There’s nothing quite like the wind in your hair and the sun on your face during a family bike ride. But let’s be honest – a little excitement doesn’t hurt either. Whether you’ve got a toddler in a seat or teenagers refusing to leave their screens, you know keeping them entertained on two wheels can be a challenge. Let’s face it, the joy of cycling can sometimes get lost in the routine of “how much further?” and “I’m bored!” Luckily, there are easy ways to spice up your journey with games, challenges, and interesting stops. Trust me, the kids won’t even realise they’re doing something active.
Games to Keep Everyone Pedalling
Let’s start with the most important thing: keeping everyone entertained. When the kids’ attention starts to wander, that’s when the real fun begins. You don’t need to be a professional bike trainer to get them involved in some games that’ll keep the wheels turning (literally).
One of my go-to favourites is Cone Course. Set up a few cones (or anything you have lying around – shoes, jackets, even a water bottle will work in a pinch) and challenge the kids to ride through them in a zigzag pattern. It helps improve balance, and they’ll feel like little champions dodging obstacles. Plus, it’s simple to set up, and you can make it as short or long as needed, depending on their age and skill level. Looking for some other ideas to spice things up? Have a look here!
Make It a Challenge
Now, let’s take it up a notch with some good old-fashioned challenges. A little competition always spices things up. But this doesn’t mean you need to sign them up for the Tour de France (unless, of course, that’s your thing). A little creativity can go a long way.
How about a Bike Bingo? Create bingo cards with things to spot along the way. It could be animals, landmarks, or even just things you’d never notice unless you’re really looking. First to fill their card wins a prize (maybe an extra stop for ice cream, always a winner). This not only keeps the kids’ eyes peeled for their next prize but also turns the ride into an exciting adventure. If you’d like some ideas for more challenges, check out Frog Bike’s activities!
Turn a Ride Into An Exploration
There’s no denying that bike rides are about the journey, not just the destination. So, why not make the journey more interesting? Plan some fun stops along the way that’ll spark curiosity and, let’s face it, give everyone a break from the saddle.
Why not stop off at a local nature reserve? A quick walk through the woods or a pond-side pause could become a mini nature lesson. The kids might spot birds, squirrels, or even something more exotic if you’re lucky. If history’s your thing, pick a route with a few local landmarks or even a quirky monument. If they’ve got an interest in history (or if you can make it sound cool enough), you might find that your family is more excited about the stop than the bike ride itself.
Safety First – But Keep it Fun
It’s important to keep the safety talk light but effective. Everyone should be wearing helmets and be comfortable in their gear. But let’s face it – a day out is more enjoyable when you’re not constantly nagging. If you make sure everyone’s bike is in good shape before setting off, you won’t have to deal with the dreaded “I’m stuck!” halfway through the ride.
When you’re out cycling, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but it’s important to remember that a little preparation can go a long way in preventing as well as knowing how to handle cycling accidents. A quick check of bike brakes, tyres, and seats can help avoid the kind of mishaps that can make an otherwise fun day turn sour.
When riding with younger children, a quick check of their seats goes a long way. If you’re taking longer rides, remember to pack water, snacks, and maybe a few plasters for those inevitable scraped knees. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it when a snack break turns into a mini party of its own.
So, get those bikes out of the shed, plan a route, and get ready for some fun. You’ll all be pedalling with joy in no time!
