There are few better ways to spend time with the family than going on a bike ride together. It gets everyone outdoors and active and will leave you with great memories. To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of the seven best cycling activities for your family. So get some kid’s bikes if you haven’t already and let’s hit the road!
The 7 Best Cycling Activities For Your Family
Bike Trails
Exploring scenic bike trails is a wonderful way to enjoy a family cycling adventure. Bike trails offer designated paths away from busy roads, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
If your town or city is a bit too hectic for a family ride, then take a trip out of town. There are usually lots of trails to choose from in local woodlands and countryside. You can discover beautiful landscapes, encounter wildlife, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature as you pedal together. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and make a day of it!
For resources on finding great bike trails near you, take a look at the National Cycle Network. The National Cycle Network is a network of cycling routes in the UK, covering over 12,000 miles. It offers safe and scenic paths, connecting towns and providing opportunities for family-friendly rides.
Family Friendly Events
Participating in family-friendly cycling events adds a whole new level of excitement to your family rides. These events are designed to cater to cyclists of all ages and skill levels, making them ideal for families.
From charity rides to community bike festivals, there are plenty of events happening throughout the year. Cycling in a group provides a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for families to pedal together.
Have a look in your local area for community rides and bike clubs. Bike Events runs recreational rides across the UK for beginners, families, and sports cyclists. Their one-day rides are fully supported with clearly-signed routes, wayside marshals, and more.
Nature Reserves & Parks
Exploring nature reserves and national parks on bicycles is an excellent way to combine outdoor adventure with environmental education. Many parks offer designated cycling paths, allowing your family to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a leisurely bike ride.
Some favourites across the UK include the Lake District, the New Forest, the Cairngorms, and Snowdonia, amongst many others. If you have mountain bikes then these areas offer some challenging trails.
You can pedal through forests, along riversides, and around lakes, taking in breathtaking views and encountering wildlife. Cycling in national parks also gives an opportunity to teach your children about the environment and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Bicycle Rental
Not everyone owns a bike, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a family cycling adventure. Bicycle rental services are available in many cities and tourist destinations. They usually offer a range of kid’s bikes suitable for boys and girls of all ages.
Renting bikes allows you to explore new areas, try different types of bicycles, and embark on family cycling excursions. Many places will also offer balance bikes for young children not old enough to pedal.
Geocaching on Bikes
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that has gained popularity worldwide. By combining geocaching with cycling, you can add an extra element of excitement to your family rides.
Geocaches are hidden containers that can be found using GPS coordinates. Many of them are located in parks, trails, and scenic spots accessible by bike. There are around 70,000 geocaches in the UK alone. Geocaching on bikes not only adds a sense of adventure but also encourages problem-solving and teamwork for the whole family.
It’s a fantastic activity that blends outdoor exploration, technology, and family bonding. So hop on your bikes, navigate to the hidden treasures, and enjoy the thrill of geocaching together. For more information, you can have a look at the official Geocaching website.
Family Bikepacking
For families seeking a more immersive cycling experience, bikepacking is an ideal activity. Bikepacking involves multi-day trips where you carry your camping gear on your bikes.
It’s a wonderful way to explore new places, bond as a family, and create lasting memories. Various family-friendly bikepacking routes are available, ranging from easy, flat terrains to more challenging mountainous trails. You can plan your trip to include camping at designated sites or staying at family-friendly accommodations.
Just remember to plan and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure. With bikepacking, you can embark on a unique family journey filled with adventure and the thrill of exploring new destinations.
Cycling Challenges
If your family enjoys a bit of friendly competition, cycling challenges can add a thrilling aspect to your rides. These challenges can be as simple as setting distance or time goals or even participating in cycling races together.
Challenges provide a great opportunity for family members to support and motivate each other. Along the way, you will also improve your cycling skills and endurance. You can create a challenge board where each family member sets personal goals and tracks their progress. This encourages a sense of achievement and fosters a healthy competitive spirit within the family.
Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a more intense competition, cycling challenges can be tailored to your family’s abilities. You can even organise a friendly race in your neighbourhood or participate in local cycling events as a family team. Remember, the goal is not to win but to have fun and create lasting memories while cycling together.
Conclusion
Cycling offers a myriad of exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy. From exploring bike trails to embarking on bikepacking adventures, there are many ways to have a great day out. So, grab your bikes, helmets, and loved ones, and start pedalling towards a fun-filled family cycling experience.
Out of the seven cycling activities listed in the blog post, which one would you most like to do with your family and why?
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Franca 💋
We absolutely love cycling together as a family. I never thought of geo caching on bikes – wonderful idea thank you!
There are some great ideas here for the family to try xx
Nature reserves and parks would be my preference so we are completely away from the traffic!
We have lovely cycle ride areas nearby, loads of cycle paths which can take you to some beautiful spots. Leisurely cycling is our pleasure, taking in everything that is around you
Great ideas. I’ve never heard of geocaching before, sounds like fun
its lovely to get out and about on the bikes, quite difficult today with volume of traffic tbh
Love this.
I haven’t ridden a bike for years and years and I used to all the time. I wish I still could, I am hoping to be able to again.
We love to have a cycle ride along our local riverbank, as long as we’re away from traffic, it’s a lovely way to spend time together.
Brilliant ideas – never been geocaching ! Always a first time
There’s nothing better than a family day outing on the bikes.
We’re always nervy about cycling as a family, because the roads around us are too busy to cycle on safely, and it’s hard to get anywhere with a load of bikes in our small car. But it’s good to see some good options here. thank you.