Active Families
Archive
Instruction in the art of mindfulness is emerging in grade schools around the country to help children relax, focus, and help others. But it still has a long way to go to become part of the curriculum nationwide.
There’s been little scientific evidence that the affection we feel for dogs is mutual. Until now, that is.
The upcoming picture book ‘The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth’ is a welcome counterweight to our kids’ plugged-in lives.
Chris Burkard is writing a children’s book for young explorers, complete with unreal illustrations inspired by some of his most famous shots
A survival guide to adventure envy for the whole family
Secrets to slowing down at home without giving up on adventure
This video from American Rivers and Skip Armstrong celebrates the best things about rivers in the Pacific Northwest, from a kid’s perspective. From run rain, to waterfalls, to wild salmon, to time with mom, it’s the rivers that make the Northwest such a special…
The controversy around free-range parenting and how to know when to let your kids go solo
On the road with two kids, a dog and a vintage RV.
Tiny homes simplify family life and make room for adventure.
As a species, we're living longer and having fewer children. And that's a fantastic development for amateur athletes—and society as a whole.
The teenager who created the hackschooler movement has enrolled in high school. But don't panic. It's all part of the plan.
Too much competition too soon is bad for your kids and your family
Ben Hewitt’s essay on “unschooling” in our September issue has sparked some heated debate. Few parents are willing to do as the Hewitts do, and turn their kids loose entirely. But how can we give our children more freedom?
Anxiety, depression, obesity—kids are increasingly becoming unhappy and unhealthy. But there is a pill-free solution: outdoor play.
In the three years since the author and her family left Penedo, Brazil, nothing—and everything—changed.
At least not of the traditional, compulsory, watch-the-clock-until-the-bell-rings kind. As a growing movement of unschoolers believe, a steady diet of standardized testing and indoor inactivity is choking the creativity right out of our kids. The alternative: set 'em free.
The trapping of bobcats, coyotes, and other fur-bearing animals is on the rise – with man’s best friend as the collateral damage. Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels shows you how to fight back. …
Alpine climber Mike Libecki knows there is more at stake than a summit when raising a family
Physical challenges help kids rise to life's challenges, as unpredictable and varied as they might be
With a little help from Make-A-Wish, Yosemite’s first honorary park ranger earns his keep and proves his strength
Returning to the U.S. after 12 months in rural Brazil means running water, big American breakfasts, and nearly a year of getting used to being back.
There’s no better way to enjoy Father’s Day than to disavow parenthood for a couple of days by dumping the kids with the grandparents and escaping for a romantic weekend. The secluded getaways below are high on adventure, but low on anything child-related—because kids aren’t allowed. The big drawback…
After joining one of the largest moving protests in history with her daughter, Katie Arnold learns that orchestrating an effective march requires more than walking.
Fun for the whole family doesn't have to mean boring for you. These high-adrenaline festivals will keep everyone going all day.
Ragsdale and her family find that it's impossible not to leave a trace in an isolated Amazonian village—and for the village not to leave something with them.
A 38-mile trip from the Marin Headlands to Point Reyes is the best cure for runner's block.
Nothing feels more alien than moving to a new town, let alone a new country. But an emergency trip to a Brazilian trauma center shows author Amy Ragsdale and her family that hospitals are places where people connect universally.
Kid-friendly retreats set in unbeatable destinations but without the mega-resort feel. Start planning your next vacation.
Enveloped by New York City's concrete jungle, a family finds its perception of adventure and the outdoors irrevocably changed.
Enjoyable family trips require positive attitudes, not five-star hotels.
What kinds of cities make families happy? That was our starting point. The answer, of course, is complicated. Our first assumption: kids like being around other kids. So we looked for cities where a high percentage of the population is under age 18. Next we looked at affordability...
Amy Ragsdale learns to appreciate life's simple beauties through her children's eyes
Gearing up for spring ultras takes patience—and heart.
While living in Mozambique, Amy Ragsdale's kids start asking the big questions
Simple joys—like a rope swing—are wound full of adventure.
When the husband's away, mom and the kids will play
When your spouse goes on vacation, it's just you and the kids. But that one-on-one time can build a better parent.
The newest recruit to Nike's Elite Trail Team talks about speed work, core strength, and why parenthood is not an excuse.
Having a child makes you reexamine the adventure lifestyle, especially when you're trapped in a storm at sea with a one-year-old.
Finding outdoor adventure in the Big Apple is easier than you think.
New Raising Rippers columnist Amy Ragsdale inherited a motto from her dad: Start 'em young, get 'em hooked.
Dogs aren’t just accessories to your kids and spouse—they are as much a part of the family as any two-legged member. Whether you choose to rescue, adopt, or purchase a pup from a breeder, here are the best dogs to add to your brood.
Lessons from Sochi on how to balance competitive sports and family life
Add these six movies—all based on true stories—to your Netflix queue.
Because not only do children adapt to wild places—faster, sometimes, than adults—they thrive in them. They need them. We all do.
Sometimes you're miles from the nearest hot chocolate source when you want it most. But thanks to the Jetboil Flash, you can have DIY hot cocoa anywhere, any time.
The logistics of a ski weekend with kids are challenging, but the gear schlepping and tantrums just might be worth it.
Teenager sets new world record for the fastest unsupported trek from Antarctic coast to South Pole
I have a five-year-old who I want to put on skis for the first time. What's the best approach to a new sport?
Kicking off the New Year at a kid-friendly adventure resort.
After a recent ultramarathon, I wanted to test a new approach to healing my mind and body.
You'll never forget the suffering of your first ultra gone awry—until you do.
Cutting down your own evergreen is easier than you think
This season, choose outdoors over indoors, adventure over eating, and hiking over cooking.
Controversy over a Toys R Us commercial inspires giving memories instead of presents this holiday season.
Snow days make everyone happy—unless you're the one staying home with the kids.
The British company brings high-quality, lightweight rides to the U.S.
Why you should hit the road in a Volkswagen pop-top.
Do family vacations that are meant for learning about other cultures devolve into the wild mistreatment of historical sites? These guidelines aim to help you help them see what's so special about all things ancient.
Each summer 20,000 shining paragons of American boyhood march into the wilderness of Philmont Scout Ranch to confront an age-old question: Can the anarchy of adolescence be tamed?
