Great outdoors activity ideas for October

The October school holidays are almost upon us again! It only seems like yesterday that the children were off school for the long summer holidays - and now you'll be called on to by Chief Entertainer again. But don't worry, we have a list of great ideas to keep the kids (and mums and dads) busy and active in the October school break.

Great activities for families

A is for: Abseiling and archery. Not together, but perhaps one after the other? If you dress for the weather, with warm winter outdoors clothing and accessories, there are so many possibilities for enjoying days in the outdoors in October. Abseiling is a great challenge and can be adapted to suit most abilities. At Highway2Adventure we pride ourselves on finding brilliant places for abseiling and for encouraging children and adults to enjoy the thrills of descending crags in the knowledge that they are safely harnessed and roped. Our expert instructors will show you how to have fun and push your limits just a wee bit.

And after the challenge of abseiling, why not try archery. This activity is growing in popularity and allows children and adults to compete on an even playing field. See who can score the most bullseyes in your session.

C is for... Climbing, canoeing, caving and coastal walks. Wow, there are so many activities to choose from! Why not decide on a couple of sessions and combine them in one day of full-on fun, or choose a different activity for each day of the week? Again, don't worry about the chill factor, even on the water, as we have all the right kit to keep you warm even on a cool Autumn day.

M is for... Mountain biking and mud. Highway2Adventure knows all the great off-road and mountain biking routes in the Cairngorms, Perthshire and Angus so while you enjoy the trails and views, we'll lead the way. Mountain biking is great for children over the age of 12 and adults, and we can tailor our sessions to suit your ability. You'll find you're as warm as toast, whatever the weather, within a couple of minutes of setting out on a bike.

* Coming soon: Keep an eye on this website for our 2012 Activity Adventure weeks for children.

Spring into outdoors action with your family

Spring is here! Most children are off school – or are about to break up for their Easter holidays – so how about planning a great quality day out in Scotland? Scotland's great outdoors is the ideal environment for enjoying some family time together and there is little to beat a few fun and adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Research has shown that families that take part in fun activities together tend to communicate more and with greater effectiveness. They are also more likely to have fitter and healthier lifestyles. And if parents want to set a good and healthy example to their children, then getting out and about in the fresh air is one of the best ways to go.

A day in the outdoors could be as simple as a walk and a picnic. Cycling is another great activity for families as it is highly accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities. Why not check out Glentrek for some great walking ideas in the Angus Glens?

If you are looking for an activity that is a little different and offers a lot of fun and adventure then why not try one of Highway 2 Adventure's sessions based in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland? There is something for everyone, regardless of your fitness and adrenaline-seeking ideas.

Gorge walking is perfect for families with younger children (aged over 12). Your kids do need to be able to swim confidently but it is possible to tailor each activity to suit the family.

Mountain biking is another great activity for children of all ages, and grown-ups of all fitness levels. Highway 2 Adventure can guide you to the perfect mountain biking location for you. Will you choose self-guided, guided or perhaps a skills based session?

Or how about taking on the challenge of climbing and abseiling? No prior experience is required and the activity can be extremely rewarding when you realise how high you've managed to climb after just a couple of hour's of instruction. A lot of the fun is in the descent, too.

For families with older and more confident children, then canyoning and coasteering make a thrilling choice.

Whatever your outdoor aspirations, let Highway 2 Adventure show you how to have a day of fun with your family.