Autumn is one of the best times of year to get outside as a family and get your kids walking. The air feels crisp, the trees turn golden, and every path seems to be sprinkled with conkers and fallen leaves.

But while some children love the idea of a walk, others may need a little more encouragement. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry, with a few clever tricks, you can turn kids walking into something fun and rewarding for everyone.

Here are our favourite ways to get them moving:

Make It an Adventure to Get Your Kids Walking

Children often forget about the distance when they’re caught up in an exciting challenge. Try turning your walk into a treasure hunt, a race to spot the first squirrel, or a mission to collect the biggest leaf. When it feels like a game, kids walking further than usual becomes second nature.  

kids walking

A pair of sturdy wellies means they can splash through puddles and explore without hesitation, and you don’t need to worry about muddy shoes when you get home.

Start Small and Build Up

If your child isn’t used to long walks, begin with short routes and increase the distance slowly. A loop around the local park can be just as enjoyable as a countryside ramble. The more regular the outings, the more stamina and confidence your child will build, until they’re happily tackling longer trails.

Waterproof trousers are a parent’s best friend here even if they decide to roll down a damp grassy hill on the way, they’ll stay warm and dry.

Dress for the Weather

The quickest way to spoil a walk is soggy socks or cold fingers. Waterproof coats, wellies, and cosy layers make all the difference, especially in autumn when the weather can turn quickly. With the right clothing, kids walking in drizzle or crunching through frosty leaves becomes a whole new adventure.

At Wet Wednesdays, we design our waterproofs to keep children warm, dry, and free to move, no matter what the forecast brings.

Let Them Lead the Way

Kids love having a sense of independence. Hand them the map, let them choose which path to follow, or make them “captain of the walk.” When children feel in control, they’re often much more eager to keep going and it turns walking into a shared adventure rather than a chore.

Lightweight waterproof jackets make it easy for kids to run ahead, climb, or take detours without being weighed down.

Pack Snacks and Rewards

There’s nothing like the promise of a picnic spot, a flask of hot chocolate, or even a bag of trail mix to keep little legs moving. Having something tasty to look forward to breaks up the journey and helps kids associate walking with treats and happy moments.

kids walking

Our top tip? Pack an extra carrier bag for muddy boots and coats. Waterproof layers make it simple to peel off the mess before piling back into the car.

Give It a Theme

Autumn provides endless inspiration for themed walks. Try pumpkin spotting in October, gathering colourful leaves to make art at home, or a family photography challenge using your phone. Themes give children something fun and creative to focus on, making every outing feel special.

Since they’ll want to pick things up along the way, waterproof dungarees are ideal for kneeling, climbing, or even rolling about in piles of leaves!

With a little imagination, the right approach, and the proper gear, kids walking alongside you won’t just be about exercise. It will be about creating happy family memories that last a lifetime.

With Wet Wednesdays waterproofs and wellies, you can relax knowing the weather won't get in the way. For even more inspiration, check out our blog 10 Best Autumn Walks in Britain.