Looking for something fun to do with the kids in the great outdoors this winter? Wilderness Escape is here with our top 5 favourite outdoor activities to do during winter, and our favourite places to do them! Too often people think that winter means you can no longer have fun outside. We are here to tell you that it is the exact opposite! Whether it’s fun things to do on a mini-break, day activities or even some fun holiday programs to send your kids on, we cover them all.
#1 Winter Activity – Camping
Wilderness Escape recommends the Flinders Ranges
Okay, let’s be honest. At Wilderness Escape, camping is something we love to do all year round (it’s kind of our thing), but during winter our favourite place to go out camping with the kids is the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders are beautiful at this time of year, green in the gorges, water flowing and full of cool places for the kids to play. It’s the perfect place for starlit stories at night around the campfire. The weather during the day is perfect for exploration, averaging a comfortable twenty degrees. Sure, it can get a little cold at night, but with a proper tent and sleeping bag, we don’t even notice.
And best of all, in the right areas you can indulge in good old campfire cooking. Trust us, there is nothing like sitting around a campfire together as a family as you look up at the wide expanse of stars above you. Don’t believe us? Just ask all the kids that go out on school camps with us every year. They love it!
#2 Winter Activity – Mountain Biking
Wilderness Escape recommends Kuitpo Forest
Mountain Biking in winter is something we LOVE to do. The cooler weather means you don’t overheat on the hills and the rain gives that extra element of fun! There’s nothing like riding your way down a muddy trail and reaching the bottom with the ‘dirt splashes of success’.
Location wise, when it comes to family fun you can’t go past Kuitpo Forest. We go there all the time and the biking trails are open and available for the public! These tracks can be taken by both beginners (a perfect way to get started on your mountain biking forays with the fam), and those that are a little more advanced (don’t forget to check the trail recommendations). Just remember to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as mud splash is definitely a thing and is at least half the fun!
Not a big mountain biker yourself but want to give the kids a chance to go out and have some fun? Then keep an eye out on our school holiday programs. Mountain Biking is one of our most popular activities and we often run day both for beginners and more advanced riders, for ages ranging from 8-17 (depending on difficulty). Just visit our school holiday page to see what we are currently running.
#3 Winter Activity – Rock Climbing
Wilderness Escape recommends Morialta Conservation Park
Rock Climbing is another one of our year-round favourites, but there can be no denying that winter brings out a whole new side to the fabulous locations we rock climb in. With the change in weather comes green trees, lush natural surroundings and a whole new range of wildlife. The views from the natural cliffs are some of the best we have ever seen.
When it comes to a great place for you and the family to go Rock Climbing, we have to recommend Morialta Conservation Park rock climbing cliffs. REMEMBER Rock Climbing is not something to just go out with on your own (unless you are an experienced climber). To keep you and your family safe we do insist that you go out with qualified instructors. Fortunately, we can also provide you with two great ways of doing just that at Morialta. For those of you looking to book as a family, we recommend the Rock Climbing and Abseil Tour- Morialta by Earth Adventure (kids must be 12 or older). Visit their page here.
Alternatively, Wilderness Escape does run rock climbing programs for kids during the school holidays. While we can’t guarantee they will be at Morialta (Onkaparinga is also a big favourite) we are running them this July! Visit our website to learn more.
#4 Winter Activity – Bushwalking
Wilderness Escape recommends Telowie Gorge.
What better time to go bushwalking with the family then during winter when SA bush lands are coming to life? The temperature is perfect for a day of walking, and a simple waterproof jacket covers any issues with rain. And the things you and the kids will see! At this time of year South Australia creeks and rivers are at full flow, so keep an eye out for those creeks crossing and hidden waterfalls! Kit the kids out in sneakers, rain jackets and take a camera to record all the cool things they see. As a bit of extra fun ask the kids what sort of insects and other critters they can try and spot during their walk (without disturbing the animals). It’s always fun to see how many your kids can see and makes for great memories.
The best part of bushwalking in winter is that a lot of areas that are just too hot to explore during summer suddenly become available. Our top pick to take the kids has got to be the walks at Telowie Gorge Conservation Park. Not only are they home to yellow-footed rock wallabies, but they have trails that can be done in a couple of hours, making them perfect for a day trip (Telowie is only 3 hours from Adelaide CBD). Looking for more? We also recommend the tracks at Wilpena Pound (Adnyamathanha), Argadells and Alligator Gorge.
#5 Winter Activity – Caving!
Wilderness Escape recommends Naracoorte Caves National Park
Sometimes the weather just doesn’t want to play ball. During these times we like to take kids cave exploring in safe, waterproof caves. Exploring the natural formations, discovering old fossils and stalactites, learning the caves history… what’s not to love?
The best thing about going caving in winter is the cooler temperatures, and one of our favourite places to visit is Naracoorte Caves National Park. Just like with rock climbing it is important when caving to only go with either a qualified guide, or to areas that have been designated safe for self-guided tours, and luckily Naracoorte has both!
Wilderness Escape has been running outdoor school camps and holiday programs for almost 30 years and are South Australia’s leading outdoor educator. When it comes to kids and the outdoors we know what we are talking about. To book one of the fun school holiday programs mentioned in this article, please visit our website at wildernessescape.com.au/school-holidays/.
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