10 Steps to Raising Kids Who Love the Outdoors

You want your kiddos to enjoy the outdoors – camping, hiking, biking, etc. – as much as you do. Northwest editor Michael Lanzas has 10 tips on how to accomplish that – and have fun along the way.

Updated Dec 3, 2024

Michael Lanza

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Northwest Editor Michael Lanza spent a year with his family, including kids Nate (then 9) and Alex (then 7), exploring the outdoors while writing his book, Before They’re Gone—A Family’s Year-Long Quest to Explore America’s Most Endangered National Parks (excerpted here). On his blog, The Big Outside, in addition to gear reviews and travel photo slideshows, Mike further chronicles his family adventures including his 10 tips for raising outdoor-loving kids:

1. Give Away Your Baby Stroller

2. Don’t Give in to Frustration and Apathy

3. Take Baby Steps

4. Employ Bribery Strategically

5. Tear Up Your Agenda

6. Talk and Listen

7. Let Them Ask to Carry More

8. Kick Them Out of the House

9. Work Your P.R.

10. Take Care of Yourself

To read about the Lanza family’s latest adventure in the outdoors check out “Norway: Home of the Giants” from BACKPACKER’s Adventure Travel issue.