Plan a Festive Holiday Outdoor Adventure for the Whole Family

The holidays can be full of rushing, lists, and logistics, which is exactly why a simple outdoor adventure can feel like such a gift. Whether you want a quiet walk in the woods, a family-friendly hike, a short family getaway, or just an hour together in fresh winter air, getting outside is one of the easiest ways to reconnect with what really matters.

Here are a few tips to help you plan a fun, stress-free holiday outing with your crew, no matter how big, small, young, or young-at-heart your group is.

1. Choose a location everyone will enjoy

Pick a spot that feels welcoming to all the generations and personalities in your family. State parks, forests, rail trails, and even local parks are great choices because they offer a mix of terrain and easy turn-around points.

Aim for places with variety — short loops, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, a nice view, an interesting history, and easy access to the car if needed.

2. Keep it simple and flexible

Holiday energy can be unpredictable, sometimes joyful, sometimes chaotic - a trip outside can always reset the energy and recharge everyone to make the most of your special time. Start by planning a route that gives you options:

• a short loop that can be extended if everyone’s feeling good

• a trail with clear landmarks

• a route where you can stop as often as you’d like

Kid-friendly? Dog-friendly? Multi-generational? Accessible terrain for all those in your group? Choose something interesting and fun that allows everyone to go at their own pace. Enjoyable instead of epic is the best bet when planning for a group.

3. Dress for comfort — not perfection

Colder weather outings don’t require fancy gear. Layers, a warm hat, and a pair of gloves go a long way to keeping everyone comfortable. If the ground is damp or muddy, waterproof shoes with good traction can also help keep spirits high.

Your holiday outdoor adventure should feel relaxing, not like preparing for an expedition!

4. Bring some seasonal small comforts that make it fun

A thermos of hot cocoa or tea. A favorite holiday snack. A special treat for the kids or elders. A warm blanket in the car for after the walk. These little additions can transform the day from “cold hike” into “holiday memory.”

And don’t underestimate the simple joy of stopping for a moment to notice and listen, to point out the sounds of winter birds, wind in the trees, or the quiet that’s so rare these days.  Take a family photo or two and then put the phones away and just enjoy!

5. Use a Lizard Map to discover something new

Whether you’re heading to a nearby State Forest, or making a bit of a longer getaway journey - exploring in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio or the Maryland mountains, your Lizard map opens up more possibilities than you might expect.

One of the easiest ways to spark adventure is to explore a nearby place you haven't yet discovered on your nearest Lizard Map. Our Purple Lizard Maps are sprinkled with helpful little purple lizards that highlight hidden overlooks, quiet backroads, waterfall spots, rail trails, and little gems that just might be the start of a wonderful adventure.

6. Make your outdoor holiday time a tradition

The best part of holiday outdoor adventures is how quickly they can become beloved family rituals. A morning walk on the solstice, a substitute adventure on Black Friday. A family hike the day after Christmas. A quiet end-of-year trail stroll to reset and breathe.

These moments help balance the busyness of the season and they’re often the types ofmemories that really last.

Ready to get outside?

Explore with your favorite Lizard Map, grab one of our new performance trail hats or other fun Lizard gear for your winter outings, or pick up a Lizard tote or bag to carry your snacks and extra layers.

Wherever you wander, we hope your holiday season is filled with fresh air, laughter, and little moments of wonder.

Share your adventures with us using #LizardHolidayAdventure

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