In an era when screens dominate family time, Christopher Michael Mottino, a Gig Harbor, Washington, father and outdoor enthusiast, is advocating for a simpler approach: start with what’s nearby. Mottino, who enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, and biking, believes that the value of outdoor experiences lies not in the distance traveled but in the shared moments they create.
“Some of the best family experiences don’t require a complicated plan,” Mottino says. “It can be as simple as finding a trail you haven’t explored, taking the bikes somewhere different, or spending a few hours fishing. What matters is that you’re doing something together and giving yourself time to enjoy where you are.”
Mottino’s perspective is rooted in his own life in the Pacific Northwest, where a variety of outdoor activities are within short drives. But his message applies to families everywhere: adventure can be found close to home. He suggests that people often overlook local parks, trails, and waterways, missing opportunities to turn an ordinary weekend into a memorable one. Starting locally also makes it easier to incorporate outdoor recreation into daily routines, rather than waiting for a major trip.
For parents, Mottino emphasizes the importance of letting children explore at their own pace. While adults may focus on reaching a destination, children might be more interested in stopping to examine a tree, search for wildlife, or ask questions along the way. These detours, he says, should be embraced as part of the experience. Giving children a say in choosing trails, packing for a camping trip, or deciding which direction to explore can also foster a sense of participation and curiosity.
Mottino acknowledges that technology is an integral part of modern life but sees value in intentionally creating screen-free experiences. Fishing, hiking, cycling, and camping naturally encourage conversation and interaction without needing to be forced. “The idea isn’t that everyone has to put technology away forever,” he says. “It’s just important to have parts of life where you’re paying attention to what’s happening around you and to the people you’re with.”
He also encourages families to embrace imperfection. Weather changes, trails get muddy, and plans may go awry, but these unpredictabilities often become the most memorable parts of an outing. A short hike, a fishless fishing trip, or a bike ride without a mileage goal still count. The experience itself is what matters, not the achievement.
Building traditions through small adventures can be more impactful than one grand vacation, Mottino believes. Repeated outings—returning to a favorite fishing spot, discovering new trails each season, or establishing a family camping ritual—can become part of a family’s shared history and help children develop a lasting connection to the outdoors.
For families looking to start, Mottino suggests beginning with something manageable: choose a nearby destination, pick an activity everyone can join, and remain flexible. The goal isn’t perfection but simply making time to be outside together. As he puts it, “Start where you are. The distance traveled isn’t what determines whether an experience matters.”
