How to get kids outdoors: 11 simple tips and tricks, recommended by parents

Getting little ones outside can be an uphill struggle – here are the gadgets, gear and games real parents rely on to make it easier

• 55 screen-free activities, from birdwatching to colouring books

Marathons? Pfft, easy. If you really want to test your mental and physical endurance, try taking a reluctant toddler up a hill. I was ready to yield to circumstance after our first few attempts at a family walk. Prepared to accept that my active, outdoorsy days were behind me and go full cartoon-dad mode, sprawled across the sofa, surrounded by fried potato snacks. Thankfully, I’ve since learned that there are various tools, gadgets, gizmos and tricks designed to help me avoid this fate.

Getting a proper backpack-style carrier changed everything for us (see below). And having spoken to lots of parents of young children, I’ve heard plenty of similar tales involving other miracle buys. Below are a few of the best.