Adventure in America's Backyard
Public lands like national parks, forests, and waterways are ideal for fostering belonging and strengthening connections within military families. Unfortunately, many military families face barriers—like awareness, logistics, and participation—which limit their access to these resources. Despite the numerous mental and physical health benefits, a large portion of military families do not fully engage with these outdoor spaces.
Blue Star Families offers accessible outdoor recreation and education opportunities, ensuring that the unique challenges of military life do not prevent families from enjoying nature and its benefits.
Get Outside
Find your place in the outdoors while on your next trip, PCS adventure, or in your community using the many resources available.
Wellness and the Outdoors
Explore resources that connect you to the benefits of the outdoors – from boosting physical wellness to supporting mental health, and building community vitality.
Family Activities
Browse outdoor activities and adventures curated for families and school-aged children.
Stories of the Outdoors
Follow along on our adventures with new stories featuring outdoor exploration and connection.
Outdoor Explorers for All
Learn more about our Outdoor Explorers for All Program that is bringing families together as they experience the benefits of the outdoors.
Equity & Inclusion in the Outdoors
Wellness and the Outdoors
Did you know that spending time outdoors is good for your health? The outdoors can support healthier brain function, decrease stress, boost physical activity and wellness, and increase overall well-being.
Read through stories that dive deeper into the value of the outdoors and explore the many benefits of activity and connection in nature.
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?
Get Outside
The outdoors are waiting for you! Both state and national park organizations have made it easy to find public land and green spaces to explore, and our friends at Military OneSource offer a recreation locator to find affordable camping and recreation opportunities through the MWR.
As a military or Veteran family, you can also obtain your complimentary annual America The Beautiful Pass at most national park ranger stations and entry gates using your military ID.
While state and regional parks may have entrance fees, when you arrive at the gate, be sure to ask if there are military discounts, and keep an eye out for free entrance days.
Now, what are you waiting for? Find a park or outdoor experience near you!
Stories of the Outdoors
A Day of Coastal Discovery at Boneyard Beach
Our weekend camping trip took an exciting turn when strong winds led us to explore the stunning Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park instead. After a fun lunch with the Wilderness Inquiry crew, we ventured along the beach, spotting wildlife and even identifying some insects with the kids. Families embraced their adventurous sides, climbing the massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore — a perfect opportunity for some memorable photos!
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Making Merry Memories This Holiday with a Family Holiday Hike
By Sheila Rupp Crunching leaves under my feet is my favorite soundtrack this time of year. Add in the smell of pine in the mountain air and it’s complete perfection. Many people think of hiking as a spring and summer activity, but fall and winter are my favorite times to…
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Unlock Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Features of the Military Families Outdoors Website!
Planning new outdoor adventures just got a whole lot easier for service-connected families! The brand-new Military Families Outdoors (MFO) website is packed with resources and information for all families, whether they are seasoned outdoor adventurers or they are just getting started. What is the Military Families Outdoors Program? Military Families…
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