Mar 27

Mar 27 USING NATURE FOR PLAY WHILE TRAVELLING

There’s nothing better than slow travel. While we all went from monument to monument and country-to-country trying to tick every sight and attraction off our list in our late teens and twenties, slowing it down and really exploring and enjoying all of the natural attributes a place has to offer is very appealing now we have the kids in tow. We spoke to the ladies from Whole Beings, a holistic education studio at Tugun on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and asked them for tips on using nature for play while travelling with kids.

Go on a nature hunt

Our natural world is full of the most amazing treasures and the gathering process is so much fun, especially in unfamiliar locations. You can make a list of things to find beforehand or just see what shows up. Baskets for collecting are an essential when travelling with your tribe and whether you're at the beach or in the bush, nature has an abundant supply of raw materials just waiting for little people to admire them.

Create

With their gathered goodies, children can create for hours. Firstly, you might like to chat about what they have found and where, sparking their natural sense of wonder in concepts larger than themselves. Kids often lead the way in the creating process if you allow them to, we suggest bringing along a flower press, glue, pencils, craft cardstock, jute string and a hole punch if you feel like nurturing their creative side on your travels. It's amazing to see what they come up with and these creations can make awesome mementos of places you have visited rather than buying souvenirs.

Go barefoot

Let your babes go barefoot and feel the earth on their soles. 'Earthing' is a great way for them to feel grounded and feel a deep connection to Mother Nature. Going barefoot is a way to be more mindful and connect directly to the Earth’s natural charge. It boosts immunity, enhances sleep and removes toxins. Kids naturally want to remove their shoes to play, so let them run wild and free in exciting places knowing that it's actually essential to their wellbeing.

Build a fairy house

Nature is a treasure trove for childhood fairy dreams to come true. Find the base of a vine covered tree or an intriguingly formed dry creek bed to start constructing a place where 'fairies live'. Their surroundings will provide all the furniture - think fallen branch structures, wildflowers, gumnut beds, leaf blankies and pebble pathways. Magical play for any age!

Book Picnic

On your travels, take a basket of books and wholefood snacks to a special space in nature for a picnic. You can read them magical stories or, if they are old enough, they can read themselves. There's something so enchanting about being in nature while you read, its sure to be a unique travel memory they won't forget.

For more on Wholebeings click here.

Purchase their new ebook, Nurturing a Mindful Being, here.