4 Weekend Getaways for Families That Love the Outdoors

Outdoor getaways for families are a surefire way to make unforgettable family memories. Plus, it’s great for your children’s health! A comprehensive 2024 study analyzed over 100 research papers and came to the consensus that kids thrive in the outdoors. The study all but confirmed that time spent outdoors can vastly improve a child’s “social and cognitive development, physical activity, and vision.”

Kids spend too much time cooped up on weekdays, so scheduling some much-needed time under the sun might be just what they need on the weekends. And it might just be what parents need as well! Everyone deserves an energizing and refreshing weekend. What better way to spend it than camping under the stars, hiking up a mountain, or trekking through the forest? Some of the most popular weekend getaways for families include camping, hiking, fishing, and visiting national parks. Camping is a great option because it allows families to unplug from technology and reconnect with each other while enjoying nature. Hiking is another popular activity that your group can do at various levels. Fishing is also a great way to bond over a shared task while enjoying peaceful waters. And visiting different national parks is an awesome way to escape city life and enjoy spectacular views.

To help you plan your weekend getaway, we’ve gathered some of the best outdoor getaways for families to visit in Missouri if you’d prefer to stay close to home. We’ve also brainstormed locations out of state if you have the resources for longer travel time. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or just a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these four spots are sure to have something for everyone. So grab your kids’ booster seat and get ready for a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend away!

National Parks Getaway

National parks are great for families because they offer something for everyone! If your family loves being in nature, enjoy the sprawling wilderness of national parks. And if you love wildlife, you can participate in educational programs and wildlife conservation projects. When going on a national park getaway with your family, you can expect a wide range of activities such as hiking trails, guided tours, camping sites, kayaking opportunities (don’t forget to bring along an inflatable kayak), wildlife-watching areas, observation decks, and more! Most national parks also offer ranger-led programs such as nature walks or scavenger hunts that are great for children.

Some of the best national parks for families include Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. These two parks have something for everyone, from breathtaking views and diverse wildlife to miles of hiking trails and riverside campsites. This makes them ideal locations for outdoor-loving families! Other great parks include Glacier National Park in Montana, Sequoia National Park in California, and Acadia National Park in Maine.

If you’d rather stick a little closer to Missouri, some national parks in nearby states include Gateway Arch National Park in our home state of Missouri, Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

Hiking Getaway

Hiking is a great option for families exploring nature in a more active way. Easy to plan, hiking trips are an ideal last-minute weekend trip idea! On a hiking trip with your family, you can expect plenty of physical activity and majestic views around every corner. Depending on where you go and how long you plan on exploring the area, you may encounter different types of terrain, such as mountainside trails or lush forest paths. Many hikes also have designated break spots or picnic areas so you can take a snack break whenever needed throughout your journey.

Some of the best hiking trails for families include Bryce Canyon Trail in Utah, Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska, Skyline Trail in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley National Park, Art Loeb Trail in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, and the famous Appalachian Trail in West Virginia.

For options closer to home right here in Kansas City, hike the White Tail and Old Kate Loop, Blue River Greenway and River Trail, Wudcuk Run and Rancho D Short Loop, Hidden Valley Natural Area Loop, and Rock Island Rail Corridor.

Camping Getaway

Camping is an excellent way to bond with your family while enjoying breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of nature. It’s also an affordable way to travel since campsites are typically less expensive than hotels or other traditional vacation spots. And many activities are widely available, such as fishing or exploring nearby forests or lakes — there is something for everyone to enjoy! Plus, you can camp all year-round at certain places. Camping in the snow is a fantastic outdoor activity for kids in the winter (just be sure to bring along some kid-friendly snowshoes for safe trekking).

Expect plenty of outdoor fun during the day, followed by relaxing evenings around the campfire under the stars when camping with your family. Most campsites require campers to bring their own supplies, such as tents, sleeping bags and blankets, but many have basic amenities like restrooms and showers.

Some great camping destinations for families across the US include Vernal Falls Campground in California’s Yosemite National Park, Kozy Rest Campground near Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, Natural Bridge State Park near Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, and Elkhorn Mountain Resort near Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park.

If you’d rather go camping in Kansas City, Basswood Resort, Crows Creek Campground, Wallace State Park, and Blue Springs Lake Campground are popular options.

Fishing Getaway

Compared to other outdoor getaways for families, fishing trips are usually inexpensive and offer an excellent opportunity to learn about various fish species in the area. Spend your time fishing on calm waters, followed by storytelling around a campfire at night. Keep in mind that you usually need a license to fish and you’ll probably need to bring your own equipment such as seating, bait buckets, reels, coolers, and even a boat.

If you’re looking for excellent fishing spots for families, consider visiting Haleakala Crater Lake in Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park, Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake State Park, Okeechobee Lake in Florida’s Okeechobee County, Caddo Lake in Texas’s Sabine National Forest or Great Bear Lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

For options closer to home, some great fishing spots in and around Kansas City include James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area and Blue Springs Lake in Lee’s Summit, Kill Creek Lake in Olathe, Lake Henry in Clinton Lake, and Wyandotte County Fishing Lake in Kansas City.

Conclusion

These weekend getaways for families who love the outdoors are a great way to make lasting memories. With so many options — from national parks to camping trips — there’s something for everyone. By taking the time to plan your trip, your family will have not only a fun and exciting time but also a peaceful and meaningful one.