School holidays are once again almost upon us, and like many parents, we know the struggle at times to get them outside. Let’s be honest: getting the kids off their screens and into the great outdoors can feel like trying to wrestle a mountain goat into a car seat. But once they’re out there – fresh air in their lungs, mud on their knees, and that little spark of wild adventure in their eyes – it’s totally worth it.

Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or teens, here are a few tried-and-true ways to coax them outside, and maybe even enjoy it yourself.

1. Two Wheels, One Mission: Burn That Energy

If your kids have energy to burn (and whose don’t?), bikes are the ultimate ticket to freedom. Not only do they give kids a sense of independence, but you can also send them around the block instead of around the bend.

Check out our range of kids' bikes – from balance bikes for the littlies to mountain bikes for the daredevils in training. Don’t forget helmets. We like their heads uncracked.

For the city slickers or scooter-obsessed, our kids’ scooters are lightweight, fun, and perfect for zipping around the footpath while you trail behind with the dog (or a coffee).

2. A Backyard Trampoline = Guaranteed Exhaustion

Look, we’re not saying a trampoline is a babysitter. But we are saying that 20 minutes of non-stop jumping will leave your kids happily shattered and more likely to fall asleep before the 73rd bedtime story.

We’ve got trampolines in all sizes – round, rectangular, with or without safety nets (though we highly recommend the nets if your kid thinks they’re the next Olympic gymnast).

Bonus: It also works for grown-ups who want to pretend they’re still 12. Just stretch first. Trust us.

3. Pack Up and Camp Out (If the Weather Plays Nice)

There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars to remind your kids that nature is way cooler than Netflix. Even if you only get as far as the backyard, the excitement of a tent, a torch, and a toasted marshmallow is hard to beat.

If the weather’s holding up, grab a spot at a nearby DOC campsite and make a weekend of it. Our family camping gear has you covered – tents, sleeping bags, chairs, stoves, the works. If you’ve forgotten it, we’ve probably got it.

4. Take a Hike (The Nice Kind)

Little legs might not make it to Everest Base Camp, but there are plenty of family-friendly walks across Aotearoa that are just the right level of “challenging but not meltdown-inducing.”

Check out Plan My Walk to find tracks near you – complete with info on difficulty, gear you might need, and how long before someone starts asking “are we there yet?”

Chuck some snacks, a drink bottle, and maybe a stick-collecting contest into the mix, and boom – you’ve just made hiking fun.

Final Thoughts

Getting outdoors with kids doesn’t have to be a full-blown expedition. Sometimes it’s just about giving them something to do that doesn’t involve a screen or a sugar rush. And hey – it might even remind you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.

At Torpedo7, we’re all about helping Kiwi families get out there – whether it’s a mission to the back paddock or a hike through the bush. Gear up, get amongst it, and make some muddy, sun-soaked memories with your crew.

See you out there.