If you are looking for ways to get the kids, and adults too, off screens and into the fresh air this summer then you have come to the right place!
The good news is that outdoor adventures don't have to involve expensive equipment, long journeys or climbing mountains.
The Ecolution podcast from RTÉ KIDS caught up with Noel O'Leary from Irish Adventures and outdoor photographer, videographer and adventurer Tadhg O'Brien at Wander Wild Festival in Killarney to get their top tips for families looking for adventure this summer.
Ecolution is available on RTÉ or wherever you get your podcasts - press play up top to listen now!
1. Start Small
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that an outdoor adventure has to be expensive, complicated or involve travelling across the country.
According to Noel O'Leary, some of the best family adventures can be found right on your doorstep.
"There are so many self-guided routes that can be done all around the place, whether it's a nice small hike in Tomies Wood, Torc Waterfall or one of the many loop walks around Ireland."
Instead of planning a full-day trip, try exploring somewhere close to home that you've never visited before. A woodland trail, riverside walk or local loop walk can be a great way to get outdoors without spending a fortune.
2. Let Kids Lead the Adventure
Children are naturally curious, so give them the chance to explore.
Turn a walk into a mini nature hunt by looking for birds, insects, flowers or interesting leaves. Bring a camera and challenge them to take photos of things they notice along the way.
Tadhg also recommends giving children a simple camera rather than relying on a phone.
"You can go into a second-hand store and get a camera for very cheap and just go out and practice with that."
He says using a camera can encourage children to focus on exploring and observing nature, rather than getting distracted by social media.
Whether it's moss growing on a tree, a wildflower on a roadside or a bird perched on a branch, taking photos encourages children to slow down and look more closely at the world around them.
3. Turn Nature Into a Game
Getting outdoors doesn't have to mean a long hike or expensive activity. One of Noel O'Leary's favourite family activities is orienteering - using a map to find checkpoints hidden around forests, parks and other outdoor spaces.
"You get to explore different areas while being a little bit competitive."
Orienteering events take place all around Ireland and can be a great way to encourage children to explore while building confidence and navigation skills.
Noel says it's also a budget-friendly activity for families: "It only takes about an hour and a half of your time on a Sunday morning."
4. Get Out on the Water
Ireland's lakes, rivers and coastline offer endless opportunities for adventure.
Families can try kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming or simply spending time by the water.
Looking for something a little different? Noel recommends checking out some of the unique outdoor experiences available around Ireland. Like sea kayaking through caves in Dingle or a fluorescent nighttime paddling experience in West Cork.
5. Protect the Places You Visit
Spending time outdoors often helps people appreciate nature more.
Tadhg believes that protecting wild spaces is important not just for wildlife, but for people too. As he says: "If we lose wild spaces, we lose part of ourselves."
Simple actions such as bringing your rubbish home, sticking to paths and respecting wildlife can help keep outdoor spaces healthy for future generations.
Whether it's a family hike, a cycle, a paddle or a simple walk around your local park, spending time outdoors can help us slow down, notice the world around us and reconnect with nature.
6. Ready for an Adventure?
This summer, challenge yourself to explore one new outdoor place near your home. You don't need to travel far to enjoy nature. As Tadhg puts it, sometimes it's about finding "something extraordinary in the ordinary."
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