Parenting Today

Spending time as a family is crucial, but sometimes the monotony and busyness of daily life can make it feel hard to get enough quality time. More than just being at home, outings can help your family bond in new ways as you overcome exciting challenges, discover new things together, and create lifelong memories.

Family Outings for Every Season

The Importance of Time Together

Families are more than just legal relationships. They are groups that help preserve traditions, provide safe physical and emotional support, help guide childhood development and give built-in socialization. When families create experiences together and show that they prioritize time spent in person interacting, communication improves, and children feel more positive support.

Research also shows that shared experiences foster better social relationships than material gifts. Even if your kids would rather have a new toy, spending money on family excursions several times a year is better for your family’s well-being. If you’d like to prioritize family outings year-round, here are some of the best ideas for every time of year.

Winter Excursions

Sledding and Skiing

Nothing says winter like playing in the snow. Whether or not your kids like to ski, you can plan a family-friendly trip to the slopes by finding a spot that has great sledding options. Stay for just the day and share a meal at the lodge for lunch, or stay overnight and cozy up by the fire with a card game in the evening. The Bretton Woods Ski Area in New Hampshire is a family favorite with options for tubing, skiing, and even moonlit tours.

Indoor Waterparks

Get out of the cold and relax at an indoor waterpark. These resorts offer day passes or overnight options and come with plenty of entertainment for all ages. Great Wolf Lodge is a favorite among parents and has locations all over the country.

Springtime Adventures

Baby Animals at a Local Farm

Spring brings new life, and that includes adorable baby animals! Find a nearby farm and visit during April or May to see their newest additions. Mulberry Lane Farm in Wisconsin is a popular destination for their baby animal event the first weekend in May; where else can your kids kiss a baby piglet?

Botanic Gardens

Visit your local botanic gardens during the spring to see new blossoms, butterflies, and birds. You can even volunteer as a family for annual cleanup and gardening tasks to help get exhibits ready for warmer weather.

Kite Competitions

Kite-flying season begins in the spring, and it’s the perfect activity for the whole family. Practice your own abilities at the local park, then head to a kite competition or festival to see the professionals and try your hand at amateur events. The Blossom Kite Festival in Washington, DC is part of the month-long cherry blossom festival in the area, making it the perfect family getaway for spring.

Summer Outings

Stargazing

Take advantage of the cool night air and abundance of school-free weeknights by stargazing away from city lights. Pack snacks and blankets, then drive to an area free from obstacles. You can use the Dark Sky app to find a good spot and the Night Sky app to help you predict which upcoming days will have the best sights.

Waterfront Picnics

Summer is for relaxing by the water. Whether you live by the ocean, a lake, or just a mountain stream, pack a picnic and head out for a day of waterside fun.

Scenic Train Rides

Take a long weekend to enjoy beautiful countryside by train. The kids will love this historic mode of travel, and you’ll get to stay overnight somewhere new before heading back home. Check out the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railway for some of the most breathtaking views in the west; or ride Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express from NYC to Burlington, Vermont, and take in the rustic countryside.

Fall Explorations

Hikes in a National Park

Spending time in a national or state park during the cooler autumn months means you’ll enjoy the outing more and likely meet fewer other hikers along the path. Find the best fall leaves in your area by searching the National Park Service website or downloading the All Trails app to see what others in your region enjoy.

Harvest Festivals

Fall is the perfect time for harvest festivals. From apple picking to pumpkin carving, it’s easy to find a family-friendly event close to home. Many Native American tribes celebrate harvest in the fall with dances and feasts open to the public; the New Mexican tribes have events all season long and offer a unique opportunity to learn about another culture with your children.

No matter the season, you can enjoy family time bonding away from your home. Just don’t forget the camera!