Published: September 25, 2025
Moving to a new duty station brings change, but one thing you can always count on is the power of nature to help your family feel at home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to recharge, a fun outing with the kids, or a chance to learn the history of your new community, the outdoors is waiting right outside your door.
The Military Families Outdoors (MFO) program has created guides for each of our chapter sites (plus some extra spots) that highlight local parks and natural spaces where military families can explore, recharge, and thrive. From historic battlefields to sandy beaches, mountain trails to city green spaces, these destinations offer something for everyone.
Check out these exciting, downloadable guides to find nature near you below and get ready for your next outdoor adventure!
From the sandy shores of Indiana Dunes to the glacier-shaped paths of the Ice Age Trail, Chicago families can balance big-city energy with outdoor escapes.
From red rock formations at Garden of the Gods to sledding the Great Sand Dunes, Colorado brings mountain adventure right to your doorstep.
From the birthplace of flight at Dayton Aviation Heritage to the ancient earthworks at Hopewell Culture, Ohio blends stories of innovation with wide-open skies
From Revolutionary War trails at Moores Creek to wild horses on the beaches of Cape Lookout, North Carolina’s landscapes invite both reflection and play.
From climbing Diamond Head’s volcanic crater to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, Honolulu families can explore both island peaks and coral reefs close to home.
From kayaking the Timucuan Preserve to ferry rides at Cumberland Island, Jacksonville families can connect history with ocean breezes and sandy shores.
From the star-spangled history of Fort McHenry to the open fields of Monocacy Battlefield, Maryland offers spaces where families can learn, stretch, and breathe in fresh harbor air.
From wooded hikes in Rock Creek Park to the dramatic overlooks at Great Falls, the D.C. area offers green spaces and adventures just steps from monuments and museums.
From the sandy beaches of Fire Island to the historic encampments of Morristown, the New York area’s mix of coasts, harbors, and heritage sites brings nature close to home.
From the rocky coasts of Acadia National Park to the windswept sands of Cape Cod, New England blends rugged beauty with Revolutionary history.
From the fortress walls of Fort Monroe to the wild ponies of Assateague Island, this area offers history and seaside adventures side by side.
From island bluffs at Ebey’s Landing to glaciers and wildflowers on Mount Rainier, the Pacific Northwest offers both quiet escapes and mountain grandeur.
From the centuries-old Missions to tubing the Guadalupe River, Texas families can balance experiencing fascinating local culture with a splash of outdoor adventure.
From the desert wonderland of Joshua Tree National Park to the coastal cliffs of Torrey Pines, families can discover both California’s starry skies and ocean breezes.
From shaded trails at De Soto National Memorial to wild wetlands in the Everglades, Florida is filled with endless history, wildlife, and sun-soaked shores.
From misty peaks in the Smoky Mountains to the soothing sound of the rushing Obed River, Tennessee landscapes combine adventure with timeless beauty.
From iconic arches in Arches National Park to sandstone cliffs in Zion, Utah families can discover deserts, canyons, and caves that inspire wonder.
Your Nature Connection
Wherever you’re stationed, you’ll find outdoor places to pause, play, and connect. Active duty families can get an America the Beautiful Pass for free, unlocking access to national parks and public lands across the country.
Don’t forget to check out this map, created by the National Park Service, which features 400+ sites near the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Facilities to find other places to explore beyond our Nature Near You guides.
Join other families in the Military Families Outdoors program or through Blue Star Families’ Blue Star Connect Outdoors group in the BSF Neighborhood to find nearby events and adventures and visit militaryfamiliesoutdoors.org for more information.
Posted In: Blue Star Outdoors, Military Families Outdoors