The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.

Families who play together… The outdoors offers so many chances to play together. Walking, hiking, biking, camping, skiing – all these cement that family unity and offer parents and kids moments of understanding, wonder, and accomplishment. This kind of family recreation gives us common interests and from there, relationships grow and tighten…producing a family unit which can weather any storm.

The importance of family fun… Life is so busy these days. Family is often our refuge – but I’ve heard in many places that parents aren’t sure how to encourage family fun and togetherness as their children grow and become busier themselves. We have seen our own family strengthen as we find similar interests and bonding opportunities right here in the world around us.

The importance of recreation… I’ve loved watching our kids run and climb and observe. I think there’s no doubt that kids need the chance to be outdoors, to think and understand what they can about the world and even about their own bodies in that world. We started hiking with our kids before they could walk. Now, every spring, we all anticipate that first time outside after the snow has melted (or mostly melted) for our initial family fun adventure.

We hope you look around and find something which could enhance your family fun and togetherness. We have tips for working with young children and introducing them to the joys of hiking, walking, biking, camping, and skiing. Through our adventures as a family, we’ve learned a great deal about handling the various situations which arise – including those rainy days when, despite the best-laid plans, things don’t quite go as you wished…and we’ve seen how those moments can bring unexpected joys.

As your children mature, so will their love of nature – and of being together as a family. I taught teens for eight years, and I know how hard it can be to find common ground. I took my teen students hiking and camping during the summers – and all of us were pleasantly surprised at the fun they had. It opened doors for communication between them and their parents, as well.

Family togetherness… You might already know how strong a family becomes when it plays together in the sun (or huddles together in a tent, listening to mom or dad read a good book aloud). Perhaps you’ll find some new ideas here – or perhaps you just want a place to begin. Either way, we hope your family discovers lasting joys in its adventures together!