Tell Arla Big Milk about your plans for getting out into the fresh air - £300 voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

Over the past few wintry months you'd be forgiven for feeling like the icy starts and shorter days were never going to end. However, now that the days are drawing out and it’s light into the evenings, it’s great to be able to start spending more time outdoors, getting some fresh air. Arla Big Milk would like to hear about your plans to spend more time outside and ensure your children get the fresh air they need and some much-needed Vitamin D, now that spring is here.

Here’s what Arla Big Milk have to say: “We know it's important your little ones get the nutrients they need to fuel their amazing growth and development. Arla Big Milk is fresh cow's milk enriched with Vitamin D, A and Iron so you can be sure they are getting what they need when consumed as part of a balanced diet.”

Maybe you’re looking forward to getting the barbecue out without there being a downpour. Or you might be planning longer family walks with your dog or perhaps you’re looking forward to spending time in the park so your toddler can use up their excess energy? If you expect resistance from the kids, what might be your cunning plans be to persuade them to join you outdoors? Share your plans for being out in the fresh air with Arla Big Milk below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

Thanks, and good luck!

MNHQ

I'm sitting in the car, right now, making plans to get out once this rain squall passes!

Seriously, though, things that help get the dc outside:

Wellies, cloggers, etc by the back door.
Chalks by the back door.
The trampoline. Plus allowing toys on the trampoline - spacehoppers! - and also multiple jumping.
Wristwatch so that I can say "go to the park and be back by 5."
Access to independent digging and/or planting.
A kick up the backside (for my 16yo).

Picnics are always good. On the last day of the holidays We usually meet some other families for a breakfast picnic and walk. It's a nice way to do something special on the last day, it gets us to practice getting up and out of the house early again (!) and we're back home in plenty of time for winding down, baths and early nights before school the next day. It's become quite a tradition for us now!

Bushy Park picnic yippee

In the summer I put some essentials in the boot - picnic blanket, frisbee, ball. That way if the sun ever comes out when we're out and about on the weekend we can head to the nearest beach or park and get some fresh air.

No persuasion needed...we rush out to castles, beaches, parks, heaths and commons as on as there is the slightest glimmer of sunlight. Already doing it.

We're lucky to live cross the road to a brilliant park, which is also close by DD's school. As well as going there regularly to run around for 20 mins, We tend to meet most of the class there once a week for a picnic. Happy days.

We used to get the map out (live in a London Borough) and visit all the different parks - so much variety and also all the different play equipment in each one! I'd pack up a picnic, a blanket and toys etc and we'd have an adventure. They seemed very happy with that and I also found it less boring visiting different parks with them.

They'll be excited once the splash pads start at the local park.

DS is 4 and can pedal his own bike without us having to push him along now, so we're planning to do a lot more cycling at weekends this summer.

DW is obsessed with picnics so there are always plenty of days out combined with huge amounts of sandwiches, cakes and sausage rolls. As long as there is food left there is always a way to motivate us to walk a bit further .

We're also hoping to save up for a trampoline in the garden so if it's bit of a rainy day with the odd bit of sunshine we can still have lots of fun in the garden.

we already walk the dog in the fields whatever the weather wellies on etc. We are looking forward to going to the park after school and the sunshine so that we can have picnics in the park.

We come home from school via the park every afternoon so that the DC can run around and get some fresh air. As it gets warmer I'll take a picnic some days so we can have tea there too.

We get out everyday now the evenings are lighter. Once I finish work we're out with the dogs to walk down the river, or out cycling. Ds also cycles to school and then does the daily mile

There's no such thing as bad weather, just inappopriate clothing! Waterproof trousers are one of my best investments for the children

We've just had our first bike ride of the year! I make sure the bikes are easily accessible and all helmets etc stowed with them. Then there's no excuse!

We are planning to teach dd2 how to cycle over Easter/summer

Organising a bag in the car with picnic blanket, baby wipes, balls to play with outside etc so can just grab some food and drinks and can be ready to go.

Trampoline and outdoor toys in the garden so kiss can go out to play after school or whenever they feel like it and freeing up at least 1 day each week to go out on a family adventure.

Looking forward to:
Days trips to the coast. Takes 2 hours but easier to go for a long day then deal with a tent! Take pjs to change into before drive home.
Bike rides-loads of trails out there.
Beer gardens.
Exploring local woods and nature reserves.

I have garden toys at the ready for my little boy, been waiting patiently we have a swing, a trike, a climbing frame. as hes now began walking so were looking forward to getting him comfortable experiencing new things.

we have woodlands and countryside close by where I live so were on the look out for fruit hunting.
we take gala days very seriously where we live. so that will definitely be fun. we have volunteered to help make up floats for the local school to show off during the day.

Scooting!! My sons just outgrown his scooter so I have bought him a new (to him!) one and I have one too. I love that you can get so much further on a scooter, we have lots of great off road tracks here that lead to a huge adventure playground and country park

Geocaching is a great way of getting out with kids so we'll definitely be doing that now the weather is improving.

We go to a wonderful cafe with a big garden so we can all eat chips and the kids can run around while I eat and drink in peace!

Just do it! We pull on our waterproofs and wellies and head to the forest or put on the sunscreen and sun hats and head for the beach. There is no inappropriate weather just inappropriate clothing. My DC demand adventure each weekend so we go.

We never had any trouble getting the DC enjoying the outdoors - all over waterproof suits and wellies made for great puddle jumping, or exploring the forest in winter where the mud monster laid deep, soft, squelchy traps for us. Warm outfits in winter allowed us to toboggan or try to build an igloo/snowmen/arches when it snowed - or walk/build sandcastles on the beach! In Spring we always visit a local bluebell wood because it is so spectacular. The trick is to have what you need for a short foray always ready so you have enjoy spur of the moment decisions to go out and it's not a "big deal" it's just something that happens regularly.