In an age where screens dominate daily routines and schedules are packed with work, school, and organized activities, Christopher Michael Mottino, a Gig Harbor, Washington resident, is championing a simpler approach to family time: getting outdoors. Mottino, who enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, and cycling, believes that families don't need elaborate vacations to reconnect. Instead, he suggests exploring nearby trails, parks, or fishing spots to create meaningful experiences together.
"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."
Living in the Pacific Northwest, Mottino has access to a wealth of outdoor activities within a short drive. However, he stresses that the lesson applies universally: adventure is not measured by distance. People often overlook what's nearby, but a local park, an unfamiliar trail, or a new cycling route can transform an ordinary weekend into a memorable one. Starting locally also makes it easier to integrate outdoor recreation into everyday life, whether it's a Saturday morning hike, an evening bike ride, or a simple camping trip.
Mottino, a father who coaches and watches his children's sports, understands the importance of letting kids explore at their own pace. Children often view outings differently than adults—they may stop to examine a tree, search for wildlife, or ask questions. Mottino encourages parents to embrace these detours as part of the experience. Giving children some influence over the outing, such as choosing the trail or helping pack, fosters a sense of participation and curiosity.
While technology is an integral part of modern life, Mottino sees value in creating experiences where screens take a backseat. Outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and cycling naturally encourage conversation and interaction. "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."
Mottino also cautions against striving for perfection. Weather changes, trails get muddy, and children may tire early, but these imperfections often become cherished memories. A hike without a summit, a fishing trip with no catch, or a bike ride without a mileage goal still count as successes. The experience itself is what matters.
Building traditions through small adventures can be more impactful than a single grand trip. Returning to a favorite fishing spot, discovering new trails each season, or establishing a camping tradition becomes part of a family's shared history. These outings help children develop their own connection to nature, rather than viewing it as something reserved for vacations.
For families interested in spending more time outdoors, Mottino recommends starting small. Choose a nearby destination, try an activity everyone can enjoy, and remain flexible. The distance traveled isn't what makes an experience meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is setting aside an afternoon and heading outside to create a lasting family memory.
