Trailblazing Together: A Mom's Guide to the Outdoors with Tiny Explorers

Venturing into the wilderness with little ones in tow is daunting. But if you're a seasoned traveler like Sara Amaro and her family of four, the journey is worth every ounce of extra packing, planning, and snacking. For Sara and her husband, Fonzie, it's all about instilling a love of boundless exploration in their children while making a ton of memories along the way. "It would mean the world to me if my relationship with my kids was summed up by creating memories, experiencing new things, and spending time outdoors," Sara explains.

Traveling across the US with two small children is a whirlwind of constant stimulation for Sara. There's never a dull moment, whether it’s keeping tiny hands occupied post-nap, ensuring engagement during lengthy hikes, or telling stories around a smokeless fire. Undeniably challenging and exhausting, she finds solace in watching her children thrive in the outdoors. Throughout their journey, she's gleaned invaluable lessons from the highs and lows of the open road and is eager to share her secrets.

7 Tried and True Tips

Find Your "Why"

It's essential to figure out why you want to travel with your kids first—knowing your "why" can help you remain encouraged when life on the road gets tough! Sara lists two primary motivators: "First, time is precious, and we want to spend as much of it as possible with our kids, especially before they start school. Second, there are so many incredible places to see and people to meet, and we want to expose our children to as much of the world as possible."

Bring a Taste of Home

No matter how far away you are, nothing brings you back to the feeling of home like a familiar meal. Sara details how some of their favorite meals are cooked over the coals of a Solo Stove Bonfire: "Of course, with a three-year-old, s'mores are a huge hit! We've also been making quesadillas on the griddle on top of our Bonfire. It's the perfect camping meal because the effort and cleanup are minimal. There's something about the crunch of the tortillas that is just so much better when made on the griddle rather than in a pan."

Make the Camper Comfy

Filling a camper with creature comforts can be a game changer for parents traveling with small children. Sara recommends outfitting your home away from home with the amenities that matter. "Oh, times have changed since having kids! Our camper is equipped with a toilet, sink, stovetop, queen-size bed, fridge, and the latest amenity that has been a game-changer for us is the slide-out feature," she says.

Just Go

There's no time like the present when traveling, and the Amaros are okay with jumping in head first. Sara says, "Pick a night or a weekend and just go! Choose a campground near your house; know it's okay to pack up and leave if it isn't going well. Starting small allows you to test the waters without committing to a big trip." It also helps you determine what works best for your family regarding packing, meal planning, and activities.

Come Together

When the day's adventure ends, the Amaros use this time to recount the day around the glow of a warm fire. "Our Solo Stove fire pit brings us together in the best way possible," Sara says. "After a long day of driving, hiking, or adventuring, the time that we all look forward to is coming back to camp and slowing down. Making the fire is our moment to unwind, grab a glass of wine, reflect on the day's adventures, and connect with each other. Some of our best family moments have been spent around our fire pit."

Learn to Pivot

Things may sometimes go differently than planned when traveling with young children. Remaining flexible goes a long way toward making these adventures more enjoyable for parents and children. "Embrace the unpredictability, and be open to changing your plans if needed," Sara explains. "Be present in the moment and enjoy the time spent together as a family, knowing that these experiences will become cherished memories for years to come."

Ignite Memories

Picture this: "There was a night in Morro Bay that I remember quite vividly. I was about six months pregnant with our second child, and throughout that road trip, I often thought about how this was most likely our last trip as a family of three. It was quite buggy and hot all day until right at sunset. The winds shifted, the bugs disappeared, and the temperatures dropped to the perfect temperature. We decided to make a fire and stayed out all night together. We ate dinner, told three-year-old campfire stories, made s'mores, and read my daughter book after book, all by the light of the fire. The night ended with her falling asleep in my arms. Fonzie and I stayed up to watch the stars – it surely is a beautiful memory!"

Now, You’re Ready for Adventure

Sara began her motherhood journey with a clear vision: to raise outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for adventure, nature, travel, and new experiences. With every weekend getaway or month-long cross-country road trip, she instills a lifelong curiosity about exploration that will shape their paths in the future. And now, with her tried-and-true methods of traversing the country with tiny tots, you can embark on your family adventures with a little more encouragement. 

We are eager to continue following the Amaro family's escapades nationwide and invite you to join their journey on Instagram at The Amaro Adventure.