Military Families Outdoors
Resources
Explore our Military Families Outdoors (MFO) resources for ideas and inspiration to get outside together. Whether you’re looking for nearby parks, nature-based activities, or seasonal tips, these tools make it easy to enjoy fresh air, create memories, and strengthen family connections.
Take a look, share with friends, and find new ways to make the outdoors part of your everyday family life.
America The Beautiful Pass
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.
Skill-Building How-To Videos
Fire Building 101
Learn how to build a simple fire starter kit using household items in this skill-building video from Military Families Outdoors and Wilderness Inquiry—perfect for camping, backyard adventures, and family learning.
Taking Outdoor Photos
In this Military Families Outdoors video, Staff Sergeant Samantha Tadelman a videographer and photographer for the U.S. Army Field Band shares easy, practical tips for capturing beautiful outdoor family photos using just your phone.
Shelter Building
Ready for your next outdoor challenge? Get hands-on with Military Families Outdoors and Wilderness Inquiry in this shelter building challenge and learn how to create a simple lean-to while building teamwork and outdoor confidence.
How to Pack for a Hike
Wilderness Inquiry outdoor leaders share essential tips on what to pack—and how to pack—for safe, comfortable hikes in this Military Families Outdoors skill-building video.
PCS Route Guides
A cross-country PCS doesn’t have to feel like a sprint, especially when you weave in nature-rich stops where your family can reset, learn, and explore. From prairie preserves to mountain peaks, each route guide is packed with peaceful pauses and wide-open skies.
Military Families Outdoors has created PCS Route Guides for common PCS routes to make your next moving experience (or road trip) an adventure full of fun, learning, and exploration.
General Outdoor Resources for Families
New Land, Stronger Bonds: Exploring Nature as a Military Family
PCS Route Guides – Military Families Outdoors
10 Nature & Wellness Apps to Boost Your Outdoor Time
More Resources...
- Advice From a Ranger: Visiting National Parks with Kids (U.S. National Park Service)
- Kids in Parks (U.S. National Park Service)
- Trip Planning Guide - Health & Safety (U.S. National Park Service)
- Extended Trip Travel Checklist: 20 Items to Make Sure You Bring Along (Wilderness Inquiry)
- Traveling Safely: How to Make Sure You're Prepared for an Outdoor Trip (Wilderness Inquiry)
- Go for a Swim in a Park (U.S. National Park Service)
- Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service)
- Plan Your Visit (U.S. National Park Service)
- American Military (U.S. National Park Service)
- Plan Your Vacation Like a Park Ranger (U.S. National Park Service)
- Become A Junior Ranger (U.S. National Park Service)
- Things to Do & Trip Ideas Search (U.S. National Park Service)
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.
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