The aspect of sustainability in the context of outings can be realized in very different ways. It could mean taking an outing only in the immediate area. But it could also mean participating in a sustainable project or introducing the child to sustainable topics. Of course, the outings should also be fun and enjoyable, and genuinely inspire or even captivate the children.
We have therefore compiled 7 interesting, exciting, sustainable, and affordable ideas for activities in the region and hope that you will experience many small and large adventures.
1. Visit the forest nature trail on the outskirts of the city
For city children, a hike through the forest can be quite exciting. Everything is so different from the city—the smells, the sounds, the plants and animals. Of course, you don't necessarily have to walk a forest trail; you can certainly introduce your child to the forest in other ways.
But you'll be amazed at what you can learn as a parent on a tour of such an educational trail. Wouldn't it be nice to learn something new together with your child?
To get from the city to a suitable forest, you may have to drive. But perhaps it's also possible to get there by tram or bus. Do a little research, and nothing will stand in the way of a day trip into nature.
2. Garbage collection campaign together with friends
A completely different kind of activity is a trash pick-up in the city park. Such an activity is most effective when many people participate. So the fun begins long before the actual outing by making cards or posters at home, which you can then use to invite friends, classmates, or neighbors.
On the day of the event, you'll gather at an agreed-upon location in the park—armed with large bags, baskets, bags, and barbecue tongs (for picking up trash). Then, together, you'll comb through the park's lawns and bushes, picking up all the trash you come across. Maybe even more people will spontaneously join in, and you'll make new friends.
You could even turn it into a little competition. Whoever has collected the most trash at the end of the day receives a small prize. As a surprise, you could also arrange for a parent to "sneak" off and set up a small picnic with sandwiches and lemonade on the lawn for everyone.
3. Camping on the balcony (or in the garden)
Strictly speaking, camping on the balcony isn't really an outing, but with a little imagination it can become one - and it's certainly exciting.
In any case, you and your child should pretend it's a field trip. Everything should be organized and cleared up in advance – just as if you were going to the countryside. There, you can't just pop into the kitchen and grab a cold drink from the fridge. So, you're completely dependent on what you "bring with you." The only exception is the toilet. Here, you can use the amenities of your own toilet and don't have to use a potty.
So you pack everything and "walk" out onto the balcony. Here, you first set up the tent, inflate the air mattress, and settle in. Ideally, you've brought along a few games, books, or a musical instrument, and enjoy the birdsong and the outdoors.
By the way: If you don't have a proper tent, you can also use chairs, tables, ropes, blankets, and towels to build a small robber's camp.
4. Visit a barefoot park
Only if there's such a barefoot park nearby does it make for a cost-effective and sustainable day trip. There are now quite a few of these facilities in Germany. Here, you'll naturally first take off your shoes and then set out to explore the various surfaces, from pebbles and water to moist humus, acorns, and even gravel.
Feel the different textures, hardness, and shapes beneath your feet. Here and there, you can even hold small competitions or blindfolded tests. The goal is to guess what type of flooring it is. A great experience for all ages.
5. Organize a scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is always a lot of fun and is also a great option for a small family outing. You basically have two options: either create your own route or join another scavenger hunt. In some cities, such events are offered regularly.
If you want to organize a scavenger hunt yourself, you'll need a lot of people to participate, because it's a lot of work and is simply more fun with lots of participants.
You can take this even further: Choose a sustainable family accommodation within a 50 km radius of your home, where several families can stay. You travel there beforehand and plan an extensive scavenger hunt. Once you're all there together, you're guaranteed an exciting day.
6. The Great Creep
When you consider that insect biomass (that is, all the cells of all insects combined) has declined by 75% worldwide in recent years, it's frightening. This makes it all the more important to raise awareness and make insects more visible to everyone – including our children. So, how about an insect day? The whole day could revolve around insects – from visiting a beekeeping facility, spending time in a meadow and observing the colorful activity of the insects, to a craft session.
At the end of the day, you could, for example, build an insect hotel. There are countless instructions and options for this. Set up the insect hotel on your balcony or simply on the windowsill and make things a little more "cozy" for the insects.
Without insects, we humans couldn't exist either, because plants would no longer be pollinated and reproduce. In the long run, we would no longer have food or plants to produce oxygen.
7. Wherever your feet take you
A true micro-adventure could be a completely unplanned mini-vacation – and here's how: Pack a few essentials for a day or two and simply set off from home. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, head in a direction you're unfamiliar with. Explore the region in a completely new way and experience many small adventures and constant challenges. Where will you end up? Where will you stay? Which direction will you go next?
Of course, common sense shouldn't be neglected. For example, if evening is slowly approaching, you might not want to venture further into the forest, but rather use your phone or a hiking map to look for possible accommodations. That's truly pure adventure.
We sincerely hope we've compiled some great tips and ideas for sustainable and affordable day trips and adventures. Of course, we're always happy to receive your comments or a photo from you—for example, of your most beautiful insect hotel.
