outdoors with children
The Almeida family reviews a variety of outdoor adventures and offers tips and advice on the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with children.
Easy, low-key hike
The Poland Spring Preservation Park is a great place to enjoy the fall season.
Biking the MDT
The Almeida family biked almost 10-miles roundtrip on the Mountain Division Trail.
Digging for gems
Mining appeals both to the treasure hunter and geologist in kids.Photos from the trip
On the River
Paddling a the quiet waters of the Sticky River prompts a lively discussion.
Grafton Notch State Park
The Almeida family hiked both the Table Rock and Eyebrow trails this summer. Slideshow from Table Rock
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Two-wheeling fun in Brunswick, Portland
Both cities have great trails for novice bike riders. [MaineToday.com May 2007]
Gear up carefully for river voyage with kids
A first-time trip paddling with the kids on the Presumpscot River. [MaineToday.com 6/20/04]
4-H Trail Blazers plot storm damage at Wolfe's Neck Farm
A group of 4-Hers who signed up to participate in a trail mapping project were cast in a much more important role after the Patriots Day nor'easter.[MaineToday.com 5/07]
A group of 4-Hers who signed up to participate in a trail mapping project were cast in a much more important role after the Patriots Day nor'easter.[MaineToday.com 5/07]
Sanctuary a delight to hike with kids
The Almeida family spent an early spring afternoon hiking at the Josephine Newman Sanctuary on Georgetown Island.[MaineToday.com 4/07]
First aid kit comes in handy
A hike in Topsham turned bad when my husband and 10-year-old walked over a hornet's nest.[MaineToday.com 9/06]
Hiking the Arboretum
A bunny, snowman, Elvis sighting, trails, mud, flowers and a kid-approved bathroom. We saw it all at the Arboretum in Augusta. [MaineToday.com 7/06]
Mining for gems
Mining for gems appeals both to the treasure hunter and geologist in kids. [MaineToday.com 6/06]
On the hunt
An afternoon geocaching provided an important lesson and some silly fun. [MaineToday.com 4/3/06]
Distractions enliven day of playing disc golf in the snow
What do you get when you combine cross country skiing and disc golf? An interesting afternoon. [MaineToday.com 12/18/05]
A day on the green ... sort of
A trip to the driving range provided my family with some excercise and lots of laughs. [MaineToday.com 7/31/05]
Visit to sugarhouse a sweet start to spring
Maple sugar season is one of the signs that warmer spring weather is really on its way; while cold nights and thawing days keep the sap flowing, snow gives way to lots of mud. Both the syrup and the mud offer children a day of messy fun.
[MaineToday.com 3/27/05]
[MaineToday.com 3/27/05]
Rules to ski by can improve experience
With all the equipment involved in downhill skiing and boarding, the family has to get organized for their day on the mountain. [MaineToday.com 2/27/05]
Marsh a boon to bird-watchers
Scarborough Marsh is a great place for families to learn about bird watching. Visitors can hike or canoe through the marsh - and the nature center is a great bonus. [MaineToday.com 8/1/04]
Orienteering
Grafton Notch State Park
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