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Whether it’s hiking in the woodlands or tackling a challenging obstacle course, family holidays like these aren’t just about the excitement (although there’s plenty of that!); they’re about laughter, connection, and bringing everyone closer together.
In this blog, we’ll share eight key benefits of outdoor activities and why booking a family activity holiday with PGL is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!
What are outdoor activities?
Outdoor activities are recreational or skill-based experiences that take place in natural settings such as beaches, woodlands, and mountains. In the UK, this encompasses a vast range, from gentle forest walks and cycling to more adventurous activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and zip-lining. Fundamentally, they are about embracing nature, keeping active, and learning new skills with friends and family.
8 Benefits of a family adventure holiday
When it comes to family holidays, everyone has their own idea of the perfect getaway! However, one thing we can all agree on is the incredible range of benefits they offer. From improving our health and developing practical skills to building confidence, let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
1. Family bonding
One of the greatest benefits of outdoor activities for families is how they strengthen family bonds. When parents and their kids engage in a group activity together, they must problem-solve, support one another, and overcome challenges to succeed. For instance, on a canoeing adventure, family members need to paddle in synchronisation, avoid obstacles like floating logs or rocks, and stay focused to keep their canoe steady.
Additionally, the calm, open setting often makes it easier to initiate meaningful conversations between kids and their parents, building mutual trust and understanding. Once the holiday has ended, families can look back on their trip with fond memories of all the joy and special memories they’ve made. At PGL, we aim to create amazing experiences for everyone, ensuring your family has the best time!
2. Improves physical health and fitness
Some children choose to stay inside during the summer months, which could be because they don't have activities available on their doorstep. Well, this is precisely why family adventure holidays are great! They encourage children not only to channel pent-up energy but also to stay active, thereby improving their cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
Regular participation in outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking, or tree climbing makes exercising feel more like a fun adventure rather than a chore. This helps improve coordination, endurance, and agility by turning exercise into a fun, hands-on adventure, while instilling lifelong healthy habits. Moreover, spending time outdoors exposes families to fresh air and sunlight (even on cloudy days), boosting vitamin D levels — a crucial nutrient for a robust immune system and emotional regulation.
3. New opportunities
Outdoor activities for families open the door to a whole new world of experiences that children and parents might not encounter in everyday life. Whether it’s abseiling down a tall tower, hitting a bullseye in archery, or getting to grips with an Olympic sport like fencing, there’s something out there for everyone to give a go! It’s all about stepping outside comfort zones and rediscovering a sense of adventure within a safe and supportive environment.
Every activity is an opportunity to learn a new skill, grow, socialise, and have fun! Children can discover hidden talents, while parents often surprise themselves by trying something they never thought possible. And the best part? Many family holidays offer an array of activities to suit different ages, skill levels and abilities. With over 20 activities to try, we make sure every family has a full, fun activity programme.
4. Involves the whole family
A fantastic benefit of outdoor activities is that they’re inclusive. No one is excluded, meaning everyone can join in on the fun! From discovering local wildlife on an adventurous nature trail to building a sturdy raft that will float (and steer) on the water, activities can be scaled up or down depending on your individual preferences. Shared involvement allows family members to contribute to an activity in their own way, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
For example, during a wilderness survival activity, parents can assign each child the task of gathering natural materials, like leaves and branches, for their shelter. Meanwhile, the parents can focus on constructing it. Once it’s built, the whole family can step back and admire their creation, proud of the fact that everyone had a part to play. Ultimately, it reinforces that every member matters, creating a sense of belonging. At PGL, all of our holidays are family-friendly, so both you and your little ones can take part in the adventure together!
5. Escaping the daily routine
Have you been stuck in the same daily routine and are now ready for a change? Then a family adventure holiday is just what you need! One of the biggest benefits of outdoor activities for families is the chance to take a mental break from work, school, and household responsibilities. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming, restorative effect on the mind, which in turn reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and feelings of anxiety in both adults and children.
Simply sitting together around a campfire or walking along the beach helps everyone feel relaxed and fully present in the moment. Stepping out of the usual routine and into a holiday adventure means families can let go of all expectations and enjoy themselves freely! Plus, with dedicated meal times and a fun-filled programme of evening entertainment, everyone has the opportunity to unwind after a long day of action!
6. Increases self-confidence and resilience
Learning how to overcome difficulties or challenges outdoors is vital for personal growth and development. Outdoor activities for families often involve ‘risky play’ — safe challenges that push boundaries and help children to build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills. They must assess risks and make their own decisions to achieve the best outcome.
Navigating a high ropes course 10 metres off the ground requires participants to conquer their fear of heights and trust both in themselves and in their family members to support them every step of the way. Alternatively, during an initiative exercise, teams must solve puzzles and communicate effectively while blindfolded, which is a daunting task in itself. By succeeding, it teaches the entire family how to adapt, work under pressure, and emerge victorious through perseverance and effort.
7. Boosts creativity
Nature is one of life’s greatest sources of inspiration for many budding artists and inventive thinkers. It offers an open, unstructured space where children can invent their own games, explore freely, and let their imaginations run wild. From creating art collages with leaves and petals to building castles with rocks, shells, and sand on the beach, the natural world offers endless opportunities for creativity and resourcefulness.
When it comes to more physical activities, being outdoors also promotes the development of various cognitive functions. Take orienteering, for example. At our centres, families get the chance to put their map-reading skills to the test as they navigate unfamiliar terrain in search of hidden control points. From here, they need to think creatively to plan the best route and solve clues.
8. Gain practical life skills
Many family activity holidays in the UK teach valuable, transferable skills that can be used across school, work, and in everyday life long after the adventure ends. Even before the trip begins, encouraging kids to pack their own bags, set goals, or help choose the activities they’d like to try promotes independence, organisation, and decision-making.
During your stay, team-based outdoor activities such as Aeroball (a fast-paced combination of volleyball and trampolining) are a brilliant way to improve hand-eye coordination through passing and shooting, where everyone must react quickly and focus to win. On the other hand, sailing is a fun and dynamic activity that builds patience, communication, and leadership skills. Acting as a crew, families work together to raise the sails, catch the wind, and steer the boat across the water under the guidance of Royal Yachting Association qualified instructors.
Ready to make the most of your family holiday?
Look no further for a family adventure break! Whether you’re looking for a short break, a weekend escape, or even just an activity day, we’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from!
At PGL, we have two family adventure centres based in the UK, which we believe make a great fit for your family to enjoy some electrifying outdoor activities! These include:
So, why not request a quote today to arrange your next family holiday? Or, contact us if you'd like to find out more!