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Backpacker Magazine – August 2009

The Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid

Which towns offer the ideal mix of accessible trails, inspiring teachers, and great recreational resources? We worked with The Outdoor Foundation to identify America's top 25 places to beat nature deficit disorder.

by: Jason Stevenson



Want More Options? Click on icons below to find out which cities are best for which sports.

Top Place to Raise A...

WANT TIPS ON HOW TO RAISE AN OUTDOOR KID?
BACKPACKER and the Outdoor Foundation present six DIY modules for parents, mentors, and youth leaders looking for new ideas and techniques.

BEST CITIES TO RAISE AN OUTDOOR KID: THE METHODOLOGY
The stats and assumptions behind our grading system.


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READERS COMMENTS

Wyoming, Wyoming, Wyoming!!! Not just Jackson Hole but every where in Wyoming. We have tons of great camping, fishing, hunting, rodeo, ranching, you name it. Jackson Hole is expensive living. If your looking for an all around place to enjoy small towns, friendly people and outdoors all around you, Wyoming is a dream. Can you tell I lived here all my life?
Posted: Mar 13, 2010 Patti Hartley

I suppose you've never heard of Missoula, MT ?
Posted: Mar 10, 2010 Scott S.

i think anywhere in tennessee is great...lots of woods, trails, camping, fishing, are right in the smokies....just wish it was a little warmer year round...lol
Posted: Mar 06, 2010 cathy

Raised three kids in Beautiful Lakeport, CA add this one to your list............
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Julie California

Raised three kids in Beautiful Lakeport, CA add this one to your list............
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Julie California

how can you truly appreciate the outdoors if you live in a big city. all you weekend outdoors people are crying over nothing
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Anonymous

Kevin,

Duluth is an armpit to live in. Yes, the north shore is great to explore for outdoors, but the town of Duluth is crap. Additionally, Minneapolis-St. Paul, if you spent any time exploring, is great for appreciating green spaces and the outdoors. You should look a little longer, a little harder.
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Sarah

Glad you DID NOT have Bend OR, Portland OR, Boise ID , Santa Cruz CA less people that way
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 kent grimes

Minneapolis ahead of Duluth. hmmm I've lived in both places and did'nt see much down in the twin cities. In fact duluth is the playground for twin cities residents!
Posted: Mar 05, 2010 Kevin

Hey Melly! Glens Falls is 3 hours (or more) south and west of Albany. You're the idiot!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Melly is an idiot

I really think Missouri should have been in there as well. Good schools, low cost of living and excellent outdoor areas. Their State Park system has many educational venues for learning and is second to none.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Jeff Wohlt

#16 Um, there's three city's listed. Beautiful, Eureka. The arm pit of Northern Ca. Serious I was rasied outside of Yosemite. But, It wasn't good enough. Maybe, some day.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Phil

In my opinion Hood River should be higher
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Jamie Or

Texas has some awesome places to raise outdoor kids! I'm disappointed no Texas cities or towns were on the list :( Most Texans in rural areas spend about 90% of their time outside, no matter what the temperature or weather.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Marti Norton

Really?! No Austin, Texas. Take a road trip.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Angela

Don't forget to include Bend Oregon. Sunny high desert climate - great mtn biking, the River, 18 miles to Mt. Bachelor and the High Lakes & Three Sisters Wilderness is just beyond!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Duane

As a Michigander, I think you missed our lovely lakes and woods!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Becky

You completely ignore Michigan! Idiots!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 DHT

What about Coeur d' Alene, Idaho!!!!!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 MG

I'm VERY disappointed that there are not more Oregon, Washington and Idaho! Hasn't anyone heard of the Pacific NW? I was born and raised in the willamette valley in Oregon, lived in Central Oregon for a few years, then lived in Spokane, WA and Yakima, WA before moving back to Bend, Or.. GODS COUNTRY! Please reevalute your "BEST CITY TO RAISE YOUR KIDS" to include this beautiful country!!
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Dawn

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