Whether it's camping or an all-details handled escorted adventure, a holiday in the Great Outdoors is great for the body and the spirit too. Kids today average 44 hours a week in front of screens... Check out some remedies for "nature deficit disorder", below.
1. Family Camping
Photo © Teresa Plowright
For some, it means a tent, back-to-nature, and hot dogs over a fire pit. For others, it means swimming pools, kiddie programs, and a "family camping resort"...
2. Family Camping in Comfort
Photo courtesy of Yosemite Pines, California.
It may not, strictly speaking, be camping... But staying in a yurt, or tipi, is a nice way to enjoy a campground in the Great Outdoors without "roughing it" or packing a ton of gear.
3. Family Camps
Photo courtesy of Medomak Family Camp.
Like summer-camp for kids, but for the whole family; simple lodgings, meals included, many outdoor activities for kids and for everyone-- low budget, too.
4. Great Outdoors Summer Ideas
Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain.
Colorado ski resorts in summer-time (one has a human maze, and 3030 feet Alpine Slide; outdoorsy resorts with thousands of acres of forest plus creature comforts, sports, activities; and more ideas.
5. Family Programs at National Parks
The National Parks in the U.S. are terrific places to immerse in the Great Outdoors, and have some special features for families: "Junior Ranger" programs for kids (-fill in an activicty booklets, get a patch); Park Ranger Programs for kids, about wildlife and ecology; and Multi-Day Family Programs.6. Yellowstone Lodging and Learning Programs
Photo courtesy of Xanterra Parks and Resorts
A family getaway to Yellowstone National Park is by definition a "learning vacation": kids, and adults too, just naturally want to learn about wildlife and about the amazing "geothermal features" that include geysers and hotsprings and travertine terraces... A great way to make the most of the experience is through affordable "Lodging and Learning Programs" that include guided hikes with a naturalist and much more. Winter and summer programs are offered.
7. "Family Adventures"
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Family Adventures are an upscale niche in the travel world: escorted tours take parents and kids to peak destinations to try top activities and stay in great lodging, all details handled. Many itineraries focus on Great Outdoors destinations such as Yellowstone, Canadian Rockies, the Pacific Northwest.
8. White Water River Rafting Trips
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
River rafting is a dynamic way to enjoy the Great Outdoors: get a great view of the scenery from the river, plus the thrills of white water. Pick the right Class of river and even young kids can enjoy the ride. (And if you want to opt out of the "white water" part -- rafting companies often offer an alternative calm river float.)
9. Multi-Day Biking Trips
Do-it-yourself, or go the easy way, where all you have to do is ride your bikes while a tour operator carries luggage and organizes meals and lodgings. Special arrangements can be made for kids too young too ride.10. Ski Vacations
Photo © Teresa Plowright
There's nothing like being outdoors on a mountain in winter, with blue blue sky above the white snow. "Ski vacations" here encompasses all snow sports-- 'boarding, alpine, nordic, snow-shoeing...
