Exploring Nature's Playground With a Family Camping Trip

This past weekend I went back to my Girl Scout days and went camping with my family. When I think of camping I think of bugs, lots and lots of bugs. I was bracing myself for a weekend of mosquito bites, the smell of bug spray and a damp, uncomfortable tent.

I was right about the bugs, but I was surprised to find myself really appreciating the giant family playground that camping in a State Park offers. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I did not grow up in an outdoorsy family and my husband’s tales of camping in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota just made me think of being sweaty, itchy and in constant search of a bathroom that wasn’t an outhouse, or worse, nature itself.

What I found with this trip was really an active person’s paradise. There was hiking, bike riding, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. Even better, there were nothing but families and couples enjoying these activities TOGETHER. This made the personal trainer in me ecstatic!

I could tell that for many people this was the opportunity to pull their kids away from the TV and video games (although, I did see the occasional adult still on a lap top tisk, tisk) and get them to be active and appreciate nature.

Let’s face it; our society seems to become more sedentary every year. Adult and childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed. According to the CDC, “childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.”  Yes, TRIPLED!!! Whether or not you are an active family visiting a state park offers an affordable opportunity to partake in fun activities for newbies and veterans alike. Added bonus, you are able to reconnect with nature! Some fresh air never hurt anyone!

As a city girl, I definitely ventured out of my comfort zone. But was surprised, and frankly excited, by the beauty of the woods as well as the fun, calorie-torching activities available for all ages. The endorphins you’ll get from the beauty of a nice hike with your family may just help you forget the bugs (and not so ideal bathroom options).

Illinois offers an assortment of State Parks to choose from. Not to mention, just across the border into Wisconsin there are even more parks at your disposal. Many parks offer equipment rental and well marked trails to follow. So, really, there are no excuses!

If you’re like me, and haven’t thought about camping in ages, maybe it’s time to give it another chance. If anything, it’s a perfect opportunity for s’mores – in moderation- and some technology-free quality time with your friends and loved ones. If you aren't keen on camping itself, go for the day! Many state parks are just a couple hours away. Plenty of time for a hike, swim, or canoe trip!