In an era when family schedules are packed with work, school, and screen time, Christopher Michael Mottino, a Gig Harbor, Washington resident, is advocating for a simpler approach to family time: exploring the outdoors, even if it's just a local trail or a nearby fishing spot. Mottino, who enjoys hiking, biking, and camping, believes that the value of outdoor experiences goes beyond recreation, offering families a chance to reconnect and create lasting memories.
"Some of the best family experiences don't require a complicated plan," Mottino says. "It can be as simple as finding a trail you haven't explored, taking the bikes somewhere different, or spending a few hours fishing. What matters is that you're doing something together and giving yourself time to enjoy where you are."
Mottino, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, points out that the region offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities within short distances. However, he emphasizes that the lesson applies universally: adventure doesn't have to be measured by how far you travel. People often overlook what's nearby, but a local park, an unfamiliar walking trail, or a new cycling route can turn an ordinary weekend into a memorable one.
Starting locally also makes it easier to incorporate outdoor recreation into daily life. Instead of waiting for a vacation, families can find smaller windows of opportunity. A free Saturday morning can become a hike; a summer evening can become a bike ride; an open weekend can provide time for a simple camping trip. Mottino believes these smaller experiences can be just as meaningful as larger adventures.
As a father who coaches and watches his children's sports, Mottino understands the importance of letting kids explore at their own pace. Children may see an outing differently than adults, stopping to look at an unusual tree, search for wildlife, or ask questions. These detours, he says, shouldn't be viewed as interruptions but as part of the experience. Giving children some influence over an outing, such as choosing between trails or helping pack, fosters a sense of participation.
Mottino acknowledges that screens are an ordinary part of life but sees value in creating experiences where a screen isn't the center of attention. The outdoors makes that easier. Fishing teaches patience, hiking offers new sights, cycling provides a shared sense of movement, and camping changes routines. These activities naturally encourage conversation and interaction without being forced.
Outdoor adventures also come with uncertainty, but Mottino believes families shouldn't let the possibility of an imperfect experience keep them from going. Weather changes, trails get muddy, and fishing trips might not yield a catch. Yet, these imperfections often become part of what makes an outing memorable. A short hike still counts if nobody reaches a summit; a fishing trip can be worthwhile without a catch.
Mottino's appreciation for the outdoors developed alongside his interests in athletics and aviation. He believes consistency matters more than scale. One major trip a year can create great memories, but so can repeated small experiences: returning to a favorite fishing spot, discovering a new trail each season, or developing a family camping tradition. Over time, these outings become part of a family's shared history and help children develop their own relationship with nature.
For families interested in spending more time outside, Mottino suggests starting with something manageable. Choose a nearby destination, try an activity everyone can participate in, and leave flexibility for plans to change. The distance traveled isn't what determines whether an experience matters. Sometimes, creating a lasting family memory begins with setting aside an afternoon and heading outside.
