enjoyment you'll have is free and it's a wonderful way to let your hair down and make long-lasting family memories.
Fishing
Nothing lights up a kids face more than pulling in a big fish and cooking it for dinner. Fishing is a cheap and enjoyable sport that the whole family can enjoy. Don’t worry, you don't need a 20 foot yacht to catch fish - just go for a drive to a river and have a picnic where the kids can try to catch some lunch. On the other hand, try fishing off the beach and hopefully you’ll snag some dinner.
Beaching
There’s no doubt that Australia has some of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet, so heading to the beach is the perfect family day trip. Pack up some lunch, have a BBQ or indulge in the local fish and chip shop where you can create your own burger! There’s plenty of activities at the beach too: go for a dip, work on your tan, throw a ball to your dog, or head to the local breaks for some waves.
4WDing
If you’ve got a 4WD, why not take your friends and family to your beloved 4WD park for some off-roading? The little ones will love the excitement of river crossings and steep inclines, and you get the chance to try out your new 4WD accessories. You can even combine camping and 4WDing by spending the weekend at a local campsite and take advantage of everything Australia has to offer.
Exploring
When’s the last time you went on a family road trip? Wandering through uncharted territories has always been a passion of mine, but if you prefer to stay clean, arrange some accommodation in few hotels and see how many of 'Australia's Big Things' you can pass along the way. Your kids will love the adventure and undoubtedly the trucker stop meals too!
Spending the weekend outdoors with your family is one of the best ways to invigorate your body, mind, and soul. All you need is a bit of imagination, an adventurous mindset, and a fantastic attitude to make the most of your weekends and enjoy the Australian outdoors. If you need any 4WD products and accessories or camping gear to get your weekend started, TJM Australia have you covered. Phone our helpful staff today on 07 3865 9999, or visit our store locator to find the TJM store closest to you.
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