The greatest thing about our hobbies is being able to share our passions with those we love the most. Thankfully, while it might be a little difficult to get the kids interested in collecting vinyl records or fishing, off-roading is a hobby they will probably need very little encouragement to get involved in. I mean, what child could resist the thrill of an off-road adventure?
Of course, planning an off-road trip with your family in tow might seem a little daunting and more than a little risky but if you’re willing to persevere, you might end up catalysing a passion that rivals even your own. So, if you’re planning an overland expedition soon and are playing with the idea of bringing your young kids along for the ride, we’ve put together a few tips you might want to consider.
Work to keep them engaged
Your kids are not going to be automatically interested in something just because you are. You might be happy to talk for hours about the benefits of bypass shock absorbers but it’s a conversation that’s likely to put the young ones to sleep. This means taking the things that already interest them and finding subtle ways to work them into the daily activities.
If they love nature, give them a checklist of natural wonders to look out for. If they are at that age where they’re a little too into their phones, meanwhile, give them a list of the best off-road YouTube channels and see if it piques their interest.
Remember that supplies are everything
Whether your family is with you or not, half the battle with any off-road holiday is ensuring you are adequately prepared with enough supplies to keep you safe, fed and watered. With the kids along for the ride, this is even more crucial. Of course, the most pressing concern should be food and drink. Try to find a nice balance between the snacks that will keep them satisfied and the ‘proper’ foods that will give them the energy they need to keep going.
Depending on their age, you’re then going to have to think about toys, tablets and colouring books too, so you might want to consider installing a drawer system in your rig to keep everything in order. But one thing we’ve always found quite handy is to give the kids a map and see if they can find where you are and where you’re heading. Walkie-talkies are also always a good laugh, but they are liable to get annoying if overused.
Dress the part
Weather is unpredictable at the best of times, particularly in the UK. So always bring clothing suitable for any occasion. Shorts, shirts, jeans and multiple waterproof layers should all be present and accounted for.
When it comes to footwear, meanwhile, steer clear of the flip-flops and sandals and ensure your little ones have some sturdy trainers or boots that will take a good battering, if needs be. And always remember the basics – the sun cream and the sunglasses.
Pick the right trails
Finally, when you’re planning your off-road route (which is probably the most exciting part for you), try to ensure that every day you’re going to be driving past something that’s going to interest everybody. You might be content to stop off for a pub lunch and spend the rest of the day churning up the green lanes but your kids are going to need some activities to break up the day.
And, if all else fails, just tell them that you’ll turn the car around and take them back to school if they refuse to follow the rules. It’s not big and it’s not clever but it’s a tried and tested tactic!
Image: Air Images / Shutterstock.com
