Are you looking for an outdoor adventure for your family this summer? Learn why outdoor enthusiasts and nature amateurs alike should embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, be inspired, or simply have fun in any of America’s national parks.
Have you heard of the Daytime Emmy Award-winning series Rock the Park? The show celebrates the National Park Service’s 100 years of conservation and historic preservation of America’s national parks.
On the series, Jack Steward and Colton Smith, the co-hosts and best friends, tap into America’s love affair with national parks, taking viewers on a journey to some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Jack and Colton. I asked them each to share their favorite “easy ways to embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, be inspired or simply have fun in any of America’s national parks?”
Here are their answers in the first post from my upcoming series tips for families visiting national parks:
10 Easy Ways To Embrace National Parks
1. Go to a national park.
The first step is to simply go! By entering the front gates of the park, you have opened yourself up to an experience that has the power to enrich your life.
Best national parks for families: According to Parents.com, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Glacier, Zion, Grand Canyon, Acadia, Shenandoah, and Badlands are the best national parks for families.
2. Go somewhere new.
I’m just as guilty as the next person. When we love something we stick to it. You may go to a national park, be blown away and wonder if anything else could be this spectacular. There are over 400 national park units. Each one possesses something unique and amazing in its own way. Life is short – see as much of our country’s beauty as you can!
3. Bring your family.
Our national parks provide us with the opportunity to create priceless memories with the ones we love. This is more important than anything else.
Related: What to Do When the Kids Say I’m Bored
4. Bring a friend.
I can tell you the national parks changed my life. Bring a friend along; if they’ve never experienced the parks you could possibly change their life. If they’ve experienced the parks, you’ll have someone to share your memory with.
5. Be present in every moment.
Leave all distractions behind and live in the moment. This can be as simple as sitting down next to a stream or listening to the wind rush through the trees above you.
6. Challenge yourself.
Don’t be afraid to safely attempt something that seems daunting. The national parks have something for all skill levels. Start small and build up but don’t be afraid to try something that seems personally impossible. Over time, you may one day look back in disbelief, that you ever thought you wouldn’t be able to accomplish something. Outside of your comfort zone is where you truly start learning about yourself.
7. Push your boundaries.
Think about taking a chance on a hike that might seem too strenuous, or think about going on a cave tour. Nature gives us the opportunity to do things we never thought were possible. It might be challenging, but once you achieve your goal, you will feel empowered!
8. Try something new.
Raft and climb or go backpacking. Find something new to you and give it a shot. The first time trying something is often the hardest, which is way many of us don’t even try. As you’re exploring the national parks, explore yourself.
9. Find your moments of peace.
We tend to get bogged down with the pressure of reaching our destination. Take the time to pause and soak in the beauty around you.
10. Share your experiences.
Sharing stories about your experiences with others is a great way to spread your love of the national parks. Plus, it may spark somebody else’s memories! You might learn about new places that you never knew existed.
About Jack Steward, Colton Smith, and Rock the Park
Jack Steward and Colton Smith, the co-hosts and best friends, tap into America’s love affair with national parks, taking viewers on a journey to some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
Jack and Colton are experts and can help families across the country plan for an amazing vacation in their own backyard! The importance of family-friendly programming and how a show like Rock the Park appeals to viewers of all ages.
Jack Steward: Twitter | Instagram
Colton Smith: Twitter | Instagram
Rock the Park: Twitter | YouTube | Hulu | Netflix
Find more of my Netflix recommendations here.
More Posts for Families Visiting National Parks:
Have you visited a national park with your family?
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