The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
A playground with endless opportunities
Never before has there been so much for youngsters to tap into by way of a screen. Brightly-coloured games designed to hold their attention for hours, perky Youtubers full of great ideas and product placements and an endless stream of apps, films, music and bloggers to plug in the gaps between an online life and lunch.
It’s a digital world for a new generation and our biggest challenge as 21st Century parents appears to be finding a way to prise their eyes up from Pokemon and out to the world beyond the couch.
Cross over into the countryside of Perthshire and you will find that challenge has all but been solved for you.
Rolling hills, craggy canyons and rivers that run white with excitement will stimulate even the most hardcore of gamer.
After all, what could possibly be better than starring in your own fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled adventure complete with special tools, kick-ass costumes and the slightly heightened risk of a bruised shin?
Perthshire’s vast and open outdoor playground has entertained the most thrillseeking of adults for many a year and with these avid adventurers now grown up and raising families of their own, it was only a matter of time before the best of these activities crossed over to become child-friendly.
From rock climbing and abseiling to orienteering and canyoning, this is a playground unlike any other.
Apart from the fact your children will be outdoors in the fresh air, running around, getting mucky and burning up plenty of energy, chances are they’ll also discover a love for our amazing land and a new respect for Mother Nature and all that she represents.
It’s not just about coming down a Highland gorge in a rubber suit; the adventure leaders here in Perthshire are passionate about the outdoors, bursting with enthusiasm and just waiting to give your child a sense of adventure.
Your children are going to learn how to keep themselves safe, how to build a campfire, spot an adder and look after the natural habitat around them – all in real life.
Biscuit, the man behind Wee Adventures in Aberfeldy, says: “Movement and outdoor play are a vital part of every child’s development.
“It has the capacity to improve everything from creativity to academic success to emotional stability.
“Children thrive in the outdoors. “They need to spin, flip, roll, race, hang and shimmy.
“They want to be let loose, to be given the freedom of the wide open spaces and the chance to explore things they may not ordinarily get to do.
“It’s not only great fun but it also contributes hugely to their selfconfidence and independence, overall health and wellbeing and hopefully instills active habits and an appreciation for nature throughout their lives.”