Active Families
ArchiveA recent study claims women sleep better alongside a canine. But we know the truth: dog owners are deluding themselves that they're getting any sleep at all.
Beyond just the breed, this is about the individual
Lower your expectations, be kind to yourself, and always pack hot chocolate
You don't have to spend much—or anything—to improve your dog's health and happiness
From stocking stuffers to giving back, here's what we're getting our kids this season
The freedom to move and play outside inspires creativity and improved brain function
Advice from new parents on getting after it while you're starting a family
Beat the winter blues by turning your lawn into a laboratory
We laughed, we cried, we groaned, and our dogs mostly slept
Camps and wilderness expeditions offer a refuge from prejudice and political battles, giving trans kids the tools they need to face future challenges
As a child, Cody Sheehy made headlines when he vanished into the freezing wilderness of Northeast Oregon, making it out safely after 18 hours of determined slogging. Retracing his steps 32 years later, Sheehy says that getting lost was one of the best life lessons he ever had.
In which we unplug a generation of screen-addicted kids from their devices, give them freedom to roam (unsupervised!), help them make friends with animals, and show them that we, too, love to play outside
We have 22 years until we're in a significant global crisis. Show your kids how to implement these simple planet-friendly household changes now.
Sansho, an eight-year-old Karelian bear dog, was a magnificent serial killer, mentor, and friend
Meet Gideon, the ten-year-old boy who has pet 600 dogs and counting—and is making the internet a better place, one pat at a time
So don't beat yourself up about it
Let your kids learn from misadventure
Living your best #packlife is easier than it looks
You don't need amazing trails to have an amazing day with little ones
Experts say intense outdoor activities can help children increase focus and develop a better awareness of their surroundings
Keep your kid comfortable (and give yourself some peace)
If your kid's under five and you want to spend a night under the stars as a family, you're gonna have to embrace extravagant camping
When a trail says "Dogs on Leash," it's time we respect that—and speak up to people who don't
As your children get older, your trail strategies have to change. Here's some advice from parents who have been there.
Wag and Rover are booming in popularity, but is your dog safe with them?
For lots of parents, it's more like stay-outside parenting. And it's hard work.
America's outdoor preschools are unregulated and mostly benefit the privileged. Still, they're a damn good idea.
A new book by Kim Brooks confronts parents' responsibility to assess risk on behalf of our kids
As your family grows, so will your family's tent needs
From breastfeeding while walking (it's possible!) to bottle feeding and pumping on the trail, here are the best options for parents on the go.
A guide at a wilderness therapy organization observes an increasing number of teens coming in to treat technology addiction
There might be food poisoning and potty-training emergencies. There will be tantrums. There will also be some magic.
Childhood used to come with rites of passage: your first fish, your first hunt, your first taste of outdoor risk. We need to rebuild the steps along the journey to adulthood.
Children are much more likely to enjoy outdoor activities—and stick with them—if they start out at the right moment in their physical and cognitive development.
There’s a simple solution to the vexing challenge of getting teens to put down their phones: education
When we truly let our children run free, the only guarantee is that they will surprise us
A father learns to follow his firstborn’s lead
Today’s kids are lonelier than any previous generation. What can help is a deep connection with animals both domestic and wild.
The best way to raise capable kids is to fuel their love of games—and stop forcing them to compete against each other
Whether you're wondering what an outdoorsy life with a young child looks like or just want to see some really cute babies, you should get to know these families sharing their journeys through organizations and social media
Hike It Baby founder Shanti Hodges shares her tips for hiking with babies, toddlers, and older children
One writer endures awkward morning cabin run-ins and hazardous chairlifts in the name of settling down (but still chasing snow)
Hand-picked by Kate Siber, author of the new children's book 'National Parks of the USA'
Brewer, entrepreneur, and ultrarunner Caitlin Landesberg on balancing being an entrepreneur with parenthood
It was just another beautiful day in the mountains for the author and his one-year-old Australian shepherd, Merle, when their lives changed in an instant
Even if you don’t own a dog! (Yes, this is possible.)
Shanti Hodges has written a new book to help motivate families to get on the trail—and find the one that's perfect for them
It was a great adventure base camp even before the state agreed to cough up $10K for anyone willing to move there
For toddlers and teens and everyone in between, these stories will ignite a sense of adventure
Spitfire excels at the curious sport of dock diving, or, in other words, jumping really, really far. That skill has landed him and his owner, 13-year-old Sydney Mackey, five world records—and counting.
Many of us owe our passion for the outdoors to our fathers.
Skip the tie this year and go for one of these budget-friendly products instead
'You Are Mighty' lays out ground rules for getting your kid to help change the world
The Magnolia State's first high-school mountain bike team wants to build a cycling culture, one pedal stroke at a time
Buy it once, get a lifetime of brownie points
We get strapped with more than just the logistics
In Love Creative’s film Denying the Wolf, a narrator explores what drives man’s best friend.
As it opens membership up to girls, the 107-year-old organization will now be known as Scouts BSA
And what parents can do to change that
They're not all head rubs and face licks
On the slope and off, there's plenty to do
Is it a shame we need them? Yes. But it's the only way to protect parents who want their kids to grow up independent and brave.
There's no reason smaller feet should equal smaller ambition
It's not about training regimens or dietary dogma—it's about community
When I needed to process my grief, the polar cold and isolation proved to be exactly what I needed
While other kids were stuck taking standardized tests, I decided to take my daughter, Devon, to Africa to learn about conservation in the global classroom
The new strategy promises to raise resilient, confident kids—exactly the skills needed to make great outdoorspeople
A new ad campaign from two major nonprofits aims to break children free from their dependence
During 40 years of adventure, hard-charging writer and climber Mark Jenkins has asked a lot of his wife and kids. After his fourth attempt on a dicey Chinese peak, he examines the risks and rewards of a risk-defying career.
From rafting whitewater to glamping among the sheep, these adventures will keep everyone happy
Want them to love the sport? Start slow.
Nine tips gleaned from the Swedish parenting playbook
Give them something that will inspire a lifetime of adventure
Bobby Kennedy Jr. has spent a lifetime protecting rivers, an ethos born on childhood expeditions
With its new Walls Are Meant for Climbing program, the company hopes to make climbing accessible for everyone of all ages and abilities
Tip: It helps to build your toddler a mini climbing wall so he can boulder with you
A swanky night out with the mutts saving our veterans' lives