Outdoor Family Reunions

Outdoor family reunions typically encompass a few days and can be held at the beach, in the mountains, or anywhere outside. A longer reunion gives people more time to get reacquainted and bond as a family, plus there are no technological distractions. The most important thing in planning an outdoor family reunion is choosing a location that offers plenty of activities for the family. Outdoor family reunions often center on water. If family members have boats or other water recreational vehicles, contact them prior to the reunion and see if they would be willing to bring them. My dad’s family … Continue reading

Camping: A “Devil” Of A Good Time

I am sure you are familiar with the expression, “My idea of camping is staying at the Hilton.” Growing up, I didn’t realize that phrase was meant to be a joke. I can count on one hand (ok, two fingers) the number of times I have been camping. Both times took place while I was in college. I had just started dating a guy who considered himself the “ultimate outdoorsman.” I had only known him for a couple of months, so who was I to argue? One of our first trips together was a weekend camping “adventure” at Devil’s Lake … Continue reading

Pet Friendly Outings: Hiking

Much to my amazement, my old dog Miko managed to climb a mountain in Vermont at the ripe old age of twelve. It wasn’t a super-high or super-tough climb, but I figured my old man would poop out long before me and my friends did! Instead, he led the way up and all the way back down again. Walking a nature trail or taking a short hike is a great outing for the whole family — dogs included! There are just a few things you need to keep in mind: Know the leash laws for the park you’ll be walking … Continue reading

Hiking With Children–Basic Safety Tips

If you are searching for a family vacation activity that is healthy, inexpensive and fun then hiking may be just what you are looking for. Whether it is a day trip to a nature reserve or a multi-day adventure through tough terrain, a family hike can be tailored to fit a variety of age ranges and personalities. But one thing that should be consistent is practicing basic hiking safety. It doesn’t have to be a 30-minute lecture, but before you set out into the woods with your children you should spend a few minutes going over some basic rules. First, … Continue reading

Nature Safari

The words nature safari brings to mind the wilds of Africa. However, you can take your family on a nature safari right here at home. All you need to get started is a notebook, a pen and a camera if you have one handy. What kind of nature safari can you take your children on? An amazing one of the world that exists right where they are; you start by taking your supplies and your kidlets and head out the front door. Available in most suburban areas for capture on film are birds, squirrels, rabbits and the occasional groundhog. The … Continue reading

Palm Springs – A Hiker’s Paradise

When I think of Palm Springs, I think of desert and paradise rolled into one. The spectacular desert terrain has played host to a multitude of stars, both rising and falling as well as a host of family vacations. But what few people know is that it’s also a paradise for hiker’s and hiking. You can explore the area on foot or by jeep or for the really adventurous, by hot air balloon. Before exploring the area, you should dress appropriately, wear sturdy and comfortable shoes and take plenty of water. You want to make sure that you and your … Continue reading

Jazz Up Your Walk Routine

Do you enjoy walking for your fitness? It’s pretty straightforward, fits right into your schedule and you can pretty much do it whenever you want to as opposed to having to set a time to drag out the weights? Are you hitting a plateau in your walking program? Do you walk daily but the results you saw in the beginning not seem to be happening anymore? Do you have to walk harder, nearly run, to get the same results that a stroll got you before? If so, you’re not alone. We build endurance when we’re walking and if you do … Continue reading

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Yes, believe it or not, Walt Disney World does have a campground! It is called Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The Fort Wilderness Resort isn’t all wilderness and you don’t really have to rough it, but you can. Following are the economical options available at this resort that is just a (free) water launch or bus ride away from the Magic Kingdom: • Partial hook-up campsites where you can pitch a tent or a pop up camper and still have water and electricity. • Full Hook-Up Campsite where you can hitch your RV up to water, electricity and sewer. … Continue reading