The problem with winter is that we
spend a lot of our time indoors. We all get to the stage when we
must just get outside and let the kids run around and let off
some of that built up energy.
The beach is the ideal place to
take yourself and the children to over winter. There is
something about the constant rhythm of the waves lapping on the
sandy shores that take our minds away from the pressures of the
day. Take your shoes off and you can feel the cool sand on your
feet, the gentle pressure massaging those tired soles.
Younger children can be entertained
by taking a few beach toys, like buckets and spades, that they
can play with in the sand. You can either join them or take time
out just watching them and slow drinking that hot coffee to go,
you picked up from your favourite cafe.
Older children will enjoy climbing
the rocks or the odd tree or two that line the shores.
There are many marine reserves
around New
Zealand, such as the one at Leigh
called Goat Island. Here the family can explore this protected
area, climb the rocks to see schools of fish swimming by. These
reserves general have walking tracks that you can explore with
your children. The Department of Conservation has a great
website listing various parks and reserves or your local
council's website is also a great place to find out what beaches
are in your area.
Activities at the beach can range
from a winter game of cricket to touch rugby in the sand. If
there is a bit of wind, why not take a kite along to the
beach.
Of course the beach means that
water is about and no matter how old they are children somehow
always end up wet. So instead of it ruining your day out, back a
towel, a plastic bag for those wet, sandy clothes and some extra
warm dry clothes and a hat or beanie.
Website:
Department of Conservation
