Parenting outside is easier than parenting inside. When things start to get too crazy, our mantra is “go outside!” And sometimes that means us, the parents, as well.
Outside, the noise level is definitely less of an issue. If there is food being eaten, there is no sweeping to be done, and cleaning up the table means merely brushing the crumbs off. Outside, there is no crowding, either — we can all find enough space.
For this reason, some of our best family outings are hikes. We have a few different regular hiking locations, all within different proximities to the house. One of the closer ones we call “church” for its grand climb to the top of a rocky hillside that feels very cathedral-like indeed. No matter where we go, though, there are a few essentials to keeping a family hike a friendly hike and making it pleasing for all.
I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, publisher of Meanderthals, and a passionate hiker. I live in western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my doorstep, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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