To think that running aimlessly round a field has no benefits

[Unintentionallycausingoffence]

Some family members have suggested taking DS to run round a field while the adults stand around chatting as a source of entertainment or a trip out. AIBU in thinking there are far more stimulating and interesting activities?. Having structure to running is better but they mean just running around

There has to be more to this. Is he the only child? Is it a picnic? Perhaps they are assuming yoy would provide him with something to do, like a kite to fly or a nature scavenger hunt?

It sounds like they are trying to come up with free things that work for both adults and children? Maybe they see the benefit as adults being able to chat?

Do they mean at a family party or gathering so he can burn off some energy? How old is DS?

Errr, I'd rather run round a filed pointlessly than stand and chat. That definitely has no benefits.

Well, all exercise has benefits...

Sounds like a secondary school PE lesson 😵‍💫

Junior park run? Or just running around a field alone without other children? I can't imagine many children would engage with the latter for long.

My DS loved having a field to run around when he was younger. Fun day outs should not be considered only in Disney/museum/water parks etc. simplicity and being with your favourite people can be just as much fun, sometimes better!

I used to do this when I was young and the adults timed me then I'd try to beat my times. It was round a track at a park while they sat on a bench chatting. I did love running though.

Why are they suggesting he runs round a field while everyone else talks?

You're going to have to give a bit more info here OP.

I regularly take my son to fields/open spaces so he can run laps/around in circles. He does have adhd though.

Just your DS? Or like "we should go to X Field and all the kids can run around and have fun"?

Kids love just being let lose. They can invent games and play ones they already know, hunt bugs, roll in the grass, pick daisies and dandelions...

Could always take cricket stuff or a football or Frisbee or something along as well

I think we need some more information here. Where is this field, does it contain anything of interest or is it just a grass field or full of crops. Have you got permission from the field owner to be there or is there an event of some kind going on that the adults are attending. Will there be other children to run around with or will DS be running around on his own?

DS would happily run around a field as long as he had a stick as well. Balls or a frisbee were sometimes acceptable substitutes.

I agree, more info needed.

"Run around" is much more likely to mean play games/kick a ball around/generally hang out with other kids rather than literally run across groups like a cross-country race ime.

Is your son a dog?

Did they mean 'we'll go to x place so we can all have a catch up and the kids have a run around'? If that's the case then I think they mean have a play (so if it's just literally a field then take a ball or other outdoor things to play with. Are there other children there?

Both my kids would happily run around anywhere when they were younger, either alone or with other kids. They would very easily invent their own fun.

Now they have to have some sort of ball involved, or other people to race with.

My kids would happily run around a field aimlessly. Add a stick into the mix, and you've got yourself a good time.

I took ds on holiday when he was 5. On the way there and the way back we stayed with a relative who had a field attached to their house. Ds spent hours running around it inventing all sorts of scenarios and when anybody asked about his holiday that was the highlight by far (in spite of the expensive hotel with five pools and a kids club I'd shelled out for 🤦🏻‍♀️)
So I suppose it depends how old he is, who else will be running around with him and what toys you're taking.
It could well turn out to be a magical day!!

I agree with virtually everyone else.
You need to give us more information about that you want our opinions on.

Sorry, but I really hope you're being facetious. Otherwise, cop on like, all exercise is good. Who cares if he's 'just' running around aimlessly. It exercise.

I'm going to out soon to run around aimlessly for 10km. Running has long been known to have health benefits.

Of course if has benefits. Apart from the exercise it is the best way for a lively child to work off a bit of energy. What an odd thing to post about.

Run 'around' the field in circles...?
Or run around playing on a field?
Alone or with others?

A parkrun or fun run event can be fun
Kids playing on a field is fun....but typically they need someone or something to play with....but plenty of kids have made their own entertainment in fields over the years