Best Outdoor Adventures for Families

By Katryna Miller, Contributing Blogger

With the peak of warm weather rolling in, you may be craving time outdoors in the sunshine making new memories with your family. Finding summer adventures for the whole family is easier than you may think. Spending time outside can be a great way to stay active, and bond with your family in the process. Whether you are looking for local adventures, exploring the many wonders of National Parks, looking to experience the world from a horse’s back, go swinging through the forest, or just wanting to relax with a night under the stars, there are many adventures waiting for your family this summer!

Local Hiking Trails

If you are looking for a quick daytime adventure for you and your family, look into what trails are local to your area. You can try to find a new trail that you haven’t explored yet and take your family on a fun adventure without having to drive too far or spend a lot of money. Many trails and local hiking areas may have playgrounds, dog friendly areas, swimming areas and picnic areas. This can be a great way to spend a nice day outside, relaxing, sightseeing and spending quality time with your loved ones. All Trails is a great resource you can use to help find a local spot near you and start exploring.

Exploring National Parks

If you are looking for a longer getaway and want to spend the majority of your time outside, the National Parks can be a great option for you. Places such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Yellowstone offer an array of activities for visitors. There are hiking trails, guided tours, educational programs and so much more. You are bound to not only find an adventure by visiting one of the National Parks, but learn more about your country’s history as well. 

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can be a great way to see areas in a new way. You can cover more distance without the effort of long, exhausting hikes. This can be a great way to get your younger children involved as well, as most riding stables have the option to either ride double with young children, or have child safe horses and ponies available to use. Most rides last anywhere from one to two hours, or at some larger parks and forests, you may be able to find half-day or day-long rides to enjoy! This is a great way to do something different, and connect your family with animals.

Zip Lining

If your family is looking for an adrenaline rush, zip lining may be just the thing for you! Imagine yourself soaring through the air attached to a cable wire by a harness, going from platform to platform, surrounded by the beautiful landscape. It may sound intimidating at first, but after you get through your first zip line, you will be hooked and excited for the rest of the adventure. You can watch your family from each platform, and cheer each other on as the lines get longer and higher.  Zip lining is bound to bring out the adventurous side of any member of your family. 

Camping 

Camping is one of those activities that can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want to make it. It is a great way to please every member of your family. You can go to a remote area, and just sleep under the stars, or you can find a campsite that has all of the amenities you could want, or anything in between. You can go on adventures during the day, and then come back to a relaxing campfire at night. Spending time unplugged with your family out in nature with the smell of campfire in the air is something you can look forward to each summer. Camping is a great budget friendly way to do something different with your family and enjoy the outdoors.

Adventures are waiting for you and your family this summer. Trying something different can be a great way to make cherished memories with the whole family. Relaxing by the campfire, soaring through the woods on a zip line, riding horses, or exploring the many trails the world has too offer, are all great ways to spend time together while unplugged and escape from the busy world we live in for a little while.