While family bonding is very important, it isn't always as simple as it sounds. With packed calendars and day-to-day life, it's hard to make family time a priority. Taking time out from activities, jobs and other obligations to spend time together is an important way for families to connect. One way to do that is by visiting different destinations that will ultimately strengthen your family bond.
Here are three family adventures to consider, along with my top recommendations of where to visit.
Camping in the Adirondacks
One of the best ways to make sure your family gets the quality time together that it deserves is a camping trip. Spending some time in the woods is a great way to get away from distracting outside influences like the Internet, cell phones and the demands of work and school. We went camping for the first time just a few years ago, and it’s become an annual tradition since then. Camping gave our family so many opportunities to reconnect and since we were new to the activity, we had many laughs trying to figure things out. Our favorite place to go camping is Lake George RV Camp. Located in the Adirondacks of upstate New York, very close to Plattsburgh, this campground sits on more than 120 acres of plush green fields and offers many activities that will keep your family busy.
Hiking at the Delaware Water Gap
We go on family walks all the time, but hiking is taking it to a whole other level. When you hike with your family, you’re taking in the environment with less stress, time restrictions and distractions. When you’re stuck with each other for a long hike, people tend to open up a little more, those little talks can grow into longer, important conversations that help you grow closer to one another.
Ready to go hiking? The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, an hour north of Allentown, Pennsylvania, features many hiking trails of varying difficulty, including short, easy ones for families. These fun and scenic hikes would make for a wonderful family adventure, any time of the year.
Brave the Rapids and Go White Water Rafting
White-water rafting sounds quite challenging, but is an opportune way to strengthen your family bonds as each family member has a critical role to help paddle through rapids and other river obstacles. This creates an environment that encourages cooperation, communication and unity, and allows each person to explore their capabilities, while enjoying the company of loved ones. Colorado’s Arkansas River, a 2- hour south of the Colorado Springs airport, is a dream destination for white water rafting, as it has the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and the perfect sound of running, gushing water.
Leaving distractions behind and connecting with your family doesn’t have to be complicated. The memories you build together through experiences like these will be remembered for years to come, whether that be camping, hiking or white-water rafting!