Getting kids outdoors

Climbing slopes and slipping in the mud are essential experiences for growing children according to Tom and Chantelle Vaughan of Snells Beach.

They and their two children are enthusiastic weekend walkers and have founded the Mahurangi Misadventures group to create a community around exploring the area.

They are looking for other young families to share their monthly walking adventures.

“It’s easier to look after kids when they have other kids to keep them entertained,” Tom says.

“The idea behind a misadventure is that there are always some hiccups on the trail. You might slip over or climb a tough hill, but that’s part of life, and it’s important for kids to experience that.”

So far, the walking group has done the Tawharanui Ecology Path and the Dome Forest Walkway. The next walk will be Scandrett Regional Park on Sunday, September 19.

Tom says the group travels at the pace of the slowest walker and will stop to look at a spider web or a snail if the kids want to.

“We take snacks and are well prepared, but generally muddle our way through.”

The walks are held on the second Sunday of each month and are announced on the Mahurangi Misadventures Facebook page.

Families are welcome to just turn up or get in contact visa the Facebook page.

“The aim is to make friends and memories, rain or shine.”