News for Families

Get the latest advice for hiking with kids, opportunities for getting out with your family, and hear from family experts in the WTA community.

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Backpacking with Baby: 15 Days 'Round Rainier

Aug 20, 2013

One family spends 15 days and 14 nights on the Wonderland Trail -- with a 9-month-old baby. For families who are wondering if they should backpack with baby, WTA trip reporter MikeOnAHike answers four of the most common questions they get along the trail. Check them out, and get inspired by their adventure.

Taking Kids Camping for the First Time

Jul 19, 2013

Get tips for camping with kids and ideas for kid-friendly hikes near Mount Rainier from Youth Programs Manager Krista Dooley as she shares her experience taking her nephew camping and hiking for the first time.

A Choose Your Own Adventure Memorial Day

May 21, 2013

You want to get your family outside hiking for Memorial Day weekend, but you're not sure where to go. You either a) find hikes near your campsite b) throw the kids in the car and snag a first-come, first-serve campsite c) take them backpacking or d) take some phenomenal day hikes.

Three River and Waterfall Hikes for Families

May 21, 2013

A selection of beautiful, family-friendly hikes featuring rivers and waterfalls.

Take Your Mom Hiking (in 3 Easy Steps)

May 10, 2013

Moms are the best. So, plan to take her hiking using our 3-step guide: pick a great hike, pack a picnic, capture the moment.

Low Tides Bring Outdoor Opportunities

Apr 25, 2013

Low tides in Puget Sound and along the Pacific Coast bring opportunities to discover an ecosystem usually inaccessible to those who like to keep their feet on solid ground. Tide pooling is a great way to get outside and explore nature in springtime, whether you choose a city beach or a hiking trail along the coast.

Then and Now: 100 Years at Kayak Point Park

Mar 19, 2013

With short beach strolls, evergreen forest, views of picturesque Port Susan and yurt camping, Kayak Point Park has attracted fun and families for more than a century. Explore a slideshow of scenes from the park in the early 1900's, and then sign up for a volunteer work party to take part in shaping the modern day trails on Kayak Point.

Play Bird Bingo on Your Next Winter Hike

Dec 23, 2014

Spotting wildlife is a great reason to get outside and hike in the winter. Up your chances of seeing birds on these kid-friendly bird hikes, and turn it into a game by taking along a copy of Winter Bird Bingo.

Two Teens Advocate for Getting Outside, WTA

Nov 28, 2012

Meet two high school seniors (and long-term volunteers) who will be adding their voices to the Youth Committee at Washington Trails Association. In the coming gear, Helen Miller and Tzuria Falkenberg will work with WTA board members and staff to develop and improve WTA’s youth programs for families, teens, and young adults.

Fun and Games on Trail: Getting Kids Outside in Fall

Oct 05, 2012

How do you keep kids active and engaged with the natural world during autumn? We put the same question to our Facebook community, and heard great ideas from educators, parents, and other people who hike with kids.

Community Partners Get Youth on Trails

Jul 05, 2012

WTA appreciates the effort our community partners put into organizing a day of volunteer trail maintenance for youth.

The True Essentials for Hiking with Kids

Mar 01, 2012

Pack the Ten Essentials, plus a few more, to ensure your next hike with kids is a winner.

Amgen Foundation Grant Supports Youth Volunteers

Sep 29, 2011

The Amgen Foundation has awarded the WTA youth program a $15,000 grant. Two employees also helped out by delivering ice cream to a group of high school volunteers in August.

Kids Hike the Wonderland Trail

Sep 09, 2008

Two kids, a 54-pound pack, and acres of huckleberries

Sep 05, 2006