Inspiring Wanderlust in Our Children
As parents, there is no greater feeling than watching our children explore the world through wide eyes and endless curiosity. Traveling can be a wonderful source of wonderment for children that broadens their horizons in so many ways – from learning invaluable life lessons to developing an ever-growing appreciation for different cultures. Whether it’s heading out on short day trips or taking longer vacations as a family, inspiring wanderlust in your children will provide them with unforgettable experiences that will stay with them forever!
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In this blog post, I’m going to focus on how to inspire wanderlust from your own homes! Read on to discover tips and tricks designed to help you adapt your routine in order to foster this joyous discovery of travel opportunities with your kids.
Inspiring Wanderlust in Our Children at Home
I think it’s safe to say that most parents want their children to be kind, well-rounded, and inquisitive little humans that grow up to be kind, well-rounded, and inquisitive adults. One of the ways we can encourage this is to travel with them, but we can’t be wheels up 24/7. There are, of course, things to consider – finances, work, and school schedules, time, etc. So how can we continue to inspire their curiosity and sense of wonder between trips? Check out these suggestions to keep your kids craving adventure.
Introduce your children to different cultures through art and music
Start with Local Experiences – You don’t always need to go halfway across the world when you get the itch for adventure. Visit local parks, farms, and zoos. Buy annual passes to a nearby amusement park. Take part in seasonal activities like skiing or a day trip to the lake. I always encourage families to gift experiences like these to help with cost as well.
Art and music are universal languages that can bring people from all over the world together. Introducing your children to different cultures through art and music can be a fun and exciting adventure for the whole family. From African drums to Japanese calligraphy, there are endless opportunities to explore and learn about different cultures.
Check your local library for themed activities centered around different cultural celebrations and holidays. They are filled with activities where children can learn and play while getting excited about other cultures.
Incorporate world geography into family game nights for fun learning experiences
Look for fun and engaging ways to incorporate world geography into your family game nights. You don’t even have to look far since even your classic board games will work once you give them a geographic twist! Games like Risk or Settlers of Catan can be perfect for teaching children about the geography and history of different regions of the world in a way that’s both fun and educational.
Alternatively, games like GeoBee or Passport to Culture can help players learn about different cultures and spaces around the world in a more focused way. So next time you’re considering a family game night, why not make it an educational one too? With so many great geographic games out there, the possibilities are endless!
Turn Your Globe Into a Tool – Whether the globe is interactive or old school, there is something about giving a globe a spin that makes exploring the places on them fun. It also puts into perspective for them how big the world is when they realize their home is just a small dot!
Show them the beauty of nature by camping in national parks or exploring hiking trails nearby
Camping in national parks or hiking on nearby trails not only offers a great outdoor adventure but also teaches kids about the beauty of nature and diverse cultures. National parks are home to unique ecosystems with diverse wildlife, plant life, and geological formations that make them a wonder to explore. Furthermore, learning about the cultural heritage of national parks and their surrounding communities can broaden children’s perspectives about the world they live in.
On hiking trails, kids can connect with nature and learn about the local flora and fauna. They can also observe different types of rocks and geological features, which offer a glimpse into the earth’s history. So, pack up the tent or hiking boots, and give your kids the gift of an educational adventure.
Bring the Binoculars – Let them explore the world around them up close! They can use these when going on walks, playing hide and seek, and simply spotting nature around them. Playing ‘I Spy’ is also a fun way to put these to use.
Teach them about different countries via online resources like virtual tours and immersive videos
Learning about different countries is a wonderful way to broaden your child’s horizons and expand their knowledge of the world. Thanks to advances in technology, there are now online resources available that can bring the wonders of far-off lands right into your home. With immersive virtual tours and videos, kids can explore everything from the bustling streets of Japan to the ancient ruins of Egypt.
These resources provide a unique and interactive way to teach kids about different cultures, geography, and history. By utilizing online resources, we can open doors to different parts of the world and ignite a passion for learning in our children.
Don’t Forget About Books – This is a given. There are so many books out there that can support their curiosity to learn about the world around them. Atlases, fact books, books with plots in other countries, books about traditions and culture. The list goes on.
Give them a taste of exotic cuisine from different countries – make it a fun “cooking night” challenge!
Introducing kids to different cultures through food can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Hosting a “cooking night” challenge is a great way to get them interested in trying exotic cuisine from around the world. Not only will it encourage them to try new things, but cooking is also a valuable life skill that can help build their confidence in the kitchen.
Choosing a variety of dishes from different countries, such as Thai curry or Japanese sushi rolls, can help expand their taste buds and broaden their knowledge of food globally. Making it a fun and interactive experience, complete with aprons and chef hats, will add to the excitement and make it a night they won’t soon forget.
Inspiring Wanderlust in Our Children by Encouraging them to talk to people from other countries or even host an international exchange student at home
Encouraging children to interact with individuals from different cultures and parts of the world is an excellent way to broaden their knowledge and foster their personal growth. By talking to people from other countries, kids can learn about their customs, language, and traditions, and gain valuable insights into how the world works.
Hosting an international exchange student can provide an even more enriching experience, as it allows kids to form lasting connections with people from different backgrounds and make a positive impact on someone’s life. International exchange programs can also help children develop empathy, improve their communication skills, and enhance their ability to work collaboratively with others.
So, if you’re looking for ways to provide your kids with unique and exciting learning opportunities, consider encouraging them to talk to people from other countries or host an international exchange student at home.
Our Top Recommendations for Inspiring Wanderlust in Our Children at Home
Give them a Camera – Taking photos is fun for all ages and now they even make durable, child-friendly digital cameras. It is exciting to see what is important to them and what interests them through what they capture. The great thing about this is they can use this at home and while they are traveling … SCORE!
Start an Adventure Fund – Move aside piggy bank. We aren’t saving for toys – we are saving for experiences! Having a fund designated for travel is a great way to get your children excited for their next adventure. They will be more likely to put their money towards it if the money is going towards something that you all agree on. Maybe a certain excursion or new luggage!
When You Do Travel With Kids They Will Be Ready!
Traveling with your little ones can be an absolute blast if you have the right tools up your sleeve. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will make adapting your routine a breeze, all while creating lifelong memories with your kiddos. The first thing to keep in mind is to take it slow – there’s no need to pack in too many activities or sights in one day. Allow for some downtime and let your kids lead the way.
Another trick is to involve them in the planning process – let them pick out a restaurant or activity to do that’s geared towards their interests. Lastly, be prepared with snacks and entertainment for those long travel days. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, traveling with your kids will be an opportunity for spontaneity, exploration, and plenty of laughter.
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Wanderlust Inspired!
I hope this list has inspired you to find ways to encourage your child’s wanderlust at home. Of course, when you are ready to take flight, I’d love to help you! Contact me to start planning your next adventure.