ATV Blog: 02/20/2005

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are growing increasingly popular as a fun pastime, especially amongst populations of kids. ATVs can be a great way to get your kids outside, a super way to find something common to talk and laugh about, and a fun way to do something as a family. Here are a few recreational ATV ideas to try with your kids.

IDEA 1: If your kids are young, sit with them on the ATV and go for a trail ride that has speeds appropriate for their age. Use your backyard or find an area near where you live. These times can be adventurous for you and your child and it can give you valuable time together.

IDEA 2: In the case where your kids are old enough to safely operate their own ATV, find trails or fields that you can drive in and set up a course that you and your kids can ride on and have miniature races and competitions.

IDEA 3: Schedule a weekend ATV getaway with your kids. The numbers of resorts and campgrounds offering ATV trails are increasing across the U.S. Book a stay with your kids and bring your ATVs. Don't own a trailer? Rent one or borrow one from a friend. It will be a fun-filled ATV weekend of memories that your kids will not soon forget!

ATVs are a tool you can use to get to know your kids better and to have fun! Try out these ATV ideas with your kids and watch your quality family time grow!

In recent years, the words ATV and kids conjured visions of injury and mayhem . Safety equipment, technology and available safety classes, in addition to the newer units built for kids to ride have made ATVs a cool way to get the kids out of the house, and away from the television . In families where the adults have ATVs also, it is a means for a family to spend active time together.

What should you do if your kid wants an ATV? First, purchase an ATV that is appropriate for your child's size. Buying one large ATV for everyone in the family to share is simply not safe. Your child has to be able to control the ATV on rough terrain without getting injured or crushed. Many manufacturers of larger ATVs, such as Kazuma or Yamoto, also manufacture a smaller model geared toward children.

Second, create ground rules. One of the key ground rules should be adult supervision at all times. ATVs can be tricky to master, even for adults. To expect a child to be able to intuitively know what they are doing is unfair to the kid, and can cause injury. Another important ground rule is to prohibit riding on roadways. In many places riding an ATV on the road is illegal, however; your kids depend on you to inform them of the law.

A third way to make sure your kid uses the ATV in the safest manner possible is to make sure your kid's have the right equipment. Purchase a helmet with a chinstrap that is sturdy and fits the kid's head properly. Purchase goggles if the helmet has no visor. Invest in padded clothing for added protection to the legs and arms. Use gloves to protect the hands. Explain that riding in sandals, sneakers or barefoot is unacceptable. Insist on the proper boots for ATV riding.

ATV manufacturers have begun to offer safety courses to anyone who purchases their products. Make sure you and your kid enroll together. If there are no classes offered in your area you can contact an organization such as the ATV Safety Institute, or a Quad Club in your area for lessons on safety and technique. Most importantly, teach your kid how to have fun in a safe, responsible way.