Snowshoe games

I have big news for y'all. When you go snowshoeing with little kids they sometimes want to be entertained by more than just walking out in nature. What the heck, right! Okay, actually that isn't a surprise at all, just like when we go hiking we have to be prepared with an arsenal of fun games. Right now we are kind of in an interesting spot because our oldest is about to turn 6 but our youngest walker/hiker/snowshoer is only 2. They are not only on different levels skill and endurance wise but they are on different levels with games. At first this fact made me a little nervous but then I realized the wonderful side of it; our younger kids get to push themselves to hang with the older girls and the older girls get to be little for that much longer. Lucky y'all I have teamed up with Yukon Charlie's to spill the beans on our not so secret games we play while we are out snowshoeing. (can I get a whoop whoop)

 1. Follow the leader: I know it sounds pretty basic but think about it, kids spend just about all of their day being told what to do and following adults around. When we notice that the kids are starting to get antsy we change up who is in charge. The kids get super excited to tell us what to do and where to go and we get to experience walking through trees and over bushes. (because I think it's in the kid rule book that you can't stay on the trail) 

2. The Alphabet Game: That's right. the ever famous car game where you have to find something for each letter in the alphabet. This one is a favorite for our girls and honestly I like it to. You can make it as complex or simple as you want. Our two year old gets to just spout off anything that starts with a certain letter but our older ones have to think of things that apply to our category. When we are out we like to have it relate to what we are doing or seeing, this gives us a great opportunity to really pay attention and learn about what is around us. 

3. Duck Duck Goose: Our kids are actually the ones that came up with this one and it has been a hit. It is a little hard to play with snowshoes on so this is a great game to play when you are at the half way point in your hike or if you can tell your kids need a little break. And really, what's better than "gently" tapping each other on the head then trying to tackle your sibling as they run away? 

4. Contest time: Okay, maybe this isn't technically a "game" but it a one of my favorites. I think it is so fun to challenge the kids and see their competitive side come out.  We will do silly things like who can jump the highest or run the fastest and the fact that we all have snowshoes on just makes these simple contests that much more funny. Seriously, next time you snowshoe with your kids have a jumping contest, I don't think you will be able to make it one round without busting up laughing. 

So there you have it; a brief look into how the Murdocks keep their littles going even when they start to loose steam. These are not all the games that we have played while out on our adventures but they are definitely our go-tos. Snowshoeing is such a great way to explore during the winter and with the right tools your kids will love it just as much as you do. 

Mom's snowshoes- Pro II Series for Women
Dad's snowshoes- Pro II Series
Jane's snowshoes- Youth Molded
Kate and Abby snowshoes- Youth Aluminum