Asha's Question:

Do you know of any organized camping and hiking trips in the Boston area for me and my three-year-old son, or web sites where I can find some? Thank you.

Asha
Massachusetts

Alice's Answer:

	Alice Cary Alice introduced her oldest child, Will, to the outdoors at a very early age by climbing New Hampshire's Mt. Washington—in winter—while pregnant. And she and her family haven't stopped experiencing the joys of outdoor adventure, even with newborn twins. Meet Alice Answer Archive Family Forums

Asha,

You've come to the right place. Start looking for hiking and camping trips for you and your son right here at GORP.com. You may be able to find others in your area interested in outings by posting a message on our GORP Family Forums.

Another good place to check is the Boston chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), which often sponsors activities for families, both in the greater Boston area and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Check them out at www.amcboston.org. Their backcountry huts can be a great first experience for kids. We took a group of preschoolers and kindergartners to the AMC's Lonesome Lake hut last summer and had a wonderful weekend. Make sure, however, that your three-year-old is an able hiker with good boots — the trail is quite rocky and a bit steep in places for preschoolers. Finding Family Outings Wherever You Live
Here are some suggestions for all families with young children who want to find hiking and camping buddies and trips, whether you live in Boston or Boise:

		Start with your friends. With a three-year-old, you don't need a huge outing. In fact, low-key trips with folks you already know are likely to be the most successful. Your child will be eager to tag along with his pals, and you'll have adult company you're familiar with. Our playgroup, for instance, now four years old, started off with hikes and play dates, and now we usually have an annual weekend away trip, such as the AMC hut trip mentioned previously.
		Ask your favorite outdoor store for suggestions. A good outdoor retailer can be a gold mine of information, and some stores run their own outings.
		Check with local community groups, such as YMCAs, YWCAs, parent groups, nature centers. Several groups in our Massachusetts town, for instance, often sponsor local family walks, which are publicized in the weekly newspaper. Also, a nature center several towns away has a variety of nature programs and outings geared to all ages. Also check with your librarians for the names of like-minded families; librarians often keep track of their patrons' interests.
		Start your own family outdoors club. You can plan as many or as few outings as you'd like, and it's a great way to meet new friends and get new ideas of places to go. When my husband and I first moved to New England — this was before kids — we joined a newly formed hiking club. We made lifelong friends there and learned so much about the area this way.

Asha, here's wishing you and your son many happy adventures.

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