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Get Out There!

There's no better time than now to relish
all the fun of the great outdoors, family style.

Warm weather is a great time for families…to get together, get involved, get out there and have some fun! Outdoor activities offer mom, dad and kids of all ages a chance to bond and share some quality time, the stuff memories are made of. And lean beef is just the fuel you need to help maintain the energy for an active lifestyle: it's packed with nine essential nutrients, including protein that strengthens and sustains our bodies. Checkout the recipes at the end of the "Get Out There!" guide to savor that great beef taste that's always a crowd-pleaser.

Outdoor adventure can be a planned trip, or a semi-spontaneous family excursion. Local parks and preserves, lakes and seashores, campsites and even national parks are ideal spots—and here are some popular activities the whole family can enjoy.

Bicycling: Biking together lets you enjoy natural wonders and cultural sites up close, as you literally enjoy the ride. Before venturing out, make sure everyone has a well-functioning bike with properly inflated tires and well-fitting helmet. Your itinerary will likely depend on your children's ages: those under six can be carried along in a trailer, those under 10 will probably favor a short, easy trip, while those over 12 might embrace the rigors of a 10 mile journey. Plan to ride about six to eight feet behind, and a little "outside"(one to two feet closer to traffic) young riders, so you can shield them from any overtaking bike traffic. Be sure everyone's well-fed, with plenty of water; plan on taking a lot of short breaks so the day is fun, not fatiguing.

Hiking: With some sturdy walking shoes and lots of enthusiasm, gather your group to brave the trails of a nearby woods, nature preserve, or other local attraction. Pick a site that won't be too taxing for young hikers; be sure to bring along lots of water, plus extra layers of clothing and raingear if the weather changes. Have a scavenger hunt, or play games like "I Spy" along the walk. Set a destination—a lake, a garden, a statue—as another way to build incentive and keep things lively.

Canoeing: The family that rows together can have a boatload of enjoyment! Safety counts; check both the weather and degree of river difficulty where you plan to canoe or kayak—and be sure everyone wears a personal flotation device. To occupy youngsters on the water, bring along some lightweight toys and a couple of child-sized paddles. As you cruise, observe foliage and wildlife; make stops along the shoreline so kids can go exploring.

Camping: Whether you pitch a tent or rent an RV, family camping can be a chance to enjoy nature, learn basic survival skills, and enjoy an extended adventure. If you're first-timers, try a backyard campout first, so kids can practice pitching a tent and get the feel of a sleeping bag. On a bona-fide trip, make lists of all the camping gear and food you'll need, and include items like cards and board games you can all play together. Have everyone pitch in: even the littlest family member can set the table or dry dishes. And be sure to roast some marshmallows!

ON THE SAFE SIDE A good trip is always a safe trip—so heed some common sense tips:

•	Protect against the elements. Check ahead for signs of bad weather; wear sleeves and long pants if you’ll be hiking in tick-infested areas; always bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses for all. Make sure you’re somewhat familiar with the trails you’ll be hiking, or rivers you’ll be cruising.

•	Establish family rules. At parks, designate a spot where all will meet if separated. Show your kids how to identify park personnel in case of emergency. Don’t let children swim alone at a campsite; teach kids that even though a campsite or park seems

	casual and friendly, they still shouldn’t leave valuables around or talk to strangers.

•	Know your limits. Don’t set out on a walk or boat trip journey that might prove too long and arduous, especially for young children who might become tired and cranky.


•	Identify yourselves. Carry a wallet with identification (and any medic alert information) along with you. Bring a charged cell phone so you’ll always have communication access.

Pack in the Fun

Whether it's a day trip or an overnighter, chances are you'll need to bring along some gear. Here are some tips for lightening the load and maximizing the fun:

• To streamline things, consider renting items (bikes, canoes, tennis rackets) at your destination rather than toting them along.

• Opt for lightweight duffel bags to carry things like water bottles and extra jackets; outfit kids with backpacks or fanny packs so they can carry their own small items, hands-free.

• Have kids wear bright-colored clothes: they'll be easier to spot if they run ahead on a trail or in a crowd.

• Remember to bring along a camera, binoculars, guidebooks, maps, even a pen and paper so kids can record their accounts of the trip.

• Packing for toddlers? Put a complete set of clothes (tops, bottoms, socks) in a resealable plastic bag. Makes quick changes a snap!

• If you expect to souvenir-hunt—even collect rocks or shells—bring along a separate empty tote to carry these treasures back.

Click the recipes below to view:


	Buffalo-Style Beef Tacos		Mu Shu Steak & Apple Wraps

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