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, and when they do get outdoors it's often in organized sports; so 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 Camps
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.
3. Great Outdoors Summer Ideas
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.
4. 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.5. "Family Adventures"
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.
6. Rafting Trips
Rafting is a dynamic way to enjoy the Great Outdoors: get a great view of the scenery from the river, plus the thrills of whitewater. Pick the right Class of river and even young kids can enjoy the ride. (And if you want to opt out of the "whitewater" part -- rafting companies often offer an alternative calm river float.)
7. 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.8. Ski Vacations
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...
