Parent Perspectives

WTA gives good advice on how to nurture outdoorsy kids because we get tips from the experts—parents! Read tips from the pros.

WTA gives good advice on how to nurture outdoorsy kids because we get tips from the experts—parents! Below is advice from parents in our community, including some staffers.

"C'mon, Let's Do It." — Our Outdoor Mentors: Mothers, Aunties and Grandmothers

May 12, 2023

As Mother’s Day approaches, we asked Washington Trails Association staff how the strong women in their lives — their mothers, aunties, grandmothers — were their outdoor role models and mentors, inspiring and cultivating a love of spending time outside.

How to Set a New Year's Hiking Resolution as a Family

We wanted to hike 22 times in 2022. Here's how we made it work with our 9-year-old and 4-year old. By William Garrow.

Hiking with Kids: Trip Reporters' Tips, Tricks and Snacks

Aug 08, 2022

We reached out to three regular trip reporters who get out with their kids to hear about why they write trip reports, why they like hiking with kids and, of course, their favorite on-trail snacks and games.

Tips for Hiking With Kids, From a Trip Reporter and Mom of Six

Apr 26, 2022

Valene Ramseyer has been a hiker since she was a kid. Now, as the mom of six kids of her own, she likes to get out regularly with her family. We talked to her recently about hiking with her kids, and why she enjoys trip reporting.

Trails Next Door Are Always There For Me

Aug 24, 2021

The way I hike has been altered drastically, but my enjoyment of nature is unchanged.

Writing Trip Reports to Remember a Loved One

Jul 09, 2021

Each year, Diego Moreno's sister and mother go backpacking as part of a memorial trip for Diego, Lizzie's son and Alejandra's brother. They find the time spent in nature is a balm for them, and helps them connect with Diego.

Q&A: The Value of Trip Reports for Hiking with Kids

Jun 18, 2021

Trip reporter Robert “Ups n Downs” Shirk loves to get out on trail with his kids, and trip reports are a big part of how he researches trails. Ups N Downs is also a prolific trip reporter, and we caught up with him recently to hear more about why trip reports are so important to him for his adventures.

Finding a Little Bit of Balance in the Outdoors

Sep 28, 2020

For long-time WTA member Archana Bhat and her family, there’s no such thing as an uneventful backpacking trip.

Finding Balance as A Parent

Aug 11, 2020

"My life at home and work are much different than what I’d planned for 2020 — but I’m finding ways to make peace with that."

How to Dress Your Baby for Hiking All Year Long

How to choose the right clothes to keep your baby — and you — happy on the trail.

Time for Self

In a period of turmoil, time outdoors was both respite and reawakening | by shon't savage

Q&A with Touray Kungkagam: Making Time and Finding Awe in Nature

Feb 26, 2019

Touray Kungkagam has been finding adventure outside for years. He shares those adventures in his trip reports, and they range from wintry ascents requiring technical skill, to weight training with a toddler, to family-friendly strolls in the mountains.