Sometimes the best way to reconnect is to switch off.
Give yourself permission to put the notifications on hold, step outside and enjoy the little things. Whether you call it a digital detox or simply going screen free, here are ten ways to make the most of your time at Woodhouse and in the Adelaide Hills.
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01
Be active – move!It's hard NOT to be active at Woodhouse. While you're swinging, climbing and splashing your way around the obstacles on Challenge Hill or walking our own section of the mighty Heysen Trail you can feel smug about your ridiculously high step count. Not to mention that your kids are enhancing their physical skills including strength, balance and coordination - and having fun doing it! |
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02
Connect with natureUnderstandably the kids will be keen to undertake all the activities Woodhouse has to offer ... but don't forget to look up and see if you can spot a koala snoozing in the eucalypts or a kookaburra flying overhead. Hug a tree, play in the creek, marvel at the seasonal foliage or take our wetlands walk. Soak up the regenerative benefits of time spent in nature - your own dose of 'Vitamin N'. |
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03
Explore our natural worldThere's a whole other side to Woodhouse waiting to be discovered when you slow down and take a closer look. Follow our Wetlands Trail and explore the natural ecology of the property, from the plants and trees to the birds, insects and other little creatures that call Woodhouse home. Take your time, listen to the sounds around you and see what you can spot along the way. You might be surprised by just how much is happening when you stop, look and listen! |
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04
Peace & quietAdd a little dose of silence into your visit or at least create a pocket of low-volume space. When the brain hears natural sounds like water flowing, it shifts attention outwards, leading to calm and wellbeing. Even with hundreds of kids on site you can find a quiet place on our 54-hectare property. Try the oak down the hill from Cameron's Climb - you could even have a picnic in the 'room' created under its canopy. Or follow the creek line until you find a quiet spot where you can hear the water flowing. Take a few minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply and be still... |
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05
Fresh air & sunshineWe often say we have 'fresh air to spare' at Woodhouse and that's fortunate given you're likely to be gulping in a fair amount of the beautiful country air after exerting yourself on some of our challenges! And while it's always important to be sun-smart, the sunshine is great for our mood and a Vitamin D boost. |
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06
Get creativeCreating art from things found in nature can help kids tune into the natural world and express their own appreciation of nature while discovering that some of the best things in life aren't material things we keep ... or even permanent – like sunsets and the changing seasons! Find some colourful leaves, twigs, stones, feathers, flowers, pinecones and other natural materials to create some ephemeral art - anything from a mandala to an animal! |
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07
A good night's sleepWe all know sufficient high quality sleep is crucial for our health. After a fun-filled day at Woodhouse we can guarantee a great night's sleep from exhausted and happy kids (and parents) - whether you're staying the night at Woodhouse or heading home after a busy day of making memories for life. Enjoy a deep restorative sleep you only get when you have had plenty of fresh air and physical exercise! For those keen to stay at Woodhouse overnight, we have a range of award-winning unique accommodation - and the bonus is experiencing the magic of the property at dawn and dusk. |
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08
The importance of funThere are many worrying things going on in the world right now so it's important for the whole family to get out of routine and step away from the news cycle. Congratulations on escaping to Woodhouse ... now have some fun, experience an adrenaline rush... and just be a kid (or relive your childhood)! It's guaranteed to reduce stress and anxiety. The adrenaline rush of the Tube Slides will make you feel alive, that's for sure! |
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09
Mindfulness & perspectiveUse your mind and body to focus completely on the present moment. You can practise mindfulness anywhere by taking a deep breath, then allowing yourself to focus only on what is happening in that moment – both in the world around you and in your mind. Lie on the ground and watch the clouds drift by - and let your thoughts do the same. Our problems can seem to fade away when we are taking in the sky, or the expansive landscape including ancient trees that are still important to the living Kaurna and Peramangk cultures. |
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10
Pick your own fruitThe Adelaide Hills region is the perfect place to connect with the concept of local provenance, the rhythm of the seasons and teach your kids about where their food comes from through picking their own fruit. Pick strawberries in the fields at Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf from November to April. It's apple season from March to May, cherry season mid-November to mid-January, and fig season February to April. Details: visitadelaidehills.com.au/fruit |
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Swap screen time for fresh air, adventures and time together at Woodhouse.
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