Today Nature For Kids brings you the Renfroe Family from Idaho! They are our 5th family to be featured in our Family Outing series. This family throws out some great pointers and is full of enthusiasm for the outdoors, a great example for all.
1. What is your favorite family outing activity? Why?
We love to see new places in our state! Especially places where we can hike and explore. Whether it’s close or far, we enjoy spending time as a family in our car and in the outdoors.
2. How has recreating in the outdoors benefited you and your children?
The time we spend camping, hiking, and sightseeing are our kids’ favorite memories. They always talk about our trips and love to plan new trips as much as we do!
3. What outdoor destination would you recommend other families to visit?
If you’re ever in Idaho, check out City of Rocks national monument. There’s something for every skill level, whether you want to hike, bike, or do some rock-climbing. (just bring your own water—there’s none in the park) We took our two boys (7 and 4) and our baby girl (one year) last October, and the boys keep asking when we’re gonna go back. Craters of the Moon is pretty awesome, too!
4. What advice would you give others when it comes to recreating outdoors as a family?
Three things:
1. Plan around your kids! Do what they like, encourage their interests, then stand back and watch them have the time of their life.
2. Don’t spend money! Teaching your kids while they’re young that you don’t need money to have fun is a life lesson that will save future generations. Instead of snagging fast food on your way to a waterfall, let your kids help pack sandwiches and fruit. It’s cheaper, it’s healthier, and these lessons of thrift will help them so much in the future.
3. Get to know your state! When we lived in Arkansas, we bought a waterfall guide and had a blast hiking to a new waterfall every weekend. And when we moved to Idaho, we went to visitidaho.org and ordered free highway maps and a humongous (free) guide to the state. These kinds of activities are the best way to fall in love with your surroundings.
5. What is something new you’d like to try as a family in the outdoors?
We’d like to do more backpacking with our kids—take them on 2-3 mile hikes and spend the night.
Nature For Kids would like to thank the Renfroe family for sharing their outdoor experiences with us and good luck to them on their backpacking adventures to come! The next Family Outing post is coming soon so stay tuned.
*If you missed our first couple family outing spotlights simply follow the links below…
Family Outing – Tyler, Vanessa, Abby and Cameron
Family Outing – The Lynn Family
Family Outing – The Marcoccia Family
Family Outing – The Miller Family
nature for kids, family outing, outdoors, kids, nature, outdoor recreation, Idaho, City Of Rocks, backpacking
I love the crocheted beanies! I need to get some for my next family outing . . .
Great tip on utilizing the state tourism information! In addition to the state tourism department there are often regional tourism associations for specific areas of the state that can offer you more details on attractions in that area. In the case of City of Rocks or Craters of the Moon, you should check out the Official South-Central Idaho Travel and Vacation Guide.
Happy Travels!
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