Adventure in America's Backyard
Nature offers a vital space for military families to foster belonging, strengthen bonds, and boost overall well-being. Whether exploring public lands like national parks, forests, and waterways or finding joy in local parks, backyards, and community green spaces, connecting with the outdoors nurtures both mental and physical health. Yet many military families face barriers—such as lack of awareness, logistical challenges, or limited opportunities—that hinder their access to these enriching experiences. Blue Star Families ensures that the unique challenges of military life don’t stand in the way of outdoor connection, offering accessible programs that inspire exploration, education, and recreation, whether close to home or across the country.
Learn more about Blue Star Families amazing outdoor programs and partnerships, including: Military Families Outdoors, Blue Star Connect Outdoors page and Outdoors Explorers for All (OEA).
Learn More About Our Programs
Outdoor Explorers For All
Offered in seven BSF chapter locations across the country, this cohort-based program invites families to participate in ongoing outdoor recreation and skill-building activities together over several months.
Military Families Outdoors
Military Families Outdoors, administered by DHA and NPS, unites Blue Star Families, Wilderness Inquiry, YMCA of the USA, and The Center for Health & Nature to deliver outdoor experiences that connect military families to nature to improve health and well-being.
Blue Star Connect Outdoors
Offering programs in ten locations, Blue Star Connect Outdoors provides families monthly drop-in programs and cohorts that create and foster meaningful relationships with the outdoors, their communities, and each other. Fun, connection, and nature await!
Outdoor Resources
Active duty military, veteran, and Gold Star families are invited to our National Parks and with 430 parks across the country (100+ parks with military history) there is a park near you! They also enjoy special benefits, including a free America The Beautiful Pass, which can be obtained at most national parks that collect fees using a military ID.
Wellness and the Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is good for your health! Getting outside has been shown to support healthier brain function, decrease stress, boost physical activity and wellness, and increase overall well being!
Fostering Racial Equity in Outdoor Spaces for Military-Connected Families
In Partnership with REI Co-op
Every military-connected family deserves to find connection in the outdoors. That is why, at Blue Star Families, we are invested in developing a suite of outdoor programming that is diverse, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our military-connected community.
We acknowledge the historical exclusion of people of color in outdoor spaces and commit to doing the work to foster a sense of community and belonging for families of color in all of our outdoor program opportunities.
As we create connections with the land we inhabit, we recognize the hundreds of native tribes who are the traditional custodians and stewards and work to ensure that their presence, voices, and experiences are amplified and honored through Blue Star Outdoors.
The time is now to build more equitable adventures in the outdoors. Want to join forces on this mission? Email us at [email protected].
Stories of the Outdoors
Military Families Outdoors Summer Wrap Up
Wilderness Inquiry is proud to announce our partnership with Blue Star Families and the creation of our Military Families Outdoors program, alongside federal partners including the Defense Health Agency and National Park Service.
Trading the Daily Routines and Stresses of Military Life for the Serene Surroundings of the Boundary Waters
Wilderness Inquiry is proud to announce our partnership with Blue Star Families and the creation of our Military Families Outdoors program, alongside federal partners including the Defense Health Agency and National Park Service.
Welcome to Your New Backyard: Finding Nature Near Your Duty Station
Recently, Mingle & Chat was taken to the next level with a special episode from our Blue Star Outdoors program, focusing on the joys of getting outside during the holiday season. While winter can be tough — especially with the cold weather and holiday stresses — the Blue Star Outdoors team reminded us that nature is always there, offering the perfect antidote to winter blues.