I like running/walking on trails, visiting state parks to do this (I also really like taking pictures on these walks). Camping is easy. Like someone else mentioned, you can rent a cabin at a lot of places so you don't even need a tent. If you like it and want to start roughing it more, Cabela's has a great selection of equipment--tents, portable toilet things, cooking gear, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Sit on a patio or deck.

Order a margarita.

That's outdoorsy enough for me.

I'll join you!

Like the Nike ad campaign, just do it. Also, as mentioned earlier, for hiking, tennis shoes are fine. They're lighter and much more comfortable than hiking boots.

I'm a really outdoorsy person (I used to work leading backpacking, canoeing and kayaking trips) and I think it comes down to attitude more than gear and experience (which come with time).

You don't need to start off scaling mountains, but if you're able to throw together a picnic, get the kids out to a park, and enjoy time outside with a laid back attitude, you'll quickly be on your way.

Assuming you have small kids, I'd start there. Maybe look for a place you can go on a short hike and let the kids splash around or throw rocks in a creek or lake. Make it a regular Sunday afternoon thing for your family. Make a list of national and state parks that would be fun to visit, and go down the list. Most parks in this area are pretty safe bets for people who aren't necessarily big outdoor enthusiasts, with well-marked trails and picnic areas (as opposed to bigger parks and wilderness areas, where you need to be a bit more aware of yourself and skills). Pack the essentials (snacks, water, basic first aid, bug spray, rain gear) so you'll be comfortable, but mostly just go into it with an exploratory attitude. Once you spend more time outside, you'll get ideas for other stuff you might want to try, many of which you can do easily on your own with a little research or brief instruction - or better yet, by befriending people on your adventures who invite you along on new ones.

Other things to try: rent a canoe or paddle board at one of the lakes or rivers nearby (you probably want some basic instruction in paddling first if you've never done it), go camping for a night somewhere close to home (or even in your yard) or just plan a "sundowner" picnic dinner with cocktails and s'mores to experience a touch of nature at night, bike to a farmer's market, look into a week or weekend at a "family camp"

How old are your kids? In no way do I consider myself sporty or outdoorsey, but we do something outside and active almost every day. Here are the things we do that don't include special gear, a ton of time, or anything major - we take walks every night after dinner (or bike ride, or scooter ride), we go swimming, we go on easy hikes (hour or less, flat trails), we go to nature centers, we go fly kites, we go explore lakes and streams, we drive with the windows open, we have picnics outside. I just try to incorporate moving into our activity. So, for example, we hiked (.25 mile) to our picnic site last Friday aftenroon, ate, played on teh playground, and then hiked back. Super easy, super short, but kids were outside and moving. They are 2 and 3.

doodlebug wrote:Start slow and most importantly, have the right gear for the circumstances. It's not fun if you don't have rain gear and it's raining or you don't have warm enough gear or dry enough gear for the snow etc.

Comfortable, waterproof shoes and a rain shell are good starting points. Mostly, just get outside! Go on walks. Go for easy hikes and pack a lunch to have out and about at the hike. Try snowshoeing when the weather comes...easier and cheaper than skiiing. Go outside and kick a ball with the kids. If you have a dog, throw a ball/stick for the dog and run and play w/ the dog. Rake leaves and jump in... things like that. I think some people are just naturally more outdoorsy than others, but I think even indoor people can learn to enjoy being outside if they have the right gear for the conditions. I hated being outside until I figured that out. Being overly wet/cold are kind of deal breakers for me.

I'm the opposite. I avoided things because I didn't think I had the "gear" or I felt overwhelmed when I went to a store to get the "gear" and I was bombarded with a million things I need to buy.

I actually fare better if I try something out on a small enough scale that the gear isn't all that relevant. As David Duchovny's character in Sex in the City said, "I'll let you in on a secret: hiking is actually just walking."

Start with walks in local parks with well-established trails. You don't need "gear" to do that. Just bring water. Once you get comfortable walking for certain distances, then up the ante a bit if you want to get more adventurous.

I would stick with day trips for a while before camping, especially if you've never been outdoorsy. What you want is to establish doing something outside on a regular basis. You are more likely to stick with that if you go for things that require minimal planning, preparation, and gear.

cotton is rotten. Wear wool etc.

+1 start small, morning or evening walks, and begin near where you live. Wear walking shoes and bring a water bottle.

If you tell us how old your kids are and where you live, we can suggest good places to get out and about.

Anonymous wrote:Hiking boots - and on meetup.com you can join a walking or hiking group.

But break the boots in first or you'll have blisters.

1300 here. If you are going to start out with well-established trails and low-key hikes, you don't really need the hiking boots. Good running/athletic shoes will be fine.

I actually think it's better to start small with hikes. Once you get into it more, then get hiking boots. Hiking boots aren't necessary if you are going to places where you aren't really hiking in the deep woods. And that's the kind of place you should start. Even going to a local park with bike trails to hike on is a good start, and you don't need boots for that. In fact, I find it's better not to wear hiking boots on paved trails.

It's when you are in the deep woods, long hikes, and especially hilly areas where you need hiking boots for (1) to protect your feet from snakes, (2) to keep your feet dry on long hikes, and (3) to protect your ankles on inclines or stepping on uneven ground.

But I don't think you should start with that kind of hike anyhow. Even just some paved trails is a good start.

Ric you're not in shape, start by making a commitment to walking every day. It's no fun to hike or whatever else you might want to do if you hold the group back.

You might also want to try camping. An easy way to try is to rent a cabin in a KOA campground to see if you like it. If you do you can get a cheap tent and then gradually add gear.

Start slow and most importantly, have the right gear for the circumstances. It's not fun if you don't have rain gear and it's raining or you don't have warm enough gear or dry enough gear for the snow etc.

Comfortable, waterproof shoes and a rain shell are good starting points. Mostly, just get outside! Go on walks. Go for easy hikes and pack a lunch to have out and about at the hike. Try snowshoeing when the weather comes...easier and cheaper than skiiing. Go outside and kick a ball with the kids. If you have a dog, throw a ball/stick for the dog and run and play w/ the dog. Rake leaves and jump in... things like that. I think some people are just naturally more outdoorsy than others, but I think even indoor people can learn to enjoy being outside if they have the right gear for the conditions. I hated being outside until I figured that out. Being overly wet/cold are kind of deal breakers for me.

Sit on a patio or deck.

Order a margarita.

That's outdoorsy enough for me.

Start small.

There are plenty of places within an hour drive where you can do a moderate hike. Start with that. It's the best time of year for it.

For example, plan to go to Harper's Ferry one Saturday. Do a little hiking.

You can also sign up for REI basic courses. They have courses on hiking, kayaking, biking, camping.

You don't have to be an athlete to be outdoorsy.

I would also incorporate morning or evening walks. Again, it's the perfect time of year.

Hiking boots - and on meetup.com you can join a walking or hiking group.

But break the boots in first or you'll have blisters.

I was raised in a very troubled family. We never did sports or outdoorsy things. Ie always admired outdoorsy/fit people. Now that I have kids I want to be more like the parents who hike, ski, etc. but I'm not in great shape and don't really know where to begin. Advice?