The traditional Boxing Day Family Walk is nearly upon us, and it has got harder and harder in recent years to get everyone enthused; tearing the children and teenagers away from their screens being the biggest challenge facing family time.

We have put together some festive fun ideas we think will not only make your walk happen, but will also make it enjoyable for all concerned on Boxing Day.

Festive Fun for Children

Games - Traditional games like i-spy, bug hunting and who can find the biggest stick are classic games for a reason. You could even get the kids involved by teaching them how to read a map or creating the 'rainbow' with found objects. Whichever game you choose, this gets the whole family involved and perfect for festive fun on a boxing day walk.

Seasonal snacks - Consider packing some festive treats on your walk for the little ones to enjoy. A flask of hot apple juice or some reindeer pretzels are always a winner during a cold winters walk. You could even make Turkey sandwiches stuffed with cranberry sauce for he perfect seasonal snack.

Photography - Cherish the moments with your family by using your boxing day walk to take photos. This could be of yourselves, landscapes or animals you encounter along the way. Why not hold a competition for the best photo of the walk? The winner gets their photo framed on the mantel piece.

Incentives - Have something planned for your return home, such as a favourite film or family game that everyone enjoys. This gives the kids something to look forward to, which can help take their minds off the cold. Having a special present for the walk, such as a new scarf or gloves, can also help enthuse kids. Going out and doing this every year as a new tradition can help make them look forward to next year’s walk as well.

Festive Fun for Adults

Foraging - There's not much to forage at this time of year, but the keen hedgerow pickers will enjoy identifying their favourite species and finding new patches to return to when the fruit is abundant.

End Goal - Setting a destination, such as a pub or a particularly scenic view helps give the walk some structure, and a purpose. Village and rural pubs are a lovely place to be after Christmas. Everyone is relaxed and enjoying their time off so the atmosphere can be lively and jovial. There's often plenty of chatter and new people to speak to, which is often just what is needed after being cooped up with the same people for three days.

Games - Adults can also enjoy a version of the ‘I Spy’ game and pub bingo is a good way of livening up a pub visit. List things such as “identify someone who is drinking off a hangover” or “find two black Labradors” to keep people entertained and engaged with the walk.

Festive Food - On a long walk you will want to take some refreshments, turkey sandwiches and leftover cheeseboards make great boxing day walk refreshments. Taking snacks along the way means you can have a picnic while you are out, and it is one less meal to prepare at home and clean up after.

Seasonal Beverages - If it is very cold take a thermos flask of mulled wine or cider out with you. It will keep everyone warm and happy all day. Mulled warm apple juice is a child-friendly alternative. Add a nip of whisky to it for an adult twist.

A final note from us

With our Boxing Day Family Walk tips you're set to have a fun and festive memorable walk. Looking more inspiration? Discover all our Camp Life Blogs here or sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage to stay up top date with all things Attwoolls Outdoors.

Header image from UnSplash by Juliane Liebermann