72% of parents rely on survival tactics for family walks
The research, by Mountain Warehouse, reveals 82% of family walks rarely go to plan, with tantrums kicking off just 19 minutes in
Yet still, nearly 80% of parents believe that time spent outdoors strengthens family bonds
Broadcaster and model Ashley James puts the Mountain Warehouse Family Walk Formula to the test with her partner, Tommy, and children, Alfie (4) and Ada (2).
Family walks may seem like a wholesome tradition, but for some parents, they’re closer to tactical operations involving snacks, negotiations, and emergency toilet stops.
A new nationwide survey by outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse reveals that 72% of UK parents rely on survival strategies just to make it through a family walk, and nearly 1 in 10 avoid outdoor activities with their children altogether.
While the image might be idyllic, the reality is often chaos in walking boots:
- 82% of family walks don’t go to plan
- The first tantrum hits around 19 minutes in
- Two meltdowns per walk is the average
- Toilet drama ends almost a third (30%) of walks early
- One in four (24%) children wander off mid-walk
And it’s not just the kids struggling. Nearly half of parents (49%) end up carrying everyone’s things, from jackets to scooters, and a quarter (24%) end up carrying the child too.
Still, the effort is worth it. Nearly 80% of parents say time spent outdoors strengthens family bonds, especially those with toddlers (87%), with the most popular family walk location cited as the countryside (21%), followed by local parks (19%) and beachside strolls (15%).
Top 10 tantrum triggers:
Too tired
The walk is too long
Toilet needs
Too hot or cold
Want a snack
Having to leave behind ‘a treasure’ they found
Don’t want to move
Want a toy
Don’t want their picture taken
Want a screen
The secret weapon for surviving a family walk? Snacks. According to 28% of parents, snacks are the go-to tactic for keeping things calm on the trail. Most bring at least two per child, with fruit (30%), crisps (29%) and sandwiches (25%) topping the list – practically a picnic.
Ashley James, a broadcaster and model, tested the “family walk formula” with her children, Alfie (4) and Ada (2). She said: “I lead such a busy life now, and my husband does too, which is why we cherish the time we spend together as a family so much. Getting outside in nature when we can, even if it’s just the local park, is so important to us. No screens, no tech, just us enjoying time together.
But getting out of the house for a proper family walk isn’t without its challenges… Between trying to leave the house without someone losing a shoe, refereeing sibling squabbles and somehow ending up carrying four jackets, two scooters and a pinecone collection… It’s a full-on expedition! But Mountain Warehouse has us covered for our little adventures – helping us feel prepared, whatever the weather and whatever mood the kids are in. Despite the chaos, it’s worth it every time.”
To help more families enjoy the benefits of outdoor time with less stress, Mountain Warehouse has shared a list of the UK’s best family-friendly walks.
Mark Neale, Founder & CEO at Mountain Warehouse, said: “Family walks are rarely picture perfect, but we believe that getting outdoors with the whole family creates some of the most meaningful moments. At Mountain Warehouse, we’re here for those everyday mountains, the mud, the rain, even the dog going for an unexpected swim. We want families to feel ready to face them with confidence, humour, and the right kit.”
For more information and a list of the UK’s best family walks, visit the website.
