Cycling as a family bonding activity

1. Shared adventures

Cycling allows families to explore new places together, whether it's a local bike trail, a scenic countryside route, or a coastal path. These shared adventures create lasting memories and provide opportunities for bonding.

TOP TIP: Choose routes that pass by historical landmarks or sites of interest. You can research and share fascinating facts about each location as you ride.

2. Healthy habits

Instilling a love for cycling from a young age promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for the whole family. Plus, it's a low-impact exercise that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an inclusive activity that everyone can enjoy.

TOP TIP: Schedule regular family bike rides, such as every weekend or on specific weekdays. Having a set routine makes it easier to maintain the habit.

3. Unplugged time

In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to unplug and spend quality time together as a family. Cycling allows you to escape the screens and distractions of everyday life and reconnect with each other and with nature.

TOP TIP: Make it a rule that during family rides, children keep all devices at home or in a backpack turned off. This ensures that everyone is present and engaged with the experience.

4. Communication and teamwork

When cycling together, families must communicate and work as a team to navigate routes, overcome challenges, and ensure everyone stays safe. These shared goals foster communication skills and teamwork dynamics within the family unit.

TOP TIP: Gather everyone before starting the ride. Discuss the planned route, any potential hazards, and safety rules (like hand signals and bike etiquette).

Cycling games  

Scavenger hunt: Create a list of items or landmarks to find during your ride. This can include specific plants, animals, or objects. Download the nature scavenger hunt activity sheet here >>

I-Spy: Play the classic I-Spy game with a twist, focusing on things you see while cycling. Be sure to keep your eyes on the track or road ahead.

Wildlife spotting: Challenge your kids to spot and identify different types of wildlife along the route

Counting vehicles: Make a game of counting different types of vehicles or specific colours of cars you pass by

Cycling challenges 

Alphabet Game: See how far you can get through the alphabet by finding items that start with each letter

Weekly Challenges: Set cycling goals for the week, such as riding to school or completing a bike obstacle course. Download the ‘Get on your bike’ cycling challenge activity sheet here for ideas >>

Follow the leader 

Take turns being the “leader” who decides the route and the pace. The leader can also incorporate fun actions like ringing the bell, waving, or taking a specific path. Set a timer or choose a landmark after which the role of the leader switches to the next family member.

Picnic stops 

Incorporating a picnic stop into your family cycling trip can transform a fun ride into a delightful outing filled with food, relaxation, and beautiful views. Select parks with lush greenery, water bodies like lakes or rivers, and ample open space. Opt for locations with picnic tables, toilets, and litter bins for convenience. Take a look at our ‘tips for planning a bike-friendly picnic with kids’ blog >>

Photography and journaling 

Why not document your cycling adventures through photos and journals? This can be a fun way to remember the trips and create a family scrapbook together. Remember to share your adventures on social media and tag @frogbikes!

Incentives and rewards 

Motivating kids by setting cycling goals can be a great way to get them excited about cycling. You could set achievable distance goals, such as biking 2 miles without stopping and rewarding them with a favourite snack or treat after completing the ride. Or focus on specific skills like riding uphill, using hand signals, or maintaining balance, and use a sticker chart to celebrate achievements. Download the Frog reward chart here >>