My parents, God love ‘em, weren’t always the best advocates for family outings and I have to admit, I was not always a willing participant. Well that’s a lifetime ago now and I’ve had some time to think about it and a few kids of my own to practice on. Here is the distilled wisdom of all that experience:

1. Let them bring a friend
   This one is such a no-brainer and you’ll know that if you have ever tried it. Planning a long hike on the Niagara Escarpment and don’t know how to sell it to little Suzie? Tell her she can choose a friend to bring along. Chances are, they’ll be happy and laughing the whole way. Too easy!
2. Always plan a treat
   Whether it’s ice-cream at the end of the cycling tour, or their favourite baked goodies as part of the picnic basket. Every outing should have a little treat included. It’s a basic principle of happy family trips. My parents usually said things like “we have perfectly good water to drink at home, so there is no reason to spend more money now …” Not a good strategy.
3. Let them chose the destination
   It’s easy: pick three things to do this weekend and ask them which one they’ll want to do. If you have more than one child, let them take turns choosing, or let one choose the destination, and the other chose the treat (see brilliant tip #2 above).
4. Look at the map together
   or read about the place you are going, or do a little research on the internet together. It’s amazing how a little bit of information beforehand will pique their curiosity (and ours) and make even a paperbag lunch outing into exotic cuisine (ok, enough with the metaphors, but you get my point. You might walk through a totally average suburb in order to find the oldest building in the area, for example. Knowing something about the building makes the walk into an adventure.
5. Use bribery
   You had to know this one was coming, dear reader! There is nothing wrong with saying, “of course we can go see Iron Man 2, right after our hike this morning” – or similar to that effect. Treats can be a subtle form of bribe, as well, but it might be best to keep them out of any bargaining process. Probably best to just say, “let’s get our fresh air and exercise before we … [fill in the blank].”