With so many cool gadgets, TV shows and technology available to them these days, it’s easy for kids to avoid getting out of the house to experience the outdoors. So, it’s up to the parents to remind them that the outside world does exist, with so many weird and wonderful things to learn and explore. The number of Outdoor activities is endless.

But with today’s constantly on-the-move, fast-paced environment, we understand how outdoor adventures get neglected. With work commitments, getting the kids to school, meal times, bath times and bedtimes to squeeze all into one day! That’s why we are challenging all the fathers out there to get out into nature with your children (or dog).

Here are a few activities that you can do with your children all year round:

1. Hiking

There are plenty of beautiful trails to explore. Take your kids to the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and many national parks across the UK. Here is a list of our high-performance hiking clothes for dads looking to take their child climbing:

• Take a look at our waterproof jackets, which fold neatly into their own branded bag, making them the perfect piece to store in your backpack in case you encounter any sudden showers.
• To avoid anything brushing against your legs, use our work chinos, conveniently designed with useful cargo-style pockets on each leg for your valuables or easy-to-reach snacks.
• Secure your belongings in our traditional two-strap backpack with a pouch to carry a water bottle.
• If your children are older and can handle more challenging hikes, consider our safety hiker boots. High quality Thinsulate insulation, water-resistant leather uppers and cushioning properties all provide for a comfortable ride when hiking long distance or tough terrains.
• Team with a pair of thermal socks for ultimate comfort.

2. Fishing

Why not consider taking your children fishing? It’s a great way for families to bond together and it also teaches youngsters of today that there’s more to life than iPads, iPhones and Xboxes. Fishing also gets children outside in the fresh air and lets them experience the wonders of wildlife and nature, as well as the art of patience.

To get the most out of your fishing, you’ll need to go equipped with the following:

• Our waterproof trousers
• Hi-vis baseball cap to protect your face from the sun’s harsh UV rays and to be visible so that no-one casts their line in the same direction as you.
• Use thermal gloves so that your hands stay warm and don’t get worn-out from casting.

3. Camping

If you fancy going on a camping trip with your family, make sure you’ve packed the essentials and be prepared for all the eventualities. We’re not just talking about camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping bags and food – we’re referring to outdoor wear. The key to a successful camping trip is staying dry and comfortable by layering clothes for warmth. Be prepared for when the sun goes down, explore our high quality:

• Warm long sleeve fleece clothing.
• Merino wool or thermal socks.

In the case of temperatures dropping drastically, discover our cold weather base layer range (thermals) and shop our thermal vests, long Johns, gloves, beanies and more. Rather be overprepared than cold and unhappy!

4. Take the dog walking

Being affectionate by nature, you’ll understand the positive effects that dogs have on the overall development of kids. Fresh air and exercise gives you more energy and a sharper mind, so why not take your companionate pet for a walk with your kids? With our outdoor clothing, unpleasant weather isn’t a problem – so there’s no excuse! Below are our recommended items to prepare you whether for both cold and warm weather:

• Our softshell jacket for chilly evenings.
• A neck gaiter for icy mornings.
• For warmer weather, simply slip on a pair of our everyday work shorts, available in a range of cool colours.

5. Planting trees

Planting trees with our kids is one of the greatest things we can ever do with them. It means so much more than just adding some attractive feature to your garden – it’s an opportunity to ‘give something back’ to the environment. Kids love planting trees and as they grow, so do their trees.

While planting trees is a great way for your little ones to learn about the importance of nature, we understand that it’s sometimes a messy affair. But don’t fret – we have you covered. To get down in the mud and enjoy the experience, you will need:

• Wellington boots are a favourite in the farm and agricultural industry, so you know they’re made to withstand dirt and mess.
• Our multi-pocket work trousers if you’re not convinced that wellies alone are going to cut it.
• Add our padded body warmers and gilets for additional warmth, whilst not bulking your arms and allowing unrestricted movement – the perfect garment for gardening.

The dad’s challenge

To keep inspiring you with more activities ideas, two outdoorsy dads told us what were their favourite adventure days out with the kids and why it is so important to have them! Here’s what they have to say:

Oli from The Outdoor Dad:

“I love being outside. Always have done and always will. Whether that’s climbing mountains, canoeing down rivers, walking the dog or just sitting and watching birds in my garden – I love everything about connecting with nature and the outdoors. Now my little boy Sonny’s come along I want him to have a childhood filled with adventure, excitement and exploration, just like mine was. He’s been an awesome adventure buddy so far and has joined me on hikes, bike rides, boat trips and much more, and as he approaches his second birthday we’ve got even bigger and better plans for this spring and summer.”

Discover his own outdoor adventure here.

Matthew from Very Much So:

“My favourite outdoor activities with my kids are often the ones that they initiate; the puddle jumping, the mini beast hunting, the ‘treasure’ collecting. Getting to see the natural world through their eyes and experience it in all of it’s muddy, wet, colourful, glory is a gift. It’s important to me as I feel that the outdoors is where all of the best childhood memories are made and I want to make as many of them as possible with my kids!”

Discover his own outdoor adventure here.

It isn’t the time spent lounging around watching cartoons or playing PlayStation that your kids will remember, but rather the memories from time spent outdoors taking family trips camping, going to the beach or walking in the park. So, the next time your child asks to go play outside, put on Dickies outdoor wear clothing and take them outside!

Are you a #DickiesDad? If so, enter our Facebook competition where 3 lucky winners could win a pair of Dickies Cameron boots and a Dickies Portland Shirt for you to use during your adventures with your kids! 

Terms & Conditions

By participating in this prize draw, you are deemed to accept the following terms and conditions:

• The prize draw is open to customers and non-customers aged 18 or over who are UK residents. The draw is not open to employees of Dickies, their families or anyone associated with this draw. Proof of eligibility must be provided on request.

• Winners will be drawn at random at the end of the promotion (promotion ends 31/03/2018)

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. The promoter’s decision is final in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into.

• The promoter reserves the right (a) to add to or waive any rules on reasonable notice (b) cancel or postpone the promotion at any stage in the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, or (c) in its reasonable discretion to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.

• The winning entries will be selected at random from a draw. The winning selection is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

• No cash alternatives will be substituted for the prize. The promoter reserves the right to offer alternative items/activities of a greater or equivalent value should unforeseen circumstances require it.

• If a prize remains unclaimed after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the winner the promoter will be entitled to dispose of the prize as it sees fit without any liability to the winner for having done so.

• The promoter reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose the promotion without prior notice.