Boots, Bikes & Big Smiles: Why Our Best Family Adventures Are Free

If you’re anything like me, life can get so busy with work, school runs, packed lunches, and endless to-do lists that it’s easy to forget to stop and just breathe. But this year I found out exactly what makes me most happy – it’s when I’m outside with my family, having an adventure.

There’s something about being outdoors that makes everything else melt away. Whether we’re walking through the woods, exploring a new stretch of countryside, or breathing in that salty sea air on the coast, those moments bring me so much joy!

Walking hasn’t always been our family’s favourite way to spend time together. In fact, it was only this summer that I decided enough was enough and we had to make time together outside of the house. Money was a big factor in this decision, so whatever we decided had to be something free or super cheap… and walking fitted the bill perfectly! It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s such a great way to connect. Watching the children discover new things – whether it’s spotting wildlife, mastering a map, or finding the perfect stick (apparently every child needs one of those!) – reminds me of how much they thrive out there too.

And soon, we’ll be adding cycling into the mix. I’m so excited for these new adventures, whether it’s pedaling through forest trails or following coastal paths. Adding cycling to our adventures has been a long time coming, but we are finally nearing the finish line and I can’t wait to share our biking stories with you here!

But honestly, it’s not even about the big adventures. It’s those little moments – sipping a warm drink from a flask while the children run wild, stumbling across a hidden gem of a picnic spot, or enjoying watching the sunset after a long walk. Those are the bits that stay with me, long after the muddy boots have been kicked off at the door!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that happiness doesn’t need to be complicated (or expensive!). I started all of this to prove that amazing family memories could be made even for those of us that can’t afford the fancy foreign holidays. And I think it’s working. For me, it’s about the trails we walk, the views we share, and the memories we’re all making each and every time we leave the house. It’s always about the memories.

So, what about you? When are you happiest? Maybe it’s time to dust off those boots or hop on a bike and find out. Who knows what adventures are waiting just around the corner?