Dream Outdoor Space with regatta

We’ve all got our own ideas about what makes a ‘dream’ space outdoors when the weather warms up. Now that we’re well onto our way into spring, it’s time to think about being outdoors much more after a long winter spent inside that was made even harder due to the current climate. I know that we’re more than ready to embrace being out in the open and finding activities to do outside of our home.

Regatta recently asked us to create a drawing of an ideal green space through the eyes of a child and give ideas on what activities you can do with children outdoors. This was a time to let imaginations run wild and Tobias was keen to illustrate exactly what his garden would comprise of if he could choose anything his heart desired. Straight away he set about incorporating all of his favourite things – football, monkey bars, a swimming pool and a hot tub! He was thrilled to see it come to life in the 3D image below. Check out some of the other Ultimate Dream Space entries on their blog and by using the hashtag #OurGreenSpace. I think that the rollercoaster idea is briliant.

Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy being outdoors:

Go for a walk locally

No matter where you live, you can always explore around the area that you live in. It’s a great excuse to explore areas on foot that you might not normally discover when driving around in the car. It’s a great way to find hidden gems that are right on your doorstep. During lockdown, we have been going on daily walks and often try new routes when we’re out to see where it takes us, resulting in us finding areas that we would never have known existed.

Visit the beach or woods

We love nothing more than a trip to the beach to blow the cobwebs away and my kids adore it whatever the weather (not so much me when it’s cold and windy!). They always find something to do even without a bucket and spade and they always come home sandy but very happy. If you don’t have a beach that’s in reach, then a walk around a forest or woodland is a great source of adventure with trees to climb and dens to be built.

Family bike ride

Our all time favourite way to enjoy the the outdoors is by going on a bike ride. This one is weather permitting but it’s a great way to explore locally and not so locally if you have equipment to transport the bikes on your car. We always have the most fun when cycling and you can’t beat the wind in your face and how good the exercise is. If your kids are too small to ride on their own then you can find some great attachments, meaning that they can ride on a seat in front of your saddle or they can peddle on their own bike attached to yours.

S’mores over the fire pit

This one can be done whatever the weather but is always popular with my children. Even if it’s chilly you can all huddle around the fire pit to toast marshmallows, which taste even better squished between biscuits and chocolate. It’s the perfect way to end a day spent in the garden.

What’s your favourite way to make the most of being outside? Join in with the hashtag #OurGreenSpace to find more ideas and inspiration this spring/summer.

Nb. Collaborative post.