Military Families Outdoors
 Programs

Military Families Outdoors (MFO) connects active duty service members and their loved ones with the health and healing power of nature. Through adventures big and small—national park trips, local camps, and nearby outdoor excursions—MFO makes it easy for families to explore, recharge, and strengthen bonds together in the outdoors.

Operating in locations across the country, MFO delivers a wide range of outdoor experiences designed to promote group connections, enhance community integration, and to deliver nature-based activities with proven health benefits. Check out the map to see where MFO offers programs.

Check out the map to see where MFO offers programs.

Visit the MFO group in The Neighborhood to find an active program near you.

INVITE, INTRODUCE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER!

Invite, Introduce, Engage, Empower!

Military Families Outdoors provides a continuum of nature-based, health-promoting experiences in national parks, public lands, and waterways.

INVITE
Expanding Awareness & Engagement

Military families are aware of and have access to nature-based health resources and programs. Through targeted communications and outreach efforts, MFO successfully introduced thousands of families to the opportunities that the outdoors offers.

 

INTRODUCE
First Steps into Nature

Short-dose outdoor experiences from day trips and drop-in events that introduce military families to the benefits of nature in an accessible and welcoming way.

 

ENGAGE
Deep Outdoor Immersion

Beyond introductory experiences, MFO offers multi-day, overnight, and cohort-based outdoor programs that help families form deeper connections with nature and each other.

 

EMPOWER
Building a Lasting Outdoor Lifestyle

MFO aims to create lifelong outdoor enthusiasts by helping military families incorporate nature into their daily lives.

Families can utilize the skills they have gained to continue exploring nature independently and even give back through environmental stewardship activities.

Our Military Families Outdoors Programs

Blue Star Connect Outdoors

From kayaking to fishing and hiking to interactive conservation projects, this program helps families feel at home in both nature and in their communities, while encouraging them to return again and again.

Find a Location Near You »

Wilderness Inquiry Canoemobile Day Programs

These single-day paddling and outdoor learning adventures bring nature directly to families. Canoemobile sparks excitement, teaches basic skills, and helps participants of all ages feel safe and supported outdoors.

Find Day Programs Near You »

Wilderness Inquiry Overnight Adventures & Extended Expeditions

From first-time overnight trips close to home to immersive multi-day expeditions in national parks and wilderness areas, Wilderness Inquiry adventures help military families build outdoor skills, strengthen family bonds, and experience the restorative benefits of time in nature. These guided experiences foster confidence, resilience, and lasting connections—making the outdoors more accessible and welcoming for families at every stage of their journey.

Find An Adventure Near You »

Events

Military Families Outdoors holds events year-round. We have In-Person Outdoor events as well as Online events. Join us in The Neighborhood to find events for you, your family, and friends!

Find Events Near You or Online »

Program Partners

Military Families Outdoors, administered by Defense Health Agency and the National Park Service, brings together the expertise of Blue Star Families, and Wilderness Inquiry, to provide engaging outdoor wellness experiences for Service Members and military families across the country.
Learn More About Our Partners »

Military Families Outdoors

Join The Neighborhood Outdoors Group

Military Families Outdoors (MFO) advances national security by strengthening the resilience and readiness of the All-Volunteer Force.

[email protected]

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