With the help of several friends of Nature For Kids we will be presenting a series of questions and answers concerning wholesome outdoor recreation that real families like yours participate in. I think there’s a lot we can learn from one anothers experiences. To kick off this family outing event I bring you the Marcoccia family!
1. What is your favorite Family Outing activity?
Family hikes/picnics. We especially like to take long hikes behind our house, in the Uinta Mountains (of Utah) foothills.
(Gary sent in this inspiring photo to share.)
“My wife, daughter and mother. Three beautiful ladies, three generations.”
2. How has recreating in the outdoors benefited you and your children?
Our daughter is only 18 months old. But she’s been walking/hiking daily, every season of the year, since she was 3 months old, powered by Mom or Dad of course. Parents, baby and two dogs hang out together daily for at least an hour or two of “Outside Time”. This season at Alta she’s been skiing quite a lot so far (but in Dad/Mom’s backpack). The benefit to us is clean air, natural light and exercise. Benefits to baby Ellie include engaging her in these activities at a young age so she can grow up vibrant and healthy.
3. What outdoor destination would you recommend other families to visit?
Alta Ski Area in Alta, Utah. “Alta is For Skiers” ..but it’s also for everyone.
4. What advise would you give others when it comes to recreating outdoors as a family?
Just go outside. You don’t have to plan extravagant outings. Don’t stress yourself out over destinations, the right gear, etc. Just put on some hiking pants and go walk in the woods, cross a creek, check things out and have a picnic.
5. What is something new you’d like to try as a family in the outdoors?
We plan to have Ellie on her own skis by end of season. Around May she’ll be 21 months old, and supported between my legs feeling snow under her skis. So the family truly skiing together (and not with Ellie in the pack) is something I would like to try soon.
Nature For Kids sends a big Thank You out to the Marcoccia family for sharing ideas and inspiration. The next Family Outing series is coming soon so stay tuned.
Other items to check out from Gary and Danette Marcoccia:
http://PeasAndLoveFor.Us – Our family blog
http://www.AvantLink.com – My company
http://www.AltaCam.com – My hobby
http://www.SkiBumPoet.com – My ranting platform
family outing, ski, hiking, nature for kids, outdoors
This is so cool Shawna, what a great idea to have others share their activities!
Shawna, What a cool thing to see the interview. Thanks for posting. Definitely a fun idea. Can’t wait to see others.
BTW here is another PHOTO. I should have sent you this one, too