5 Ways to Start Adventuring with your Family

Adventuring Close to Home

Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary to make sure you have unforgettable memories with your family. Whether it’s going that extra mile or doing something different, here are some ideas on how to adventure with your family (and love it!)

It is so important for families to have adventurous experiences together. There are so many options to choose from and you don’t have to spend a fortune getting there! 10 of our favorite economical adventures are:

• Local hike

• Make a fort and watch a Movie inside

• Create your own Movie using your Phone

• Backyard (or inside) Camping

• Go to a local Museum

• Play Tag

• Scavenger Hunt

• Picnic under the Stars

• Bike Ride

• Your own version of Cupcake Wars

Crunched for Time? Don’t forget to bring . . .

What kind of adventure should you choose? There are a lot of options. If you are pressed for time, it can be as simple as taking a drive somewhere or exploring nearby woods. You could also do some hiking, or something similar. Just make sure you plan ahead so that you know where you’re going, how long it will take to get there (and back), and what to bring.

Here is a good starting list of what to bring when you are adventuring with your family.

• First Aid (I always have a stocked First Aid kit- be sure to add things unique to your family) including cleaner, bandaids, Neosporin, itch cream, sunscreen, ibuprofen)

• Wipes (Not just for your littles- wipes are great for everything!)

• Good shoes (for everyone)

• Communication (map, phone, let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back)

• Water Water Water

• Extra change of diapers/ pullups/ clothing/ socks/ anything you know that usually goes missing 😉

• Sunglasses/ hats

• Snacks

• Plant Identification book or app (we use an app)

• Games/ Entertainment/ List of Songs

• This isn’t something you bring, but rather do: Do hair dos that match your adventuring (Avoid parts if you are hiking to avoid sunburn scalp/ Tie hair back at amusement parks to avoid hair getting caught in anything)

Don’t Stress the Small Stuff

Traveling as a family can be a nightmare for any parent, especially for one with young kids at home. After planning and spending time and money in making sure your adventure is perfect, something will inevitably go wrong. It is going to happen. And. That. Is. OK! Embrace it. Some of the best adventures are what happens when life doesn’t turn out the way you intended. Take a look at the possibilities when things don’t pan out. It might be your greatest adventure.

That said, I am a big believer in planning. You know your family’s pain points. Who gets hungry, who always has to go to the bathroom, who likes to bug, and the list goes on. Plan for those! If you have a little one that is always hungry, bring some snacks that are car friendly that they can eat. If you have a child (or children in our case) with tiny bladders, be sure to start with bathroom break. We have also included a to-go potty in our car for emergencies! (Just be sure to stock liners and wipes to go!) If you have a child that is always bugging, what is something that they can work on or do? With a little preparation, your adventure can go a lot smoother. It won’t be perfect, but that is ok. And don’t forget yourself! Do a little mental prep, let things go, and don’t forget to pack something for yourself to unwind (whether it is a good book, some yummy snack or good music).

Tips to plan your next adventure

A few tips when planning. Brainstorm with your family- some of our best ideas have been from some of our tiniest contributors. Plan the dates, the activities and the money you want to spend. Travel off season – Find out when places are less busy and book when they’re cheaper to travel. Take advantage of multi-day deals – Affordable package holidays and deals sell out fast, but multi-day packages are often cheaper. Bundle activities or tours – You can buy a pass or combined entry tickets to attractions on days that your hotel is free, saving you time and money. Look for Groupons in the area you will be visiting. Ask around to find things you won’t want to miss, or better yet, deals!

Do something different

Getting out of your comfort zone can be a great idea. A couple of years ago, we bought a travel trailer, remodeled it in 2 weeks and took off for the east coast. With 5 little children in tow, and no prior experience, we were definitely out of our comfort zone. However, that out-of-the ordinary adventure made for the most unforgettable memories. Sometimes you just need to do something out of the ordinary.

Different doesn’t need to be life changing like ours. It can be as simple as eating dinner in a tent in the front room or staying up a little later to watch the stars. Just try something new! And make it fun and exciting!

One of the most rewarding experiences we had on our adventures has been meeting up with other families. From hiking to camping, we have met amazing people that have enriched our lives. Life is an adventure meant to be enjoyed. Don’t wait to live it, go out and experience it now! Set a few goals as a family. Try something new. Make it a priority. And get started!