In an era where screens dominate daily life and schedules are packed with work, school, and organized activities, Christopher Michael Mottino, a Gig Harbor, Washington resident, is advocating for families to intentionally carve out time for outdoor exploration. Mottino, who enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, and biking, believes that the benefits of spending time outdoors extend far beyond recreation. He emphasizes that memorable family experiences don't require grand plans or distant destinations; they can start with a nearby trail or a simple afternoon in nature.
“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 points out that living in the Pacific Northwest offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities within a short drive, but the lesson applies universally. People often overlook what is close to home, he notes. A local park, an unfamiliar walking trail, or a new cycling route can provide enough novelty to transform an ordinary weekend into a memorable one. Starting locally also makes it easier to incorporate outdoor activities into everyday life, rather than waiting for a vacation or a major trip. A free Saturday morning can become a hike, a summer evening can become a bike ride, and an open weekend can suffice for a simple camping trip.
As a father who enjoys coaching and watching his children's sports, Mottino understands the importance of letting kids experience activities at their own pace. Children may view an outing differently than adults, stopping to inspect an unusual tree, search for wildlife, or ask questions. Mottino believes these detours are not interruptions but rather the essence of the experience. Giving children some influence over the outing—such as choosing between trails or helping pack for a camping trip—fosters a sense of participation and encourages natural curiosity.
Mottino is not anti-technology; he acknowledges that screens are an integral part of modern life. However, he sees value in deliberately creating experiences where screens are not the focus. Outdoor activities like fishing require patience, hiking offers new sights around every corner, and cycling provides a shared sense of movement. These activities naturally promote conversation and interaction without forcing it. “The idea isn't that everyone has to put technology away forever,” he says. “It's just important to have parts of life where you're paying attention to what's happening around you and to the people you're with.” Even a few hours outdoors can provide that change of pace.
Mottino also advises families not to be deterred by imperfect outings. Weather changes, trails get muddy, and fishing trips might yield no catch. He believes these imperfections often become the most memorable parts of the experience. Families don't need expensive gear or a flawless itinerary; a short hike without reaching a summit still counts, and a bike ride without a mileage goal is still worthwhile. The point is the experience itself.
Building traditions through small, repeated adventures can be more impactful than one grand trip. Returning to a favorite fishing spot, discovering a new trail each season, or establishing a family camping ritual creates a shared history and helps children develop their own relationship with the outdoors. Mottino suggests starting with something manageable: choose a nearby destination, engage in an activity everyone can enjoy, and remain flexible. “Start where you are,” he advises. There may be a trail, park, or shoreline nearby that the family has passed many times without exploring. The distance traveled doesn't determine the value of the experience; sometimes, creating a lasting family memory simply requires setting aside an afternoon and heading outside.
