We receive the occasional request for suggestions on becoming a more outdoorsy family. While we don’t have children in the Quiet Guiding Co. office (heck, we haven’t even adventured with our dog yet), we know lots of people who do.
Here are a few of our favorite outdoors parents who share good info online (in no particular order):
1. Michael Lanza – The Big Outside (thebigoutside.com)
The former Northwest editor for Backpacker Magazine shares stories and advice on great outdoor adventures, including adventures that are suitable for families.
2. Outdoor Families Magazine (outdoorfamiliesonline.com) and Mommy Hiker (mommyhiker.com)
Two projects from founder Jennifer Fontaine share inspiration and motivation for parents to get outside with their kids on adventures all over the globe.
3. Sarah Carty and Dwane Roberge – Campfires and Kids (campfiresandkids.com)
Sarah and Dwane write and share photos about their epic canoe trips with their kids as well as the day-to-day ups and downs of nurturing wilderness children.
4. Raising Kids Wild (raisingkidswild.com)
This Vitamin N Challenge winner writes about spending time outside with her kids hiking, camping, and geocaching.
5. Gayle and Family at Sometimes Eventful (sometimeseventful.ca)
Gayle – founder of the #wegetoutside Twitter chat and the Sometimes Eventful website – writes about stuff, outdoors stuff to be precise. Follow her adventures with her family including everyone’s favorite Jack Russell, Buddy.
6. Meghan Ward – The Adventures in Parenthood Project (adventurousparents.com)
Meghan and her partner Paul are adventurers and freelancers based in Banff, Alberta, exploring and discovering with their daughters.
And here are a few great pieces on taking your kids out on outdoors adventures:
- From Paddle In: Canoe Tips for Paddling with Your Kids
- From Rockies Family Adventures: How to Become an Outdoor Family
- From Outside Magazine: Tips from the Most Adventurous Family in the U.S.
- From REI Co-op: Expert Advice for Families
And finally, a couple of organizations you will want to visit: