Exploring the outdoors is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my family. The possibilities are truly endless. At first glance, it seems like the costs are too. Don’t let this misconception deter you. With a little bit of planning, exploring the great outdoors can easily be a budget friendly way to bond with your family.
Keep it Simple
This reminder truly saves the most money. When my kids were toddlers, going for a walk would take forever. They wanted to stop and look at every rock, every flower, every blade of grass. It was all endlessly fascinating to them. Sometimes I would get frustrated that we weren’t actually going anywhere, but in reality, they were exploring! The actual activity doesn’t have to be something extravagant. Simply slowing down and realizing what’s already around us can help us shift our focus to being together, rather than doing something together.
If your family is more active and looking for a bigger adventure, you will most likely need to invest in some equipment. Start with the basics and scour for deals. Find out what you actually need to get started. Ask if you can borrow equipment from a friend. Search local thrift stores and buy and sell pages. I once saw a framed hiking carrier at our local Airman’s Attic; all it needed was a good cleaning. It may take a little more work, but you’ll save a lot of money for your efforts.
Smartphone Apps
Before your next outdoor adventure, check out some of these free apps to add to your adventure or give you inspiration.
All Trails – This app shows local trails for hiking and biking, including length and difficulty. Users can review the trail after they have completed it which can give you helpful insight on current conditions. This is especially helpful if you are new to an area and not really sure where to start. While you’re on the trail, open Merlin Bird ID to identify birds by their picture or song, or Seek to capture pictures of plants and other animals to learn their names and keep a catalog of your adventures.
Geocaching – This app is like next level hide and seek. Users hide a ‘cache’ and tag it with a general location, and others search for it using the clues. Once you find it, add it to your log and look for the next one! Anywhere you travel, there is a chance someone has hidden a cache, so it can be a great way to explore new areas. There is a paid membership for this app, but most of the features can be accessed for free.
Group Trips
While your intention for exploring the outdoors might be to bond with your family, they do not have to be the only people in attendance. Participating in a group trip is a great option for keeping costs down. Check with your local Outdoor Recreation Program for upcoming events or equipment rentals. Their prices are usually lower than local companies or private trips.
Joining a local scouting troop can be another way to enjoy time together outdoors. While they often have membership fees, these help provide supplies and programming throughout the year, in addition to fundraising efforts that cover further costs. There are ways for the whole family to get involved with a scouting troop. It can be a place for your family to bond with each other, and form deep relationships with those in the community as well.
If you’ve been hesitant to explore the outdoors because of perceived costs, don’t let that stop you any longer. Gather your family, head outside, and let the adventures begin.