by Heather Mundt - Hiking along Cross Creek Trail in the Holy Cross Wilderness area near Vail, Colo., my two sons—ages 12 and 10—are trailing closely behind Kara Hasbrouck-Schmidt, guest-activities supervisor at the Sonnenalp Hotel, when she stops at the edge of a sun-dappled meadow. “Look down at this, boys,” she says, kneeling to pick up what appear to me as tiny wisps of … [Read more...]
Hike It Baby: How to get involved & get outside more
by Erin Kirkland - Shanti Hodges has no qualms about admitting she has a problem "overextending myself." Fact is, though, if she hadn't, hiking with newborns might not be a thing. Enter Hike it Baby. Hodges, of Portland, Oregon, is the owner of Hike it Baby, an organization she gestated and birthed in the cool forests of the Pacific Northwest but now nurtures through 290 … [Read more...]
Great Gear: Epic Wipes keep this mom’s crew clean
by Erica Lindberry If your family is anything like mine, then you have probably wished for stock in baby wipes once your children were born. Although I haven't taken the time to count, I?d say we go through approximately 167 wipes during a typical weekend adventure. Climbing, camping, or somehow even just sitting in the backyard, my kids sure do have a knack for bringing in … [Read more...]
“Earthcaching” Indiana’s Hemlock Cliffs
by Duane Bolin - If someone were to ask, where is the perfect playground for a family who loves the outdoors? I'm guessing Hemlock Cliffs Indiana might not be your first answer. The Colorado mountains, perhaps. Or maybe the California coast. But, the rolling hills of Southern Indiana? Not so much. While images of the Rocky Mountains and Yosemite National Park routinely find … [Read more...]
Tame the “stuff” with Chums Latitude Series cases
by Erin Kirkland It's always about the "stuff." Little stuff, funny-shaped stuff, stuff that takes up space needed for other stuff. My junk drawer at home is testament to my penchant for keeping things, and when I travel, the "stuff" seems to multiply. Storage of small items, be they batteries or a spare pair of sunglasses and a toothbrush is critical for the organization of … [Read more...]
Exploring Japan’s Sarushima Island with Kids
by Dan Tilton - My family and I love the outdoors. But we weren't sure if our recent move to Japan would keep us from enjoying camping, touring national parks, hiking, swimming and experiencing just about any activity that can be done with a 2-year-old child in tow. I was delighted to discover that not only do the Japanese enjoy the majority of these activities, but also that … [Read more...]
Seattle Day Trips: Big Four Ice Caves
By Brittany Schultz It's that time of year again when the Beatles song "Dear Prudence" comes to mind: The sun is out, the sky is blue...And you know what that means: It's summertime, the season to get out of the house and embrace the warm weather. A good start? Day trips are the perfect way to get outside and entertain the whole family. In the Pacific Northwest, we're … [Read more...]
Young Trail Volunteers Learn Value of Sweat Equity
by Erin Kirkland Washington state is well known for a wide range of recreational opportunities. From the dry desert in its eastern corners to dense rain forests of the far west, Washington is home to thousands of miles of hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, and water trail systems. On any given weekend, crowds of outdoor enthusiasts take to the hills, eager for a day or two … [Read more...]
The Avery Family: Combining cultures and getting outdoors
We are a family of four, expanding to five sometime this month! My husband, Jesse, and I have been married for eight glorious years full of adventures as a bi-racial family. My roots come from the Peruvian Andes and Amazon Jungle, and my husband's from the East Coast of the United States. We live in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, and I love our ability to explore the … [Read more...]
An Outdoor Dad’s Resolution
by John Soltys It might sound strange to make a pledge to "have fun outdoors," but as a new year gets underway, bear with me. All too often I find myself cajoling my three children to "push a little more" and we'll reach the top of the peak, the base of the waterfall, or shore of the lake. Too often I find my daughters and son have mentally checked out of a hike long before … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: Connecting through nature
Editor note: ?My Outdoor Family? is a regular column in the Outdoor Families Magazine calendar. Written by readers who represent every facet of an outside lifestyle, these monthly opportunities seek to inspire and encourage, remind and reminisce about a personal love for and commitment to the outdoors. Not everyone is ready to tackle the summit of a mountain, just as some … [Read more...]
