Are you ready to plan a fun and exciting outdoor family getaway but don’t know where to start?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Before heading out to the woods, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for your adventure.
In this article, we’ll provide you with recommendations and tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor family vacation.
Key Takeaways 📝 Planning an outdoor family triprequires preparation and research 🏕️ There are many great places to visit with your family, both near and far 🚗 Use tools like our Road Trip Gas Calculator to help plan and budget for your trip
Disclaimer: Some affiliate links are placed in this content which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links–at no extra cost to you. All of the opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting our blog!
What Are the Best Places to Visit With Your Family?
Looking for outdoor adventure? Consider visiting national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains or beach destinations like Key West.
Prefer something off the beaten path? Check out Tarpon Springs. And if you’re looking for picturesque cities, Savannah is a great option and one of our favorites!
Road Trip Gas Calculator đźš—
*Results are only estimates and are for informational purposes only. Road trip calculator created by Next Stop Adventures.
Start Planning Your Outdoor Family Getaway
Planning an outdoor family getaway can be exciting, but it can also be daunting if you don’t know where to start.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer vacation, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your time in the great outdoors.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Seek Out a Family-Friendly Campsite
If you’re planning on camping, it’s important to find a family-friendly campsite. Look for a campsite that has amenities like bathrooms and running water, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
You should also consider areas with shade and a low risk of flooding or standing water. Booking a campsite with the amenities you need is easy with recreation.gov.
[BTEN id=”2594″]
2. Not into Camping? Consider Booking a Rustic Cabin
If camping isn’t your thing, consider booking a rustic cabin in a rural area. Staying in a cabin can provide a different atmosphere and give your trip a true outdoor vibe.
Cabins can also offer many features like game & movie rooms, deck pools, and more. Check out vrbo.com for a great selection of cabins in the woods.
3. Buy Outdoor Gear on a Budget
Outdoor gear can get pricey, especially if you’re shopping for a whole family. But you don’t have to break the bank to get what you need, and REI is a great place to start.
They offer great prices and their REI brand offers quality outdoor products for all your adventures. You can also check out seasonal sales for even bigger bargains.
Some of the gear that you can get at an affordable price tag are rain jackets, hiking socks, trekking poles, water reservoirs, first aid kits, and more.
4. Go “Backyard Camping” First
If you’re new to camping, you might be nervous about staying out in the woods for the first time. To ease your nerves, try having a “practice run” first by backyard camping for a night.
Set up your tent and camping equipment in your yard, cook dinner on a camping stove, tell campfire stories, and stargaze.
This will give you a close feel of what you can experience on your outdoor weekend trip.
5. Make Your Packing List
Once you begin planning your outdoor family getaway, you’ll need to make an organized packing list. If you’ll be camping, it should include a section with all of your camping gear.
If you’re staying at a cabin, think about all the items that you will need during your stay.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the activities you will be doing and pack appropriate gear for each, whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking, etc.
Be sure to pack a first-aid kit, comfortable clothes, and hiking shoes, food for all of the meals you’ve planned, sunscreen, bug spray, and other essentials.
Make sure to triple-check that you’ve packed everything you need!
6. Stick to Your Routines in the Outdoors
In an unfamiliar environment, you’ll benefit from sticking with a routine. Pick a couple of outdoor activities, plan plenty of time in your schedule for meals, and decide on a general window for bedtime.
Camping, hiking, and exploring national parks can be fun for people of all ages, but they do require planning.
Use these tips as a starting point to plan your weekend adventure and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an engaging vacation for kids under 10?
Planning a vacation for kids under 10 can sometimes feel challenging. However, with a little creativity, you can plan an engaging vacation in an inexpensive place to stay.
Some tips for planning a vacation for kids under 10 include:
- Choose a destination with family-friendly activities like amusement parks, zoos, or museums.
- Involve your kids in the planning process by letting them choose some of the activities or destinations.
- Plan for breaks and downtime to avoid overstimulation and exhaustion.
- Pack plenty of snacks, games, and other entertainment to keep your kids occupied during travel.
What are some budget-friendly ideas or where is the cheapest place to vacation with kids?
If you’re on a tight budget, there are still plenty of great family vacation options to choose from.
Some budget-friendly family vacation ideas include:
- Camping: Offers a low-cost way to enjoy the great outdoors and bond as a family.
- National Parks: Many national parks offer affordable entrance fees and camping options.
- Road Trips: Offers a fun and flexible way to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.
- Staycations: Consider exploring your city or nearby towns for a low-cost, but still fun and engaging, family vacation.
Ready to start planning the ultimate outdoor family getaway? Browse our blog for tips on exploring the great outdoors.
Yanitza Ninett
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.
Allison Morgan
A mom of two little ones (toddler and 2nd grader), and her two labrador retrievers make four. She loves to travel but she gets extremely car sick, so she’s very familiar with traveling travesties.