In parts of the country, the sports holiday has begun, a holiday that many people may associate with mountain trips and skiing. But it doesn't have to be that way! If you have the opportunity to be free with children during the sports holiday, there is plenty to do outside in nature even at home.
– Outdoor activities should be available to everyone regardless of where you live or what your finances are. We want to encourage all children and adults to get out into nature during the sports holidays. A simple obstacle course in the nearest forest grove is enough to find joy and have fun outdoors, says Kristina Ljungros, Secretary General at Friluftsfrämjandet.
Children and young people spend 70 percent of their waking time sedentary and the proportion of children who spend every day in nature has decreased sharply from 78 percent to 49 percent (2003 – 2019). The Swedish Outdoor Promotion Agency is one of the actors who wants to turn these figures around.
– If you can use the sports break to break the trend and find inspiration for small adventures that can be used in everyday life, we have come a long way. Nature is magical when it comes to well-being and joy of life, and the great thing is that everyone can share in the magic, says Kristina Ljungros.
Here are some tips on the way to a sports holiday in nature.
1. Dark Wandering
Take advantage of the short days! Choose a long enough hike that you have hiked before and follow the markings carefully so you don't get lost. A tip is to dress warmly and equip yourself with good headlamps. Try turning off the headlamps for a while when you pause and look out at the dark sky. Do you see stars? Best slow-motion TV there is!
2. Try something new with borrowed equipment from Fritidsbanken
Are you keen to try out skates, skis or anything else that requires equipment during your sports break? You can borrow it for free at Fritidsbanken, which is available at 120 locations around the country. Check out the Leisure Bank here
3. Cook outside
Even a simple meal can become a delicious dinner in nature – and most of it can be prepared at home. Feel free to let the children join in the cooking – but be careful around gas and alcohol stoves.
4. Walk an obstacle course in nature
Using nature for fast-paced play – fun for both young and old in the family.
Choose a designated area and plan the obstacle course together. Maybe you can find a log to balance on, a ditch to jump over and a boulder to climb on. Run slalom between rocks, go around a pine tree and crawl under a large, dense fir tree. Here are more tips
5. Collect nature reserves
There are around 5,000 nature reserves in Sweden with beautiful, protected and often easily accessible nature. Why not make it a challenge and visit as many as you can during the holidays? It is easy to find information about nature reserves near you on the County Administrative Board's website.
6. Join leader-led adventures near you
In many places around the country, the Swedish Outdoor Promotion Association organizes larger and smaller adventures during the sports holidays. Would you like to know more about what is organized near you?
According to the press release.
