by Tina Kusal - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok - it's definitely a social media world. Everyone has a smartphone or tablet these days and everywhere you look, heads are down and thumbs are scrolling. And, anxiety is rising. Specifically, body image anxiety. It is no secret that the majority of images we scroll through are altered in some way. Be it an airbrushed … [Read more...]
Human-Induced Climate Change Takes its Toll On Our Tallest Peaks?
by Tina Kusal - Mountains are the perfect escape. No matter how tall the peak, it is always just enough to lift you above the chaos of the everyday world. A place to rejuvenate. A place to breathe. But, what happens when the everyday chaos we create takes this away from us? It is no secret that climate change is and continues to be a threat to us all. Sadly, it seems that … [Read more...]
Love of Nature Is In Your Genes, Research Shows
by Tina Kusal - I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love the outdoors. Splashing in the ocean, running on the beach, hiking mountains, camping under a starry sky, and biking forest trails. And as for weather, I’ll have a smile on my face rain or shine. So, when I saw that my son got just as much enjoyment from nature as I did, I’ve always said it had to be genetics. And now, … [Read more...]
Children’s Book, You & Me in the Trees, Gets Young Readers Outside
Come along on an adventure in the meadows, mountains, and trees to witness the beauty of Mother Nature and why we must protect her! You & Me in the Trees is a delightful storybook for the young and young at heart. Amoris Walker’s words, brought to life by Alyssa Gnos' magnificent illustration, remind us to protect Mother Earth and all her magnificent creatures. … [Read more...]
Top Family Adventures In Engadin St. Moritz, Switzerland
By Anna Timbrook - With its perfect pistes, St. Moritz is a small slice of heaven for avid skiers. However, the good news is, you really don’t have to be a skier at all to enjoy the region. Switzerland's Engadin region is well known for its stunning lakes, mesmerizing nature and countless mountain biking and hiking trails. The best part of it all is that the majority … [Read more...]
[Great Gear] KÜHL Women’s Sun Protection Shirts
By Stephanie Harper - Let’s talk sun protective clothing. As soon as Summer hits the mountains where we live in Western North Carolina, I immediately begin stocking up on all the bug sprays and sunscreens along with a brimmed hat of some sort to throw in my backpack for easy access whenever we’re outside. But sometimes bug spray and sun protection isn’t enough. Enter: KÜHL sun … [Read more...]
35 Nature Books for Kids
by Jennifer Fontaine - Children are the future stewards of the earth. Starting in childhood, it's important that they learn to appreciate and take care of nature, so why not nurture that with vibrant and informative nature books? This list of children's books gently discusses critical subjects like what we can do to help preserve our natural resources, how to investigate and … [Read more...]
Semester-A-Trail Series: Experiential Learning On The Appalachian Trail
by Stephanie Harper - Hiking long amounts of time under the changing skies while piecing together the sounds of stillness between each mile before realizing the aches of constant moving are equally important to the aches in the belly. Appalachian Trail sunrises and sunsets as lasting treats, the buds forming on trees, and the layering of clothes picked out for the long journey … [Read more...]
12 Books to Buy Your Children for Women’s History Month
March marks Women's History Month and to celebrate, we have compiled a great list of titles that can bring herstory to life. Use these inspiring books as a jumping off point to remember the achievements of women, discuss our individual opportunities to shine, and reflect on the impact women have had around the world. Snuggle in close with your girls and boys and explore … [Read more...]
2020 Outdoor Family Gift Guide
The outdoors are more of a refuge for us now than they've ever been before. From hikers, backpackers, and campers to road trippers, van lifers, powder chasers, and even outdoor-loving pets we checked off every box to make sure there’s something for every kind of adventurer in your life. Support us! Outdoor Families Magazine may earn a small commission from affiliate links in … [Read more...]
30-Day Mini Outdoor Adventure Activity Calendar – FREE Printable!
Let's be honest. We are all exhausted. We are being pushed and pulled in too many directions, placed in difficult situations that we may not be prepared to handle. Homeschooling, co-schooling, digital schooling, hybrid schooling, worldschooling, roadschooling, wildschooling, unschooling. No mater what your family has chosen, it's right for you. Since March, we have … [Read more...]
The 12 Best Family-Friendly Whitewater River Rafting Trips in the U.S.
By Cari Morgan - Combine epic scenery, wildlife sightings, splashy rapids, and stories around the campfire with several days of distraction-free time together, and guided multi-day river rafting trips offer families an idyllic outdoor adventure. The best part? You don’t have to plan all the meals, slog all the gear and research an itinerary and activities that will keep … [Read more...]
10 Best Outdoor Gifts for Mom
Whether she's your adventure partner for life, your audaciously courageous sibling, or your resolute mother-in-law, if she loves experiencing the world, this outdoor gift guide was curated just for her, by women just like her. ~The OFM Gear Editors It can be tricky to find the perfect outdoor gift for an adventurous mom. We get it. You want to buy something … [Read more...]
Junior Naturalist Week Three – Pollinators & Garden Observation Lesson Plan
Observing and learning about the importance of pollinators fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living things and their environment, while cultivating a profound desire to conserve and protect our delicate ecosystem. Each one of our Junior Naturalist week-long lesson plans takes kids outside with daily outdoor learning assignments that involve a wide … [Read more...]
29 Eco-Friendly Tips Ideas to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
by Jennifer Fontaine - Do you ever feel weighed down by your environmental footprint, but then get overwhelmed with taking that all-important first step to a greener, more sustainable life, not just for your health, but for the environment? Research already tells us that green dwellings, particularly those that make use of efficient and natural light, have a positive … [Read more...]
Junior Naturalist Week Two – Tree Observation Lesson Plan
The observation of trees creates a captivating introduction for budding botanists and arborists into the science of fungi, microorganisms, and giant trees, while providing a bold and exciting curriculum for outdoor STEM learning. Each one of our Junior Naturalist lesson plans contains a full week's worth of activities, centered around a specific, nature-based theme, … [Read more...]
Junior Naturalist Week One – Bug Observation Lesson Plan
The observation of bugs creates a fascinating introduction for budding naturalists into biology, ecology, the environment, and even health, creating a challenging and inspiring environment for outdoor STEM learning. Our Junior Naturalist lesson plans are comprised of week-long curriculum, focused on one nature-based subject, inviting kids and parents to get outside and … [Read more...]
